Philip Baldwin speaks with Nancy Kelley about the urgent need for visibility, solidarity, and justice for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people during Lesbian Visibility Week.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Nancy Kelley is the Executive Director at DIVA and a Director of the Trans Solidarity Alliance. She is an award-winning LGBTQIA+ and human rights campaigner. From 2020 to 2023, Nancy was the CEO of Stonewall and prior to that, the Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research.

Lesbian Visibility Week runs from 21 to 27 April, with Lesbian Visibility Day on 26 April. It was great chatting to Nancy about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ women.

I began by asking Nancy why Lesbian Visibility Week is important?

Lesbian Visibility Week is important, because it’s an opportunity to really focus on the experiences, the needs, the talents of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. It’s still the case that our experiences, needs and talents are not recognised, seen or attended to even within the LGBTQIA+ community. This year is particularly exciting because we’re focusing on celebrating rainbow families, in all the forms they take – from our chosen family to LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people having children, or looking after parents.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people’s families and also fight for equity. One of the things we’re doing this year is focusing on removing discrimination in family formation, in areas like access to IVF. It’s still the case that in England and Wales we can be forced to pay for thousands of pounds of private healthcare to access IVF, that a straight couple could access without private care. It’s great to be focusing on our families and the place they have in this world.

Are the rights of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people being rolled back in the UK?

It is definitely the case that the rights of trans women and trans people generally are under threat. For example, access to healthcare for trans and non-binary children and young people, which has been almost completely blocked in the UK, but also access to gender-affirming healthcare for trans adults where there is a huge waiting list. There’s enormous pressure around trans inclusion. There are court cases all the time trying to limit trans and non-binary people’s ability to access spaces that feel comfortable for them, or to participate fully in society. We should all care about this because trans and non-binary people deserve our solidarity and also because we know the LGBTQIA+ community stands and falls together.

How have disabled queer women been impacted?

The starting point is that LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are more likely to be disabled than their peers. Around a third of us have a disability and many of us have disabilities that have a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. The government is bringing forward policies that implement enormous cuts in disability benefits, cuts for people whether they work or not. Those cuts are going to impact hundreds of thousands of people, including huge numbers of people in our community, and we know that they are going to push many people into poverty.

It’s really important for all of us to fight back, to be talking to our MPs and to be talking publicly about our opposition to those cuts. Sometimes we can think of LGBTQIA+ justice and disability justice as separate, but they’re not. Disability rights and LGBTQIA+ rights are deeply interwoven. As a disabled queer woman myself, I feel passionately about the need for us to be vocal in our opposition about balancing the Budget on the backs of disabled people.

What are you looking forward to most this Lesbian Visibility Week?

This Lesbian Visibility Week, I look forward to seeing LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about their families in all the forms they take. Our ability to build a family and have that family respected has always been such a huge and often painful part of our stories. Being able to see and hear LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about and celebrating our families and talking about the families that we have will always bring a smile to my face. It lifts me, to see LGBTQIA+ and non-binary women talking about the beautiful lives they have been able to build.

The post ‘Lesbian Visibility Week is an opportunity to focus on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Jude Guaitamacchi speaks with Philip Baldwin about challenging political agendas, the importance of representation, and uniting allies for trans rights.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY YELLOW BELLY

Jude Guaitamacchi is a leading trans rights and LGBTQIA+ activist, as well as a public speaker. Jude is one of the founders of the Trans Solidarity Alliance and has been behind a number of key campaigns. From #LwiththeT to working with stars like Emma Bunton to increase awareness, Jude has worked tirelessly highlighting trans issues.

Jude was the first non-binary model for Harrods, was a “Voice for Change” nominee at the TikTok Awards in 2024 and has won multiple other awards.

I asked Jude who has inspired them both past and present?

I’ve been inspired by so many people, both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. Change-makers throughout history have paved the way for the rights we have today. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk played pivotal roles in LGBTQIA+ activism, standing against oppression and mobilising communities for change.

In the UK, pioneers such as Christine Burns and Stephen Whittle, through initiatives like Press for Change, have been instrumental in advancing trans rights, challenging outdated policies, and reshaping legal frameworks. Their dedication to justice and equality is a powerful reminder of the impact advocacy can have – and the responsibility we all share in continuing their work. I’m also inspired by current movements such as young trans activist group, Trans Kids Deserve Better.

