Still someway to go but got further to go…
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) shared some important information. They said that in many countries, LGBTQ+ people can still get in trouble with the law. About 70 countries do not allow same-sex relationships, and in about 10 of these countries, people can be punished with death.
Around 70% of people in the world live in places where there are rules that make it hard to talk about or show support for LGBTQ+ people.
In the UK and Europe, there have been big changes to support LGBTQ+ rights. In the UK, being gay stopped being illegal in the late 1960s. Many movements fought for more rights in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. A big law, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, was passed on July 17, 2013. The first same-sex marriages happened on March 29, 2014.
There is still a lot of work to do to make things better for LGBTQ+ people. Many kids and young people who are or seem to be LGBTQ+ get bullied and hurt by others. Research shows that LGBTQ+ kids often get picked on in schools in Britain, and some even skip school because of it.
LGBTQ+ adults also face bad treatment in health care and other places, which can harm their health and wellbeing. Many LGBTQ+ people are afraid they will be treated badly when they ask for help.
Older LGBTQ+ people, like those with Alzheimer's or dementia who move into care homes, often fear telling others about their gender identity or who they love. They worry that staff, other residents, and visitors might treat them badly when they are most vulnerable.
Because of this fear, most hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are not reported. Many LGBTQ+ people do not tell anyone about violent crimes or seek help, even when they are in abusive relationships.
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness are more common in LGBTQ+ people. Both young and old LGBTQ+ people often have a hard time finding support and services.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate but also to show the problems many LGBTQ+ people still face. It helps us support our communities and teach others about the harm of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
Even though Pride Month is important for remembering LGBTQ+ history and fighting for equality, we should work for change all the time. Standing up against unfair treatment of LGBTQ+ people every day is something everyone can.
This Years Pride…
New Brighton Pride 2024 @ Victoria Quarter, New Brighton.
Saturday 31st August 2024.
New Brighton Pride – Official home of New Brighton Pride and Pride on the Wirral