Hold My Hand
Over the years, Stonewall has helped to make society more inclusive for all: equal marriage, inclusive education in schools, anti-discrimination laws, and more.
But when it comes to LGBTQ+ safety – we still have so far to go. Anti LGBTQ+ hate crime has risen in recent years – online, on our streets and in public.
Our latest research reveals LGBTQ+ people do not feel safe to live their lives freely. Less than half (44%) of LGBTQ+ people feel safe holding their partner’s hand in public.
Even something as simple as reaching out to hold their partner’s hand now feels unsafe. Everyone deserves to go about their daily lives free from the fear of abuse and harassment, no matter their identities.
The latest statistics from the Home Office show that there were more than 18,000 hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and over 2,500 trans related hate crimes in 2024. Behind these numbers are real people who deserve to feel safe to be themselves.
We want the government to ensure the safety of the LGBTQ+ community, and for you to stand hand in hand with us.
We’re making progress
After years of campaigning by Stonewall, and others, on 18 June 2025 the government committed in Parliament to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence.
This would bring penalties for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime in line with sentencing for attacks on religious and racial minorities.
This was a key objective for our Hold My Hand campaign. It is an important milestone towards achieving equality for LGBTQ+ people under the law, and a powerful step towards LGBTQ+ safety.
What happens now?
Our campaign doesn’t end here. Whilst this is a positive step, it isn’t set in stone yet – the amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill will next be debated in the House of Lords.
We must keep the pressure on and continue to speak up against anti LGBTQ+ hate crime. We will be working hard to make sure the government keeps their word – and you can too.
Support the campaign by emailing your MP
Many people feel less safe to be openly LGBTQ+ in the UK right now. We need the government to deliver on its commitment to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence and make society safer for the LGBTQ+ community.
Use our email template to ask your MP to hold the government to account – it only takes a few minutes!
Other ways to support the campaign
- Donate to give the campaign a helping hand
Your donations can strengthen our campaign, helping us to powerfully advocate for a world free from hate, where every LGBTQ+ person can live safely. Reach out your hand and support our mission today.
- Share your story with us
At the heart of this campaign is you – and your real stories.
Talking about the need for LGBTQ+ safety is one thing, but hearing powerful stories will make people take notice.
That’s why for this campaign, we want LGBTQ+ people and allies to tell their stories.
If you want to share your experience with us, anonymously or not, simply complete this form and we will be in touch to see how you can support the campaign.
- Use your voice – help us spread the word
We need your help to amplify our message and raise awareness of the need for LGBTQ+ safety. By sharing our content on social media, you can help us reach more people with our campaign.
Your voice can make a difference. Follow our social media channels and repost our content:
- Sign up for campaign updates
If you care about LGBTQ+ safety and want to stay informed about our campaign, sign up for email updates! You’ll be the first to hear all about what we’re getting up to.