Can you tell us more?

When shaping the Trans Solidarity Alliance, we looked to the movements that came before us, recognising the foundations laid by past activists. Their work showed that real change comes not just from resisting injustice but from building structures that empower communities and create lasting impact.

Understanding our history is crucial to envisioning the future of trans equality, but it’s just as important to apply a modern lens. The landscape of activism has shifted – today, the internet and social media influence policy decisions, fuel discrimination, and create additional barriers for trans people seeking equality.

The internet and social media have been transformational. What about other types of representation?

Representation is a powerful force in shaping public opinion and driving change. Pop culture, in particular, has been a vehicle for shifting perceptions and opening doors to conversations that might otherwise be dismissed. From TV and film to music and social media, representation helps challenge stereotypes, humanise trans experiences, and inspire the next generation of activists and allies.

How do we create lasting progress?

I think that to push for meaningful progress, we need to learn from the past while actively addressing today’s challenges – countering misinformation, equipping allies with resources to stand against prejudice, and ensuring trans voices are heard at every level, from grassroots activism to political decision-making. By drawing on the legacy of past trailblazers and harnessing modern platforms, we can continue to drive real change.

@becomingjude Aren’t we all from a different generation? Generational differences shouldn’t be used when talking about trans equality, because if she can embrace us then so can the world. #Transtok ♬ original sound – Becoming Jude

What are some of the challenges the trans community are facing in the UK and abroad?

The challenges faced by the trans community in the UK and abroad are alarming. In the UK, transphobic rhetoric is rising – not just in the media but also within politics and public policy – fuelling societal division and discrimination. Many anti-trans groups receive ongoing funding to challenge the Equality Act, aiming to dismantle legal protections. Social media has become a tool for amplifying false narratives, distorting public opinion, influencing policy, and creating further barriers to equality.

How do these ani-trans groups operate, nationally and internationally?

Well-funded anti-trans groups in the USA and UK are working together to push harmful narratives into mainstream discourse. In the USA, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Some states are attempting to pass bills to deny gender-affirming care and restrict participation in sport. Meanwhile, restrictions on updating ID documents have already been enforced across the country.

These attacks create fear and uncertainty while setting a dangerous precedent that must be taken seriously in the UK. Anti-trans rhetoric has become a central weapon in politics, with trans people used as scapegoats. Some politicians who once showed support have now turned their backs, actively undermining years of progress.

What are the consequences of this?

The consequences are severe, affecting mental health, healthcare, housing, and employment. Support for trans rights is also steadily declining, as seen in recent polling. Now, more than ever, we need unity – to mobilise allies and protect trans rights, dignity, and safety worldwide. We must stand together, challenge disinformation, and dismantle the political agendas driving this global assault on trans rights.

Can you tell me more about your plans for the future?

I’ve been behind several impactful global campaigns, starting with #LwiththeT in 2018. As part of the original group that launched the campaign, I helped organise it in direct response to anti-trans lesbians who hijacked the front of the London Pride parade. I led PR and communications while also co-organising and leading the Brighton and London Pride parades in 2018 and 2019.

What did you do next?

The viral success of #LwiththeT sparked global solidarity, inspiring #WiththeT groups worldwide. By creating a resource for allies, we provided a way for people to be vocal and visible in their support for the trans community. I later developed inclusive campaigns like #TransPeopleAreLoved and #TransYouthAreLoved, designed to enable anyone – inside and outside the LGBTQIA+ community – to stand behind a message of love and support.

How did the Trans Solidarity Alliance come together?

In 2024, alongside fellow directors of the Trans Solidarity Alliance – Executive Director of DIVA Nancy Kelley and Paramount Commissioner Kit Morey – we launched #TransYouthAreLoved. Over 60 celebrities publicly supported trans youth, using their platforms to spread messages of love and solidarity, including the likes of Emma Bunton, Elliot Page and David Tennant.

Beyond campaigns, I’ve worked to counter the anti-trans agenda by repurposing its own tactics – leveraging social media to build solidarity and rally allies. The Trans Solidarity Alliance naturally evolved from this work, stepping into political spaces to educate decision-makers and advance trans rights in the UK.

You can follow Jude on Instagram and TikTok. 

