We've done the biggest ever LGBT survey and the number of people subjected to conversion therapy is shocking

Conversion therapy and fear to hold hands in public show how much further we have to go

Everyone in this country should feel safe and happy to be who they are, and to love who they love, without judgement or fear.

I am proud that our country is a world leader when it comes to LGBT+ equality.

And I’m proud of all our LGBT+ charities and campaigners for all the work they have done to challenge attitudes and change society.

But above all, I am proud of so many of our citizens who go out into the world each day, refusing to be anything other than themselves.

Over 50 years ago, we took the first steps towards decriminalising homosexuality. Forty-eight years ago, LGBT+ people took to the streets of London in this country’s first ever Pride march, demanding equal rights and equal respect. In 2004, trans people were, for the first time, able to legally change their gender, and in 2013 we opened up marriage to same-sex couples.

But there is much more we need to do.

I will do everything in my power to ensure our country is a place where everyone, whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation, can be themselves and live their lives with dignity and respect.

Last year we launched a national survey of LGBT+ people, to gain an in-depth knowledge of their experiences of life in the UK – from how they feel when they walk down the street, to their interaction with public services like healthcare and education. We had a phenomenal response to the survey – over 108,000 people participated, the largest study of its kind in the world, which means we now have a far clearer picture of the issues facing our LGBT+ communities.

The results were in some cases worrying; in others deeply saddening.

Some results show the cultural change needed. Two in three people who responded to the survey said they had avoided holding hands with a same-sex partner in public for fear of a negative reaction. Holding hands is such a simple, tender gesture – there should be no barrier to people loving who they want to love and being able to express that in public.

Other results show that much more than a culture change is needed: two per cent of those who responded had been through “conversion therapy”, and a further five per cent had been offered it. Conversion therapy can range from pseudo-psychological treatments to in the most extreme cases, surgical interventions and “corrective” rape. This is abuse of the worst kind and must be stamped out.

The survey also shines a light on a host of practical issues faced by LGBT+ people. Many experience difficulty accessing healthcare and mental health services, and when they do get time with a health professional, this can bring up further problems. One survey respondent told us healthcare providers often “make an assumption of heterosexuality”, leaving LGBT+ patients with the onus to “disclose” their sexual orientation.

LGBT+ people have shared their stories with us in their thousands, and we have listened. Now we must take action and bring about that much needed change.

Today I have announced an LGBT+ Action Plan in response to the findings of the survey. The plan is extensive and ambitious, with over 75 commitments, and I hope will energise people and organisations to make real change.

The plan is boldest in the areas of health, education and safety.

It is clear that LGBT+ people’s rights need to be at the heart of the National Health Service. To make this happen, we will be appointing a national adviser on LGBT+ healthcare, who will be the lead on addressing the health inequalities LGBT+ people face. They will work with professional associations and statutory bodies to make sure LGBT+ people get an exceptional service from the NHS that is tailored to their needs.

The survey showed that our education system isn’t giving LGBT+ people the best start in life. This government has already announced we will introduce mandatory relationships education in primary schools and relationships and sex education in secondary schools. We are also extending programs that tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.

Guaranteeing the safety of every person in the country is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and we should be extremely concerned about the risks to the safety of LGBT+ people.

We are committed to bringing forward proposals to end the abhorrent practice of conversion therapy. This is a complex issue, but we want to look at every option available to us to stamp out these dangerous practices. This is not an attempt to curtail freedom of expression or religion, nor is it an attempt to prevent LGBT+ people exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such counselling and support is a world away from practices which seek to “cure” people through psychological harm or violence.

I hope the plan will be welcomed, and not just by the LGBT+ community, because we all benefit when we take care of the needs of each other.

Today’s Action Plan marks a turning point, and will pave the way for future generations of LGBT+ people enjoying happier, healthier and safer lives. Thank you to all who answered the survey, all who shaped the plan and will deliver the action to enable all our citizens to thrive. Now, let’s get to work.

Penny Mordaunt is the minister for women and equalities