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at least when answering survey questions, much of this seems to be superficial. The people in
the MBS survey responsible for intrusive questions, for intimidating social media messages,
for excluding LGB colleagues from social activities, denied they are homophobic: which is
what is so worrying about these findings.
Trans people were not included by MBS but plenty of other evidence confirms the massive
prejudice and discrimination they face. Last year saw the ruthless press hounding, and
subsequent suicide, of Lucy Meadows. If only this was an exceptional case! But studies
confirm the enormous mental health risk to trans people largely as a result of institutional
and public prejudice.
Meanwhile, young LGBT people are disproportionately at risk of homelessness, and often
cannot escape back to a family home. Their mental health problems are also much larger
than those of their heterosexual counterparts. Government austerity is making their
situation worse with cuts to dedicated services. Similarly, hate crime figures against both
LGB and trans people have risen: in London, there were more than 1000 homophobic hate
crimes last year. That may be down to more reporting but it is still probably only the tip of
a very large iceberg. Plenty of people regard us as fair game. Nor has there being
any improvement in the epidemic of bullying in schools and colleges, with a new
National Union of Students report showing how many LGBT students face
discrimination even in those beacons of tolerance, universities.
There is a correlation with the effects of government austerity. Attitudes to
minorities can shift very quickly, the campaign around the
European elections has shown that hostility to “foreigners” is
all too easily whipped up. This is a dangerous climate and
those claiming asylum from Uganda, or Nigeria, because
they are LGBT are already victims of a policy that starts
from the idea that letting people in is not popular.
This list – and it is only a partial list – is not
presented to depress people. It is to make the
point that we may have secured (nearly but
not quite) legal equality, but changing laws is
easy compared to changing public attitudes,
and it would be a mistake to think that with
equal marriage, the battle is won. Instead,
our job is to continue to challenge prejudice
both in Britain and across the world, and
that’s something that British trade unions
are proud to be doing.
Peter Purton
LGBT and Disability Policy Officer
T
r
ans?
Lesbian?
Lesbian?
Ga
?Gay?
bisexuaL
Bisexual?
Tran
There is an alternative to government
policies and trade unions are fighting
for decent jobs nd fair pay, go d
services and decent welfare, respect
and a voice at work.
To find out more, go t
tuc.org.uk/campaig
To find out which uni
you go to:
worksmar
T government’s austerity plans
a shrinking NHS… higher rents… cost of living highe
fees preventing access to justice.
If you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans then governmen
• cutting funds for our community groups
• an epidemic of homelessness and mental ill health
• cutting resources to deal with hate crime
• worsening prejudice and abuse in many workplace
Trade unions for a future
that works for all!
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