The post Jude Guaitamacchi: ‘We must dismantle the political forces undermining trans rights’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

For LGBT History Month, Philip Baldwin sits down with Baroness Liz Barker to discuss the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ equality.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2005. Although there have been many advances in LGBTQIA+ equality in the UK, it is clear that we are seeing an attack on our rights nationally – and internationally.

I sat down with Baroness Liz Barker, a Liberal Democrat Peer since 1999. Liz famously came out during the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 debate in the House of Lords, but has always been an advocate for our community. Liz is now Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.

What will you be doing for LGBT+ History Month?

Firstly, this year I want to make sure that younger people know how our community has developed and to know, in particular, the stories of older brave people who stood up and campaigned for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ throughout history. Secondly, for Baroness Barker’s Book Club, I’m going to get together some authors. The theme of LGBT+ History Month is “Activism and Social Change” so I’m asking authors who have written books chronicling different parts of the overall LGBT+ campaign for equality. For example, the HIV/AIDS movement, but also individuals representing each of the initials in the LGBT+ acronym. Hopefully we will have an interesting discussion and it will lead people to some books they haven’t heard of before and might enjoy.

Which historical figure is inspiring you in 2025?

Eleanor Roosevelt was famously married to Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the First Lady, but she maybe had the odd dalliance with people who weren’t all blokes. If she wasn’t part of our community, she was definitely a big supporter. More than that, she was instrumental in drawing up the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). That is such an important document. It states that anyone in the world, no matter who they are, has certain rights as a human being, which cannot and must not be violated. It was drawn up after the horrors of the Second World War, but it is needed now more than ever. Human rights are under direct attack, not least from right-wingers in America and Russia, as well as dictators across the world. Going back to Eleanor being brave and standing up for people who are different and their rights, that is the inspiration for me this LGBT+ History Month.

Which LGBTQIA+ issues concern you in the UK?

The attack on human rights is international and the United Kingdom is not immune from that. The campaign has several different tactical objectives, stopping access to abortions, stopping people have Relationships, Sex and Health Education, stopping surrogacy, but also stopping LGBTQIA+ equality. The particular focus of it in this country is the anti-trans movement. Let’s be clear, what starts with trans people doesn’t end with trans people. They’re just first in the firing line. They’re coming after all of us. We need to expose the poisonous nature of that campaign, exposing the fact that members of our own community have chosen to be part of it, are acting against our best interests and the best interests of women’s equality and women’s reproductive rights, is a really big focus for me at the moment.

Which international trend concerns you most in 2025?

It’s the attack on human rights. It began in Europe, but it was fanned and greatly augmented by Evangelical right-wing nationalists in America. They have put billions of dollars behind it and they have exported that poisonous, politicised and weaponised religious campaigning all around the world, to Africa, to the Caribbean, bits of Latin America, as well as the United Kingdom. It is a campaign which is very clever. The people behind it don’t put their head above the parapet. They get other people to spread their message of hate instead. It is deeply damaging, politically and socially. We need to think about how, as a community, we can counter that. We have to withstand this barrage of politicised hate which is being directed against us and never ever give up.

The post Baroness Barker: ‘The attack on LGBTQIA+ rights is international’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with presenter, author and DJ Gok Wan about his new single ‘Deeper Love’, LGBTQIA+ activism and his proudest career moment.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Gok Wan is a TV and radio presenter, as well as an author and DJ. He has long been a familiar face, as well as a powerful advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Over the past two decades Gok has been one of the most visible gay men in the UK. How To Look Good Naked first hit our TV screens on Channel 4 in 2006. We have seen massive change in the UK around LGBTQIA+ rights and representation across this period. It was great speaking to Gok about his career and charitable work.

I asked Gok how he uses his profile to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights?

Being in the public eye and being a known person, I attend as many LGBTIA+ events as possible because I think visibility is important. I talk across my social media about LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as discussing my own story. Whether that’s my coming out story, the difficulties our community is facing, getting behind campaigns, working with Stonewall, just being as visible in front of the community as well as part of it. I want to talk about the injustices, but also what I love about being a gay man.

What would you describe as your career highlight?

