We are celebrating LGBT History Month!
This February we are joining in celebrating LGBT History Month, and the theme this year is Peace, Activism and Reconciliation. The aim of the month is to reflect on and educate people about LGBT history, and to celebrate activists who have brought positive changes over the years. There are events taking place all over the UK.
The month of February has been chosen because it was in February, in 2000, when the first attempt to repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was made. Section 28 meant that a local authority could not ‘ intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ and when this law was implemented in the 1980s, it represented a huge backwards step for progress which had been made since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. Thankfully, this law was finally repealed in 2003, but its impact on the LGBT community was devastating, as it fostered
an environment which reinforced the notion that identifying as LGBT was something to be ashamed of.
Although huge progress has been made over the years, there is still a long way to go before complete equality is achieved. A
2018 Stonewall survey found that out of the 5,000 LGBT people who were surveyed, over half had experienced depression within the last year, and one in eight young adult LGBT people had attempted to take their own life. The study also found that there was widespread discrimination in healthcare settings.
This is why the work which is being done during this month to bring people together and drive positive change is so important, to help to create an open and caring culture in which LGBT people can live free from discrimination and bullying, and where receiving unequal treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity can be consigned to the history books.
At Ellis Jones, we are proud of the work we do in supporting the LGBT community, through our specialist legal advice. Our services include helping people who are creating families in non-traditional ways, guiding clients through same-sex family disputes, advising on discrimination issues and employment law advice.
To speak to our expert LGBT Solicitors please call 01202 525333 or email us at lgbt@ellisjones.co.uk
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
