Consortium

for stronger lgbt+ communities

Briony Williamson

LGBTI organisations welcome Scottish Government plans to improve the lives of non-binary people

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Seven national LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) organisations in Scotland welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s Non-Binary Equality Action Plan.

Scottish Trans, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland, Stonewall Scotland, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, LEAP Sports and Time for Inclusive Education welcome that the Scottish Government has committed to taking wide-ranging actions across many areas of policy and practice. These could make a real difference to non-binary people’s lives.

Non-binary people identify as having a gender which is in-between or beyond the two categories ‘man’ and ‘woman’, as fluctuating between ‘man’ and ‘woman’, or as having no gender, either permanently or some of the time.

The organisations believe this is the first time any government in the world has set out commitments specifically focused on improving the experiences of non-binary people.

The Action Plan is the culmination of many years work, and is largely the result of recommendations made by the Working Group for Non-Binary Equality, which was made up of non-binary people, LGBTI equality organisations and academics. The Group set out 38 actions they thought the Scottish Government could do to reduce barriers non-binary people face to equal treatment in services, policy and the law. Most of the recommendations have now been accepted by the Scottish Government.

The LGBTI groups say that while they welcome the Plan, they would be seeking more clarity on actions to take forward some of the recommendations.

Actions in the plan that could make a real difference include:

  • commitments to seek to influence the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that people participating in policy-making processes and receiving financial compensation for doing so are not penalised by a reduction in their benefits
  • producing guidance on name changes so that non-binary people, and all trans people, along with public bodies and services, can be confident about timely and simple processes for updating people’s details
  • starting a ‘Call for Evidence’ on how public buildings, including sport and leisure facilities, work for everyone, with a view to making necessary changes that would improve their accessibility for any group that is currently underserved by public buildings
  • improving the evidence that exists on non-binary people’s lives, particularly around their experiences of gender based violence and homelessness.

 

Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Manager (and member of the working group on Non-Binary Equality), said:

“It is really positive to see this Action Plan published, and to see that the Scottish Government has made public, concrete and measurable commitments to changes that will make non-binary people’s lives better.

“I particularly welcome the commitments that will have a positive impact not only on non-binary people but on marginalised people more widely: such as those that seek to make it easier and fairer for people on benefits to participate in policy making processes and be paid for their time, and to look at how the design of public buildings does, or doesn’t, work for everyone in Scotland.”

 

Al Hopkins, LEAP Sports (and member of the working group on Non-Binary Equality), said:

“We welcome the publication of the Action Plan and are pleased to see sport and physical activity featured prominently, and with the objective of making non-binary people feel increasingly welcomed and able to participate.

“I know first hand the positive impact inclusive and welcoming sport and physical activities have on the lives of trans and/or non-binary people. LEAP Sports look forward to the contribution we can make in ensuring the actions are realised meaningfully, and that non-binary people are authentically represented, embraced and included within all aspects of sport and physical activity from sporting environments to facilities to participation.”

 

Mark Kelvin, LGBT Health & Wellbeing CEO said:

“I welcome the publication of the Scottish government’s Non-Binary Equality Action Plan and am pleased to see tangible commitments to improving the healthcare and health and wellbeing outcomes for non-binary people living here in Scotland.

“In particular, the recognition of the importance of LGBT+ affirmative and competent mental health and wellbeing support is extremely encouraging. I’m pleased to see the commitment to ensuring mandatory training for mental health providers on trans and non-binary healthcare needs, as well as a commitment to ensure services are equipped to support trans and non-binary people. Mental Health Providers frequently request this training but struggle to prioritise it with competing demands. Ensuring it is mandatory will help organisations to make space for it within their busy workloads.

“Overall, this is a positive step towards achieving equality for Non-Binary people.”

ILGA releases latest Rainbow Europe index, UK falls to 17th place

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ILGA Europe have published their latest Rainbow Europe map and rankings, with the UK once again dropping in the ratings and now sitting at 17th place in the list of 49 countries, having been at the top just 8 years before in 2015.

Below are some member responses to the news:

UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity releases statement following visit to UK

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Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the human rights expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, who completed an official UN visit to the UK on 5 May, last week released a statement outlining his observations, findings and reflections. The full statement can be found here.

From UN press release:
Violence and discrimination risk
In an extensive statement after his 10-day visit, Mr. Madrigal-Borloz lauded achievements in data gathering and said the UK was poised to take transformational public policy steps, on the basis of solid evidence.

The data makes it possible to determine social exclusion against LGBT persons but, equally importantly, the way factors such as race, ethnic background, and socio-economic status interact with sexual orientation and gender identity to exacerbate the risk of violence and discrimination, he said.