There have been so many moments where I’ve thought I can’t believe I’m stood on this red carpet, stage or doing this event. From an LGBTQIA+ point of view, working on a Pride campaign a few years ago stands out. The guise of it was, telling people how to get dressed for Pride, flamboyant, on show and feeling yourself. The other section of the video was talking about parts of the world where people aren’t allowed to show their sexuality or identity, where people are punished or it’s a crime. Probably working on that campaign was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done and also one of my proudest moments.

Can you tell us about your single ‘Deeper Love’?

My best friend Allison Gordon-Parry passed away this year, after a six and a half-year battle with cancer. We shared a common love of music. She came to many of my DJ gigs and she even sang with me on stage. After Allison passed away, I decided that I didn’t want her life to be forgotten. She was always so public about her fight with cancer and we wanted her death to help other people. I spoke to my management and we got in touch with Aretha Franklin’s estate in America.

What happened next?

We managed to get permission to cover the track. I then spoke to the House Gospel Choir, who are friends of mine and they sang on it. We are now releasing it this Christmas. Hopefully it’s going to get into the charts. Maybe a number-one track. All the profits are going to Macmillan, who are an incredible cancer support charity, helping millions of people. Like every other charity, they need more money to continue the services; for example, their helpline.

You’ve already touched on it, but is there anything else you would like to discuss about Macmillan?

The work that they do is phenomenal. In 2023, they helped 2 million people – only two-thirds of the people that need support. Their goal is for every person who has been diagnosed with cancer to have a cancer nurse. Inflation has really affected them, so their services are costing more. They have no government funding whatsoever. It’s purely by donation. The money that they receive is going towards helping more people, particularly marginalised communities who are really affected by cancer.

Gok Wan and House Gospel Choir release ‘Deeper Love (A Tribute to Allison)’ on 13 December 2024 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Available to pre order here.

Visit here for more information on Macmillan Cancer Support.

The post Gok Wan on career milestones and championing LGBTQ+ visibility appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with activist and founder of Trans in the City, Bobbi Pickard, about ongoing ‘injustices’ faced by trans and non-binary people in business.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Bobbi Pickard is a prominent voice on trans and non-binary rights and has been campaigning for over 20 years.

In 2017, Bobbi founded Trans in the City, the largest organisation for trans and non-binary people in business. It was privilege speaking Bobbi Pickard, learning more about what motivates her and the inspirational work of Trans in the City.

What motivated you to campaign on trans and LGBTQIA+ rights?

Firstly, what I saw in business, is huge injustice. For example, injustice for trans and non-binary people in getting jobs and promotions. I’ve seen trans people paid less after transitioning. Secondly, I’ve been an activist for 23-years and when I first started campaigning, I lost a friend through suicide.

How did that impact you?

I can’t accept a society that makes people feel so bad about themselves, that they feel the only option is to take their own lives. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her and she was the person that helped me come out. I don’t know where she’s buried and I don’t know when her funeral was. It’s still an incredibly hard thing for me to deal with now. It made me want to try and make things better. Unfortunately, five other people I knew have taken their lives through suicide and so many other people have had their mental well-being ravaged by the way society treats trans and non-binary people.

Which areas concern you the most on trans rights?

The overarching problem is the amount of funding that is coming from right-wing organisations into media and government circles. We’ve seen the impact in court actions, the vilification of the trans and non-binary community and introducing fake threats, that trans women are supposed to be inflicting on society! That’s my main concern.

There’s an ongoing issue with access to healthcare and it’s not just around transitioning, it’s healthcare generally. Most trans and non-binary people won’t see a doctor because of the level of abuse they receive from clinicians, so trans and non-binary people are dying earlier because they’re not getting conditions diagnosed. We’ve seen hideous consequences from the push back on healthcare for young trans and non-binary people.

Can you briefly expand on how non-binary people are impacted?

For non-binary people, especially, there’s still no recognition for their identity. If you don’t recognise a person in your society, how can you afford them equal rights? There are so many areas where trans and non-binary people are not thriving but barely surviving.

Do you have a key tip on how we can be allies to trans people?

An ally isn’t just somebody who thinks what happening is wrong and it should be changed. That’s an interested bystander. An ally is somebody that stands up, defends and changes things. No minority in history has gained equality or more rights alone. A minority does not have that power. A minority has to raise the injustice, get the majority interested, but it’s the people in the majority that need to open the door for equality.

What about allyship within the LGBTQIA+ community?

