As we enter a new period of Parliament, Consortium, representing a broad and diverse range of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans + voluntary and community organisations across the UK, calls upon our new Government to stay firmly committed to LGBT+ equality. The existing LGBT Action Plan, drawn up by the previous Conservative government, must continue to serve as the building blocks for engaging with our communities. The 75 actions contained within it offered a vision to help improve the lives of LGBT+ people, and the work already started on its implementation must remain at the heart of our new Government’s work. Support from Westminster must also be given to ensure that all parts of the UK have parity of opportunity.
Our communities continue to face disproportionate discrimination and marginalisation across well evidenced areas, including mental health, education, community safety and the workplace to name a few. The 360+ Members of Consortium work tirelessly every day to ensure every LGBT+ person can live a safe, fulfilling and prosperous life free from that discrimination. They work with the most vulnerable LGBT+ people and we urge the Government to continue working in partnership with our communities to tackle these issues head on.
We offer our expertise and community knowledge to ensure those diverse LGBT+ voices are heard across all Government departments and make sure they are afforded the opportunities to be consulted, listened to and actively supported to make the LGBT+ voluntary and community sectors stronger and more sustainable.