10 key moments in UK LBGTQ+ history
There is a lot to celebrate about LGBTQ+ diversity, equality and inclusion. Never has it been such a prevalent topic in the boardroom, company-wide, and in the media. But we are certainly not there yet. We are still fighting for justice and equality all over the world, and it’s important to recognise the journey we’ve been on.
Why am I so passionate? Because LGBTQ+ rights are fundamental basic human rights. And because I came out when I was 16, and I have plenty of my own experiences – both good and bad.
So, for those not familiar, here’s 10 key moments in UK LGBTQ+ history you should know about.
1) The Stonewall riots took place 53 years ago. They triggered the modern LGBT+ liberation movement across the world. The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a violent police raid on the Stonewall Inn, in Manhattan.
2) The first Pride event took place in London in 1972, inspired by the Stonewall riots. Pride events feel like a celebration and party now in the UK, but that is recent history. For many years they were hard core protest marches. I remember chanting “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it!” at plenty of pride marches.
During the rest of the 70’s and early 80’s there was significant progress with the first lesbian MP, the Lib Dems supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and the Gay Christian Movement being founded. But then…
3) Section 28 was introduced by Margaret Thatcher in 1988. The Act stated that a local authority "shall not promote the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship". This was a massive set-back with significant consequences. Section 28 was only repealed in the UK in 2003.
4) Same-sex attraction no longer classified as a mental illness in 1992 by the World Health Organisation. Yes, it took until 1992!
5) Armed forces ban on lesbians, gay men and bi people was lifted in 2000
6) The Equality Act outlawed discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in 2003 – protective legislation at last!
7) Gender Recognition Act put in place and Civil Partnerships for same-sex couples introduced in 2004
8) Equal marriage rights weren’t in place until 2014 though
9) Equal pension rights weren’t in place until 2017. That’s only 5 years ago.
10) Finally, positive messages about LGBTQ+ people, relationships and families became a mandatory part of the UK curriculum in schools in 2019. A massive step forward that gives me hope about the inclusiveness of future generations.
And the rest of the world? There are 71 countries where consensual adult same-sex sexual acts are a criminal offence, including 6 with the death penalty. There are 43 countries where, although not criminalised, there is no legal protection whatsoever against discrimination related to sexual orientation. There are only 11 countries where the LGBTQ+ community have constitutional protection; the UK is not one of them. The UK, along with 57 other countries, has broad but not constitutional protection.
So, what does all this mean? As a gay woman it means there are many countries I could never live or work in, and a lot of places my family and I could never go to on holiday. Also, to be honest, it scares me that the legitimacy of same sex marriages, same sex partner’s rights, and same sex couples’ parental rights, could hang in the balance depending on the political climate.
So, let’s celebrate the progress that has been made, and the diversity, inclusion and equity that we find in many communities and organisations. But let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep fighting until every single human feels safe and comfortable to be their true selves and has all their fundamental human rights protected and respected.