Being an ally, you need to understand the power you have. In the LGBTQIA+ community, the people who are empowered to make a difference are white gay men. We need that group of the community to be really involved. There’s this misconception that people who aren’t trans can’t talk for trans people, but they absolutely can.

People who aren’t trans or non-binary can’t speak from lived experience, but it’s the job of an ally to amplify those trans voices, either directly or by saying what you’ve learned and been told. We need people to be our shield, amplify and support us. There’re so few trans and non-binary people, and so few that have the platform to be role models, a handful of people, so we need people to be allies.

How can people support Trans in the City?

If you’re an organisation then you can become a sponsor, if you’re a trans or non-binary individual you can join us as a member, if you’re an ally, we’ve got a very active allies’ stream. I’m extremely keen on building and empowering our allies’ group. We’re here as a collaboration. Our 350 global corporates and other businesses are here to work together and that’s the whole point of Trans in the City – come and join with us. Bring your ideas and we’ll collaborate with you. Trans and non-binary rights need everybody working together.

Follow Trans in the City and Bobbi Pickard on Instagram. 

The post ‘Trans and non-binary rights need everyone working together’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with BAFTA Award-winning presenter, author and columnist Dr Ranj about the importance of Pride and speaking up for minorities within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Every year Pride falls in June, but across the summer there are over 150 Pride events taking place in the UK. It was great chatting to Dr Ranj Singh, doctor, BAFTA Award-winning TV presenter and author to find out about his plans for 2024 and which issues he considers particularly important this year.

I began by asking Ranj why it’s important to mark Pride?

Pride is important all year round to me, but it’s good to have an anchor to organise our celebrations, campaigns and activism. Pride is getting more and more important because, in many places around the world and even in the UK, there is a move to reverse our rights. On top of that we still don’t have equality, especially if you’re trans. It feels like our identities are being weaponised, which I don’t think is fair or acceptable.

What was the first Pride you attended?

My very first Pride was 10 years ago this year, it was London Pride 2014. The hashtag was #FreedomTo. For me it was freedom to be myself, freedom to be happy, freedom to be healthy, freedom to be whoever I am and freedom for everybody else to do the same. I was on a bus in the parade, so it was a very special occasion. It was my first public experience of that level of validation, acceptance and understanding. It was joyous and it’s really nice that I get to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that.

Have Pride events become too corporate?

I think we ask ourselves this every year. Pride events have to be corporate, to some extent. Obviously, we must never forget what Pride is about: Pride is a celebration, it’s a protest, it’s activism, and it’s a way to highlight important issues and remind people that we are here. We deserve the same rights as everyone else. But Pride will always be corporate too. Firstly, we need the support of as many people as possible and that includes corporate organisations, which helps us to do a lot more. Secondly, these organisations have queer people as part of their workforce. And there are queer businesses and corporations that want to take part, and it is important to try to include everyone. I understand the concerns about pinkwashing though. I believe if an organisation is going to be part of Pride then they need to be part of it all year long.

Is there an issue you would like to highlight?

While LGBTQIA+ people may be regarded as a minority, there are minorities within our minority. There are queer people of colour, queer trans people, queer less able-bodied people. Whilst we strive for inclusion, let’s be careful about who we may be inadvertently excluding. For a long time, Pride has given a voice to a certain kind of queer person. We are a massively diverse community, full of lots of different people and not everyone gets a seat at the table. Let’s remember those people who don’t often get a chance to speak up as much as others. Let’s make sure that they are heard and seen and given a voice as well.

What would your advice be to someone attending Pride for the first time?

Have fun, enjoy it, take a moment to celebrate who you are, enjoy your community and your chosen family. No matter who you are, where you’re from, what your background, what your experience of being queer might be, just take a moment and enjoy Pride. Logistically speaking though, because I like to have my sensible hat on as well, make sure you’re safe and surrounded by people who will look after you. Make sure you are being careful, because it’s so easy to get carried away. And make sure you’ve got funds to get home and have somewhere to stay if you’re travelling down! Have fun, but be safe, be sensible, but above all be you!

The post Dr Ranj: ‘We need to make sure queer minorities are given a seat at the table’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with Richard Angell, the Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, about the recent developments in HIV medication. 