Mr. Madrigal-Borloz also noted the progress made through strategies, plans of action and public policies, which are evident in all four nations of the UK.

He was also encouraged by the actions of national governments and civil services in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in relation to devolved competencies in health, education, housing, and employment.

While acknowledging achievements in health and education, he expressed concern at the overrepresentation of LGBT persons among the homeless population in homelessness and relatively scarce data in relation to employment.

“Waiting lists for gender affirming treatment at the National Health Service continue to be years-long, and current initiatives risk erosion of achievements in comprehensive sex education,” the independent expert said.

Fighting for protection
The expert expressed grave concern about delays in long-promised legislation to ban the practice of “conversion” of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“The vicissitudes of this and other necessary public policies appear to be connected to political discourse concerning gender-diverse persons and refugees and asylum seekers, two areas in which recent State actions are cause for concern,” Mr. Madrigal-Borloz said.

He cited the example of the Illegal Migration Bill, and blanket policy decisions in relation to trans persons deprived of liberty.

The expert also took issue with recent advice by the UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission to the Government in Westminster, that promoted the reduction in human rights protections for trans persons with legal recognition of their gender.

“These actions were admittedly with the objective of withdrawing trans women from legal protections to which they are entitled under the Equality Act,” Mr. Madrigal Borloz said.

Demanding political accountability
The expert urged all stakeholders to recognise that democracies benefit from healthy debate, in an environment that includes protection of free speech, and accountability for hate speech, yet reminded them that they must keep the objective of human rights protection at the centre of State and non-State action.

“Politicians must carry out evidence-based evaluations, free from stigma and preconception,” the independent expert said.

Special Rapporteurs and other UN Human Rights Council-appointed rights experts, work on a voluntary and unpaid basis, are not UN staff, and work independently from any government or organisation.

Galop launches the UK’s first LGBT+ Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline

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Galop is launching the UK’s first ever dedicated helpline to support LGBT+ victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

New research from Galop shows that over half (53 per cent) of LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to sexual violence in their lives. Further research shows that over half of LGBT+ sexual violence survivors surveyed felt that their assault was wholly, or in part, linked to or motivated by their LGBT+ identity.

Galop also uncovered that survivors who sought support from services which weren’t LGBT+ specific often had bad experiences, with only 22 per cent being satisfied by their experience of reporting what happened to them.

One LGBT+ survivor of sexual violence told Galop about their experience of accessing mainstream support: “After the judgmental response I never went back and I haven’t accessed any support since then.”

Another LGBT+ survivor of sexual violence said: “There were a few times I felt like I was speaking a foreign language and had to explain some really basic stuff.”

LGBT+ survivors of sexual assault also disclosed feeling like their experiences were linked to their LGBT+ identity, with one saying: “I was raped and beaten as a teenager and he verbally abused me through homosexual slurs and blamed my sexuality for his actions.”

Specialist LGBT+ services like our LGBT+ Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline are incredibly important; survivors need a safe and understanding space where they can seek help knowing they’ll supported and understood, without fear of anti-LGBT+ discrimination, negative experiences or the risk of being ‘outed’.

Lord Michael Cashman CBE, said: “Over the last decade, sexual abuse and the impact it can have on a person has received more awareness than ever before. Yet, the queer community have largely been invisible in these conversations. With that in mind, the launch of a helpline run specifically for LGBT+ people is groundbreaking.

“I am personally reassured that any LGBT+ person facing this kind of abuse will now be able to access this much-needed support. When you’ve been through something as traumatic as sexual violence, the help you receive should be centered not only around understanding what you’ve been through, but also a knowledge and compassion for your identity and all the aspects of yourself that make you who you are.”

Leni Morris, CEO of LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop, said: “The launch of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is a historic step forward in providing specialist support for our community. We want LGBT+ victims and survivors to know that we’re here, we understand what you’re going through and help is available. Any LGBT+ survivor calling us can be confident that their call will be answered by a fellow LGBT+ person, who is trained and experienced in working with survivors of abuse and violence. Our community has gone too long without this kind of nationally available support – that changes today.”

Galop’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available Monday – Thursday 10am – 8:30pm, and Friday 10am – 4:30pm.
Contact the Helpline by phone (0800 999 5428) or via email [email protected].

Race Equality Week 2023

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Some thoughts from Nikita Chadha (she/they), Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer:

Race Equality Week is starting across the UK today.

With any awareness week, there can be an increase in visibility or asks for extra capacity.

With that in mind, we want to start the week with a reminder to all of those who are supporting people that are working within racial justice.

