SucheSexual and Gender Diversity – The Protection against Conversion Treatments
Sexual orientations and gender identities are diverse. Through LIEBESLEBEN, a comprehensive initiative to promote sexual health, the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) provides information on these topics and, in particular, raises awareness about the protection against conversion treatments.
Conversion treatments are “all treatments that are aimed at changing or suppressing sexual orientation or self-perceived gender identity” (Act to Protect against Conversion Treatments – Gesetz zum Schutz vor Konversionsbehandlungen, KonvBehSchG). In Germany they are prohibited for many reasons, among others
- due to their lack of indication – sexual and gender diversity does not require treatment,
- due to the lack of evidence of their intended effect – sexual and gender diversity is not treatable,
- and due to its harmful effects – conversion treatments are harmful to health on an individual and social level.
The ban applies both to conversion treatments for children and young people and to adults whose consent is based, for example, on deception or threats.
The BIÖG carries out its comprehensive awareness-raising and prevention work through the initiative LIEBESLEBEN. An individual and societal debate on conversion treatments and their underlying attitudes is necessary to strengthen the health of queer people beyond the scope of criminal law.
The initiative LIEBESLEBEN
With LIEBESLEBEN, the Federal Institute of Public Health (formerly the Federal Centre for Health Education) bundles various measures aimed at promoting sexual health in its many facets. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the focus is on physical, but also mental, emotional and social well-being in relation to sexuality.
Therefore and legally mandated, LIEBESLEBEN provides information and advice on issues relating to sexual and gender diversity, as well as on the dangers of conversion treatments. The measures range from mass media channels and social media to more in-depth support. A core element of this is LIEBESLEBEN's anonymous and multilingual telephone and online counselling service for affected persons, parents, relatives and professionals.
The initiative LIEBESLEBEN aims through this to support the (self-)acceptance of queer people and the transformation of social norms in order to reduce discrimination, to strengthen self-determination rights and to achieve sustainable health-promoting effects.
Internet Offerings
www.liebesleben.de
The portal provides comprehensive information on sexual health, sexual diversity, protection against conversion therapy, as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – including counselling service. The portal also features sections in easy-to-read language, German Sign Language and several other languages, including English. It also offers resources for professionals and the media.