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Richard Angell is the Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s largest HIV charity. It was great catching up with him about the latest developments in HIV and what THT has planned for Pride across the summer.

How are demographics around HIV changing in the UK?

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) and those of Black-African heritage and it prays on the health inequalities in our society. As we hopefully near the end of the transmissible element of the epidemic and strive to end new cases by 2030, we are seeing the proportion of newly diagnosed MSM going down. This is because of great advances in testing, the adoption of PrEP and people living with HIV’s adherence to medication, particularly highest among those that are gay and bi. What we have also seen is that reduction not going down in other communities and proportionately they are now playing a much larger part in the newly diagnosed figures. We’ve had some developments in recent years changing how we report new diagnoses in the Latinx community, so we can really make sure we are understanding transmissions. In the last year we’ve seen younger queer people have a slight increase in new diagnoses and queer people that are Black or Asian see a small increase. We need to make sure that this doesn’t become a trend. We’re working hard to put HIV testing where those communities use the NHS. We have been very successful in certain A&E departments.

How can people best access sexual health services?

Sexual health services are funded by the government through the Public Health Grant and commissioned by local authorities, and we’ve seen that access diminishing because the fund is worth significantly less than when it was created (£1.4 billion less). You’re seeing sexual health clinics limit their opening hours, changing their provision and moving to online testing. Those services are capped or limited to certain demographics, different age ranges, or for certain viruses. Mpox further tipped the system over the edge and in truth it has barely recovered.

Can you explain this further?

We had a mystery shopper trying to use sexual health services across the UK and in 51% of instances they were turned away and encouraged to use online and postal services. Particularly those in rural areas, who live furthest from a sexual health clinic, have the longest wait lists and are least likely to be covered by a postal HIV service.

Can you tell us about the Infected Blood Inquiry?

This is the biggest public inquiry to date, looking into the four-decade long scandal where the NHS and the doctors that were looking to protect haemophiliacs and others who needed blood products were given products with viruses in them. From very early on they knew blood products could transmit hepatitis and that heat treatment could prevent the virus living in those products. That advice wasn’t heeded in the late 1970s and 1980s. We’ve seen through testimonies to the Inquiry, that doctors who were there to protect people were often conducting trials on their patients without their consent and that led to the transmission of viruses and people being infected with both hepatitis C and in some cases HIV. Many people have already passed away due to complications with those viruses. We’ve seen at different points the system be complicit in withholding information and not being transparent. We’ve seen remarkable campaigners and brave people continue to raise this issue and seek redress. No more victims or survivors should die before they’ve had justice.

What does THT have planned for the summer in terms of Pride events?

We’ll be at Pride events across the country engaging with our supporters and letting them know that it’s free and easy to test for HIV, that it’s always best to know your status, that being in control of your sexual health is something we can make easy. Also, that we haven’t ended this epidemic yet. Too often people go undiagnosed for too long and when they are diagnosed, they experience stigma in the system and we will not put up with this. Medicine means that the virus does not attack the immune system and that you can’t pass it on to your sexual partners or if you decide to have a baby. That is phenomenal and we must celebrate where we are, but as a country we are not deploying those tools sufficiently. We’ve got about 5,000 people across the country who are undiagnosed and about half of those are queer. It matters to us that everyone has access to testing and treatment. Some of those people may be visiting a Pride festival for the first time.

Head to the THT website to learn more.

The post ‘Shouldn’t everyone have access to testing and treatment for HIV?’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with Nancy Kelley, Director of Lesbian Visibility Week, about the 2024 celebration and the current issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN
HEADER BY YOSEF PHELAN

Nancy Kelley is an award winning LGBTQIA+ and human rights campaigner. She continues to be at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and is the Director of Lesbian Visibility Week.

I asked Nancy which women inspire her?

I get a lot of inspiration from LGBTQIA+ women and other marginalised women just living their day-to-day lives. I think it’s not always an easy road to travel, being a queer woman. I’m inspired by the people I meet down the shops and outside my kids’ school. Some of the people I’m working with on Lesbian Visibility Week are heroes of mine, like the team that runs Eurocentralasian Lesbian* Community. Here in the UK its folk like Char Bailey, who is so thoughtful and smart and of course, Linda Riley, who is a legend. Our movement is really blessed when it comes to amazing LGBTQIA+ women.

