LGBT+ History Month: Honouring our history, defending our future
As we gathered in Parliament for Stonewall’s reception to mark LGBT History Month, we took time to honour those who worked tirelessly, often at personal cost, to achieve the rights we have now, celebrate the progress we have made, reflect on the collective action that has brought us here, and what our history means for the work we must continue together in this moment we find ourselves in.
Across the UK and around the world, rights including LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged. Hard-won advances are being questioned, freedoms and rights are under threat, and the world feels more polarised. Further progress is no longer inevitable, but history tells us that we are a resilient, tenacious and powerful movement for change. And when we stand in unity, with shared purpose we can and will continue to make progress.
The rights and freedoms we have today are owing to the courage, solidarity and dedication of those who stood up and imagined a world where equality is possible and discrimination is not inevitable.
In the UK legal and policy changes on the road to equality including the repeal of Section 28, the equalisation of the age of consent, the right to serve in the military, equal marriage and the ability of same sex couples to adopt happened step by step, through coalitions of activists, allies, organisations and others, all part of an enormous ecosystem, who often had hugely differing views and tactics, but aligned together with shared values and a common goal, equality.
Organisations with the courage to stand up for the simple, profound idea that everyone deserves dignity and equality. Legislative change is only one part of transformation. Laws alone do not end prejudice or make workplaces, schools and communities safe and inclusive.
Still too many people in LGBTQ+ communities experience discrimination, exclusion and bias; there is a globally connected web of organised, concerted efforts to undermine equality and progress, and a loud political discourse which tries to ridicule and undermine the legislation, systems and structures designed to promote equality.
That is why LGBT+ History month really matters. When we understand our histories and give space to honour the contributions of LGBTQ+ people across every walk of life we learn how – and are inspired to - tackle the moment we are in now with courage and hope.
At our Parliamentary Reception, we will hear from four people who have played an important part in LGBTQ+ equality in recent years. Lord Michael Cashman CBE, one of our founders, has long campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights - from featuring in the first British soap same-sex kiss in East Enders to his work in the European Parliament and the House of Lords. Dame Angela Eagle, the second openly lesbian MP, who has served in the governments of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Kier Starmer. Ayla Holdom, Stonewall trustee, former RAF pilot, now a helicopter pilot with the National Police Air Service and advocate for trans visibility. And Saba Ali, multi-award winning advocate and chair of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition. All have been part of coalitions that span communities, institutions and sectors with a shared determination to address injustices where they persist.
American civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer once said
we are none of us free until we are all free.
History teaches us that we make progress through building empathy and understanding, by working together across communities, lifting each other up and acting in solidarity. Empathy and understanding is built by finding common ground through conversation, listening and understanding.
Today, Stonewall continues to champion that work. We are engaging with partners across government, business, education and civil society to build alliances and create the changes in legislation, policy and practice that will benefit our communities including securing a comprehensive ban on harmful conversion practices, ensuring that anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes are recognised and addressed in law; supporting LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, and creating a world where every person who is lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer+ is living free from discrimination, prejudice and inequality, making our shared future safer, fairer and more prosperous.
The world may be more polarised and it is a turbulent time, but as the Chief Executive of Stonewall I remain optimistic. At a recent celebration of 25 years of our work in Scotland, one of our founders reminded us publicly and then gently chastised me privately, that it may be tough at the moment but it has always been tough and
25 years ago there would not have been this many people stood in a room free to be who they are and supporting LGBTQ+ rights’.
If history teaches us anything, it is that people often unite, find common ground and form alliances when the chips are down. And there is no doubt the chips are down, so this LGBT History Month I am grateful for the bravery of all those who have worked tirelessly with gratitude for their bravery so we can stand here now with a clear focus on the work that lies ahead.
Together, across generations, we can build a future where everyone everywhere has equal rights. That is the goal. Words are important and collective action even more so.
