LGBT rights around the world
Marking IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia), the Guardian recently published a series of interactive graphics illustrating the current state of LGBT rights across the world. It really illuminates the ‘Lots done. Lots to do.‘ statement from Stonewall (as they marked their 25th year of existence).
In the grand scheme of equal rights, the UK is doing well with non-discrimination rights for LGBT people, anti-homophobia laws and legalised same-sex marriage. Many people question why campaigning is still necessary; these graphics illustrate that we are far from the end of our pursuit towards equality. Whilst on the face of it, a simple deduction would be that the journey continues elsewhere in the world but not here in the UK, more detailed graphics from ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) show that we too still have legal obstacles to surmount. In addition, whilst my partner and I can happily walk hand in hand on the streets of York, it’s rare to see others do the same, we are conscious of when and where we are, and in less liberal towns and cities we might not be so confident: the culture of acceptance is not quite there yet, and certainly not omnipresent. It is for these reasons that York St John University is proud to support and sponsor York Pride 2014, and why we will be there in the parade and with a stall at the main event. We hope to see you there!