Are there three LGBTQIA+ issues you would like to highlight in relation to the UK?

Firstly, we’ve got a media and a politics which is absolutely mired in transphobia and it is causing so much real-world harm. The UK trans healthcare system is totally broken. We are talking about waiting lists stretching out year, after year, after year. Decades until someone has been able to access all the treatment that they need and want. We’ve also got a government which is putting forward proposals on trans children in school that will damage a whole generation, just as Section 28 did.

I went to school under Section 28 and the parallels are startling. Which other issues concern you?

When you look at the wider LGBTQIA+ community, hate crime levels are unacceptably high but also online hate is totally out of control. That’s especially worrying to me right now because of the way our community is getting politicised in the run up to a general election. There’s a huge need to get control of that machinery of hate. Then, it’s still legal to conduct conversion practices on LGBTQIA+ people in the UK. That is shameful. I could pick up the phone and call someone today who would offer to suppress or change my identity and we know that causes life long harm. These are some of the issues which really worry me. Until recently the UK was leading the world on LGBTQIA+ rights. We’ve become a cautionary tale about how far and fast a country can fall when it takes its eye off a human rights focus. We need to get back to where we were.

Can you tell us about Lesbian Visibility Week 2024?

For Lesbian Visibility Week 2024 we’re working with ILGA World, EL*C, GLAAD and Curve in the USA, to create a truly global celebration. Our theme for this year is “Unified Not Uniform” so the idea is that we’re really celebrating LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people who come from every walk of life, who come from every part of the world, but we’re also celebrating the fact that we’re a diverse community that has each other’s back. There are so many incredible events happening here in the UK and around the world. There are going to be fantastic campaign actions and community events that absolutely everybody can get involved with, so I would like everyone to go to the Lesbian Visibility Week website, download our activation pack, follow us on socials and get involved in what will be an uplifting celebration of our community.

Follow Nancy on Instagram.

Follow Lesbian Visibility Week on Instagram.

The post ‘The UK has become a cautionary tale about how far and fast a country can fall on LGBTQIA+ rights’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with Robbie de Santos, Director of Campaigns and Human Rights at Stonewall, about LGBT+ History Month and the need for a “comprehensive ban” on ‘conversion therapy’.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Stonewall is Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ charity. Robbie de Santos has worked at Stonewall for eight years and is their Director of Campaigns and Human Rights.

It was fantastic to sit down with Robbie and chat about some of the main LGBTQ+ issues impacting our community now.

I began by asking Robbie why LGBT+ History Month is important?

History is so important in helping us build a sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. We know LGBTQIA+ people have always been there, so making sure that everyone can see LGBTQIA+ people at great historical moments but also everyday lives is important for showing that we are a community that matters. We deserve to be visible and have our stories understood, as well as celebrating our identities. We have to do that actively, because no one will do it for us. Otherwise, we risk our stories being missed out of the main narrative.

Can you explain what we mean by a comprehensive ban on conversion practices?

Conversion practices are awful and can be quasi-medical, psychotherapeutic or spiritual, taking place in a range of settings. If you leave loopholes within legislation then the perpetrators of conversion practices will just find another way to carry on, because these are people who really want to cure or suppress LGBTQIA+ identities. By comprehensive we’re taking about the range of practices and settings, but also the range of identities. We can’t just have a gay conversion therapy ban – what about bi, trans or asexual people? No country around the world which has banned conversion practices in recent years has sought to protect one identity over another. Legislatures have recognised that bans need to be comprehensive to be effective.

How can hate crime legislation be strengthened to protect LGBTQIA+ people?

We’ve had hate crime laws which have been built up over a long time. Originally race or faith based hate crimes were considered aggravated for sentencing purposes. When hate crime legislation for sexual orientation, trans identities and on the basis of disability was introduced, the legislation didn’t allow for that higher level of sentencing. The Law Commission reported on this in November 2021, recommending parity across all hate crimes at the aggravated level. It’s quite a simple change, but we haven’t had a full response from the UK Government. There are amendments that we’ve worked with MPs to table at the Committee Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill. The question is whether the Home Office accept those amendments and make a significant difference to LGBTQIA+ people and disabled people who experience hate crime.

Can you tell us about some of the challenges faced by older LGBTQIA+ people in social care?

