Gail Yorke, a single mother from Warrington, attended a 10-day religious retreat near Lancaster in 2006, hoping for respite. Instead, she faced a prayer circle that sought to 'cure' her homosexuality, an experience she says still brings shame.
What happened at the retreat
When Gail tearfully confessed her sexuality to a mentor, the atmosphere turned cold. More people were brought in to pray over her, and she fled the retreat with two days left. She later self-harmed for a long time and sought help from the now-defunct 'ex-gay' organisation Exodus International, but it closed in 2013.
Impact and ongoing shame
Augustine Tanner-Ihm, now 36, attended a support group in Liverpool in 2013 where he was told prayer could 'correct' his sexuality. He witnessed attendees snapping rubber bands on their wrists as aversion therapy. He says the shame sticks with him today and has affected his relationships.
The push for a ban
In June, the government published a draft bill to ban conversion practices in England and Wales, following countries like Canada, France and New Zealand. Saba Ali, Chair of Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, said: 'The draft bill is a starting point, not a finish line.'
Gail, who married her wife Tina in 2024, now helps others through Open Table, a network of inclusive faith spaces. She says: 'Everyone should be safe to be who they are. I'll be me; you be you.'
