Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer is beautiful.

It is essential to do all that we can to create a climate of support and affirmation for LGBTQ youth. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer is beautiful. It’s time state law reflected that truth.

Together we can–and we must–make the world a better place for LGBTQ youth.

Today, Connecticut legislators took a big step toward doing just that by moving forward a bill that would ensure LGBTQ youth remain free from harmful practices that seek to change young people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. HB 6695, An Act Concerning the Protection of Youth from Conversion Therapy, passed the House by a vote of 141-8. Passing a law to ban so-called conversion therapy tells youth–you are okay just as you are.  It also guards against the predictably devastating consequences of outdated, discredited practices that seek to change a core aspect of a person’s identity. It’s now up to the state’s senators to take a similar stand for LGBTQ youth. If they do, Connecticut will join California, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington DC in banning such practices. Similar bills are pending in states across the country, including in New England, and legislation to ban conversion therapy at the federal level was introduced last week. Together we can–and we must–make the world a better place for LGBTQ youth. GLAD is a proud member of the CT Equality coalition. Visit CT Equality’s website for the latest information and important next steps on this bill.