There’s a growing population of older LGBTQIA+ people and we’re talking about more than 100,000 people who are aged over 65 and many of them won’t need social care for a long time. There are many who need it now and are in it now. Some people will have read about Ted and Noel’s story. Ted was an early member of the Gay Liberation Front. His partner Noel died in a care setting a couple of years ago, but after experiencing awful homophobic abuse. Ted has been very powerful in telling the story of what Noel experienced and the difficulties in getting the regulator, care home provider and the council to take his concerns seriously. There was also a report by Compassion in Care which found more than 400 incidents of anti-LGBTQIA+ abuse in care. We think this is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s vital that we see action from the UK Government, the Care Quality Commission and care providers to stamp out anti-LGBTQIA+ abuse.

Which LGBTQIA+ historical figure is inspiring you this year?

I think of some of the founders of Stonewall, such as Michael Cashman, Lisa Power and Duncan Campbell. They are all continuing to play a vital role in the LGBTQIA+ movement, whether that is through investigative journalism, advocacy in the House of Lords or HIV leadership in Wales. All of them have been an incredible part of the movement, but continue to play their part. History is not just a moment in time.

The post “A ‘conversion therapy’ ban need to be comprehensive to be effective” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Philip Baldwin speaks with Ray Collins, Lord Collins of Highbury, about the importance of LGBTQIA+ History Month, the “extremely worrying” conservative rhetoric and the importance of ‘working together in solidarity’.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

February is LGBTQIA+ History Month. It was an honour to speak to Ray Collins, Lord Collins of Highbury, to discuss what the month means to him and some of the areas he thinks are important.

Ray has been a member of the House of Lords since 2011. He has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and supports many HIV charities. He is currently Shadow Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords. For many of us this feels like a bleak time, from global instability to the cost-of-living crisis and its vital we remember there are politicians out there, like Ray, who continue to fight the good fight.

Who is inspiring you this LGBTQIA+ History Month?

I wouldn’t restrict it to one person, but a person who regularly inspires me in terms of his constant activity and commitment is Michael Cashman, who’s in the House of Lords, a fellow Labour Peer. He was, of course, very active in the establishment of Stonewall and very active ever since in terms of promoting LGBTQIA+ rights. He’s been particularly committed on the “plus” side recently to ensure that people understand that we all need to act in solidarity, we need to celebrate difference and support people. He is an inspiration daily.

Why does it remain important that we have a month marking our history?

If we are to understand where we want to go, we need to understand where we’ve been. All the rights that we’ve won, all the acceptance that we’ve gained can easily be taken away and I think that’s why it’s really important to understand that journey and how those rights were won. We’ve seen, throughout the world, how rights that have been gained can be taken away.

Which legislation on LGBTQIA+ rights stands out for you as a turning point?

It’s a menu of rights. I don’t think there is one in particular – they were all incremental. One of the most important rights we gained was civil partnerships. The equal age of consent was important too. All of those things in themselves don’t represent equality under the law, but certainly when we finally reached same-sex marriage, the legislative journey we had been on all added up to that. For me, my own personal experience is civil partnership was the most important one, where I could legally declare my love for my partner and have established clear rights with my partner.

Have the Conservative government’s LGBTQIA+ policies been hijacked by culture wars?

I think that’s a danger. Where does the agenda for those culture wars end up? That’s what we need to be concerned about. Colleagues who are active in the Conservative Party’s LGBTQIA+ grouping are worried about that too. It’s important we celebrate the gains we’ve had. I think one of Stonewall’s key activities has been working across all parties. There is an all-party consensus on a lot of these rights. That is being attacked and broken down at the moment and the rhetoric that we hear from many members of the conservative government is extremely worrying. We need to address that and support those within the Conservative Party who are also concerned about that.

You are a patron of Positive East. Can you tell us about the great work of that charity?

It’s the longest established centre for supporting people living with or affected by HIV, including their friends and families. It provides a holistic approach, it’s not just about medical support, prevention, community activities – it’s been a whole host of things. It also reaches out to all communities affected by HIV and as a consequence changes attitudes towards HIV, particularly around stigma. It does great work and I hope it will continue that work for many years to come.

Follow Ray on X (formerly Twitter) here.

The post ‘LGBTQ+ people have to remember that our rights can be rolled back’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.