She Sued Over Transgender ‘Conversion Therapy,’ a First for China

In a groundbreaking move for LGBTQ rights in China, a transgender woman has sued a clinic for practicing so-called “conversion therapy” on her. This is the first known case of legal action against such practices in the country, where attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals have been slow to change.

The plaintiff, who is identified only by her surname, Chen, alleges that the clinic forced her to undergo harmful and unnecessary treatments in an attempt to “cure” her of being transgender. Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a widely discredited practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or even physical means.

Chen’s lawsuit, filed in a court in the southwestern city of Guiyang, accuses the clinic of fraud and causing her emotional distress. She is seeking compensation for the harm she has suffered as a result of the therapy she received.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers and ineffectiveness of conversion therapy around the world. Many countries, including the United States, have banned the practice for minors, and numerous medical and psychological organizations have condemned it as harmful and unethical.

However, in China, where LGBTQ rights are still a contentious issue, conversion therapy continues to be practiced in some clinics and by some religious groups. The Chinese government does not have specific laws addressing conversion therapy, leaving LGBTQ individuals vulnerable to these harmful practices.

Chen’s lawsuit is a significant step towards raising awareness of the dangers of conversion therapy in China and holding those who practice it accountable for their actions. It sends a powerful message that LGBTQ individuals have the right to live their lives authentically and without fear of discrimination or attempts to change who they are.

While the outcome of Chen’s lawsuit remains to be seen, her courage in speaking out against conversion therapy is a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ community in China. It is a reminder that progress towards equality and acceptance is possible, even in a society where LGBTQ individuals still face significant challenges.

Hopefully, Chen’s case will lead to greater awareness and legal protections for LGBTQ individuals in China, and serve as a catalyst for change in attitudes towards gender identity and sexual orientation in the country. It is a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love.