Scotlandās national LGBTQ+ equality organisations have today launched their manifesto for LGBTQ+ equality for the next Holyrood Parliament. Alongside partners, they unite in calling on the next Scottish Government to further commit to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Scotland.
Stonewall Scotland, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland and Scottish Trans Alliance are calling for specific actions to end discrimination and barriers that LGBTQ+ people still face. They note that too many LGBTQ+ people experience inadequate health services, hate crime, and the threat of so-called āconversion therapyā. The manifesto also highlights areas where trans people face particular disadvantage, including waiting times of years for referral to gender identity services, and barriers to legal recognition of their gender identity.
The manifesto calls for:
- Gender identity health services that are fit for purpose, ending years-long waiting lists
- Reform to the Gender Recognition Act to remove barriers to legal recognition of gender identity, and a ban on āconversion therapyā
- Better understanding of LGBTQ+ lives and issues in health and social care, and especially mental health services, to ensure these deliver for all
- Continued implementation of the LGBTQ+ inclusive education programme agreed by the last Parliament
- Practical steps to tackle hate crime, homelessness and isolation, especially in rural areas
- Clear leadership from the Scottish Government on LGBTQ+ equality, here, and in their international relations
Colin Macfarlane, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “On May 6, weāre voting for the society we want to live in. Of course, there are issues that divide opinions but during the debates over the next couple of weeks, we must keep LGBTQ+ equality firmly on the agenda. The world has changed considerably since 2016.Ā Ā If that shows us anything, it is that we canāt take the progress we have made for granted. We need to join our voice with thousands of others over the coming weeks, to press for a Scotland where every LGBTQ+ person is free to be themselves and can thrive at school, at work, at home and in our communities.”
Dr Rebecca Crowther, policy coordinator at Equality Network, said: “Scotland used to be a leader in LGBTQ+ equality, it is not anymore, we want Scotland to lead the way again, and to stand up, wholeheartedly, for LGBTQ+ equality in all aspects of Scottish life. Our community is still struggling, poor mental health is rising exponentially, the pandemic has only made this worse, and itās about time structural inequalities are dealt with once and for all.”
Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “Covid amplified the challenges experienced by many LGBTQ+ young people with increased discrimination, exclusion and healthcare difficulties. We need candidates with strong voices to reflect the needs of these young people in Holyrood. Going back to the status quo is not an option, LGBTQ+ young people deserve much more.”
Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Alliance manager, said: āThe last few years of sustained media spotlight and political debate on trans peopleās lives has left many of us feeling like things are going backwards. Coronavirus has affected us all, but it has plunged trans peopleās healthcare into an even deeper crisis ā people already expecting to wait two years for a first appointment will now wait even longer. We desperately need the next Scottish Parliament to unite behind the idea that everyone in Scotland deserves to live happy, healthy lives ā and to work with us to make this a reality.”
To see the manifesto in full CLICK HERE
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