News / UWE Bristol
‘Coercive and abhorrent’ LGBTQ+ conversion therapy explored in student film
Following the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday, May 11, minister for women and equalities, Liz Truss, confirmed that the Government will take legislative steps to ban conversion therapy in England and Wales.
The practice, which aims to make someone heterosexual and/or cisgender instead of LGBTQ+, and has remained legal in the UK despite the progression of queer rights.
A new film made by students at UWE Bristol aims to shine a light on conversion therapy, which Truss described as “coercive and abhorrent”.
is needed now More than ever
A Right Charlie, a play on the 20th century slur, follows disability support worker Harry as he learns that his crush Charlie is attending LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.
“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I count myself as lucky to say I have never experienced the atrocities of conversion therapy, says writer and director Luke Howse, who is in his second year studying filmmaking.
“However, even knowing the statistics and legal status of the practice made me feel unsafe in my home country – a feeling which inspired me to see this project through and not give up trying to spread the word to finally put an end to LGBTQ+ conversion therapy both in the UK, and the remaining 184 countries where it is still legal.”
A Right Charlie has been made by a group of students from UWE Bristol. Photo: Ruby Oakwood
Made by a crew of eight students, including a cast of three actors and two supporting actors, the short film is going to be submitted to film festivals over the summer and autumn and we be released in early 2022.
Following disability support worker, Harry, played by Euan Livingstone, who every day on his way to work passes a community centre with a group of people waiting outside.
One day he spots Charlie, played by Tyler Brooks, waiting with them and develops a crush on him through a non-verbal connection.
The film follows Harry as he finds out that Charlie is attending LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and he attempts to intervene.
The film follows Charlie and Harry, as well as Naomi (right of poster), a recovering stoke victim who uses BSL to communicate with Harry. Image: Ruby Oakwood
“I personally was shocked and horrified to find out that the practice of conversion therapy was still legal in the UK,” says producer Ruby Oakwood, who is also studying filmmaking.
“When Luke approached me about his film idea, I felt compelled to help get his story out into the world to spread awareness about the atrocious effects of conversion therapy.
“Everyone was so committed to its creation and passionate about the message going forth from it.
“We have all worked so hard to see this film be made and it has been incredibly uplifting in this time where everything has felt so disconnected.”
Main photo: Ruby Oakwood
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