– Be mindful of people’s capacity this week.
– Racial justice work happens all year round and shouldn’t solely be confined to one week of the year.
– People that have experienced racism may need extra time and breathing space this week.
– Actions are important but so are conversations: are there any spaces for people to speak freely and give feedback about their experiences within your organisation?

Any kind of work that focuses on someone’s lived experience can be difficult at best, and should be treated carefully.

If that is you – please look after yourselves this week!

Make sure you carve out time for yourself this week. Get out in the sun (if you can), make some time for joy/play, or create meaningful space for yourself with meditation.

Understanding that there is a problem with racial equality is the best place to start with enacting and impacting change. Especially for those people with other intersections to their identity, like gender or sexuality diversity.

This is the reality of being a racialised queer person in the UK:

– Half of Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT+ people (51 per cent) have experienced discrimination or poor treatment from others in their local LGBT+ community because of their ethnicity. This number rises to three in five Black LGBT+ people (61 per cent)*

– Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT+ people are more likely than white LGBT people to experience domestic abuse from a partner,
17 per cent compared to 11 per cent*

– Half of Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT+ people (51 per cent) have experienced discrimination or poor treatment because of their ethnicity from others in their local LGBT+ community. This number rises to three in five Black LGBT+ people (61 per cent)*

*stats taken from Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain Home and Communities Report

Last year, we worked with an external consultant to speak to our members who engage in racial justice work around what is needed within the sector or what needs to change.

This week we have released an initial report with a summary of findings, the full report and subsequent EDI goals will be released later in the Spring: Summary Racial Justice Report Findings

We’ll be working on some sector wide resources and recommendations to feature alongside it, so watch this space.

#ItsEveryonesBusiness #RaceEqualityWeek2023 #ActionDrivesChange #REW23

Get in touch with Nikita

International Non-Binary People’s Day

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Today we mark International Non-Binary People’s Day

by sharing some thoughts from the Consortium Team 

 

Ray (they/them) National LGBT+ Partnership Stakeholder Officer:

“To all people who are nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, bigender, genderfluid or have any other gender identity that lies outside the gender binary, in solidarity and celebration:

I’ve identified as non-binary since I was 16, and since then I’ve used lots of different words to understand and express myself, each as true as the last. I currently describe myself as genderqueer and trans-masculine.

As well as enduring invisibility and invalidation, I’ve experienced the joy, creativity, and freedom of non-binary existence. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing lots of fantastic non-binary people and I’ve witnessed an incredible constellation of embodiments, expressions, and ways of being.

I want to appreciate our diversity, authenticity, courage, joy, open-ness, and the imagination that we can apply to our identities, ways of being and the world around us.

I want to recognise the self-knowledge that we have as non-binary people, however much our identities are in flux, whether and wherever we decide to come out, and however we choose to present.

I want to acknowledge the erasure, invalidation, questioning and violence that comes at us in many different ways, and the courage inherent in our existence.

I want to say that we are not just valid; we are valuable, vital and whole!”

 

Camillea (they/them) Racial Justice Engagement Officer:

“I love everything about my presentation being ‘femme-presenting’ – which gives me such a proud sense of JOY and comfort. Being this way hasn’t always been easy, especially in a society that solely focuses on binary factors. Just over a year ago, I identified and shared with others that I am ‘non-binary.’ due to this, it has been challenging, to say the least, not being recognised as I don’t fit into the ‘gender norms’. I have become resilient by treating myself to tender moments of joy, care, and comfort.“

 

Leo (he/they) Communications Officer:

“I discovered I was non-binary when I was about 18 years old. I’d struggled with my gender identity for many years up until that point and I remember scrolling through Tumblr at the time, going through LGBTQIA+ blogs to see if anyone felt the way I did. I came across a post about someone who identified as non-binary and I would say this was my ‘light-bulb moment’. It was like someone had switched on the light to who I was in that moment and the feeling was indescribable; I finally had been given the words to something that I had never had the language for. Like many other non-binary people, my pronouns have changed and evolved over the years.  I used to only use they/them pronouns, then I changed to he/him and now I use he/they. I describe myself as non-binary trans masculine, but over time the way I feel about these labels may change. For me, there is no one way to be non-binary; your presentation, pronouns and how you perceive your gender can change over time and the most important thing is doing what feels right to you. 

The joy I find from being a non-binary person is the feeling of being at home with myself and within my community… it’s where I feel the most safe and comfortable. Non-binary people can express and present themselves in whatever way we choose, and I think that it’s so beautiful to be surround by so many diverse people. I know that however I feel or however I change my presentation, I am always valid in my non-binary identity and have a place in this community.”

 

Here are some resources from our members:

AKT NB media resource list

Stonewall Top Tips for NB Allyship

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