LGBT+ History Month 2025-02-13

Honoured the Minister's commitment to LGBT+ rights and highlighted the importance of allies supporting each other in the fight for equality. She praised Labour's historical contributions, such as decriminalising homosexuality and equalising the age of consent.

Mentioned a personal experience about his uncle who died from HIV in the 1990s. He emphasised the importance of ending stigma to prevent premature deaths like that of his uncle.

The LGBT+ community faces ongoing challenges, such as coming out to family or classmates being still difficult. In 2018, the previous Government introduced LGBT+ people into the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. The current guidance is under review with stakeholders engaged including parents, teachers and pupils. The Secretary of State for Education said in her first month that children’s wellbeing must be at the heart of any decisions on RSHE and gender-questioning guidance. She also discussed issues faced by LGBT+ veterans and personnel in the armed forces, highlighting the lifting of the ban in 2000 and recent actions to address its impacts.

Welcomed the Minister’s opening speech, emphasising the theme of activism and social change for LGBT+ History Month. Highlighted significant progress in legalizing gay marriage and compensating veterans who faced discrimination. Emphasised the importance of education on HIV and sexual health challenges facing young people. Discussed the Terrence Higgins Trust's role and its efforts to tackle stigmas and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Agreed with Mims Davies that education is key in tackling misconceptions about HIV, such as the myth of saliva transmission. Emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to educate young people on sexual health and HIV prevention.

I am incredibly disappointed that there are not more Members of the House present to hear what I know will be a really informative, heartfelt, genuine debate. The theme for LGBT+ History Month this year is activism and social change, but given what the LGBTQIA+ community is facing at the moment in the media and in political rhetoric, perhaps a more appropriate theme would be survival and existence. Some of the strongest, least snowflake people I could ever have in my life are from the LGBT community. They fight to be who they are, and they fight to exist now. We need to ensure that LGBT+ hate crime constitutes an aggravated offence in the same way as other hate crime offences. We need to bring forward a new HIV action plan. We need to right the wrongs endured by LGBT+ veterans. We need to modernise the law on gender recognition; fix the NHS and recruit 8,500 more mental health workers.

Recognised historical challenges in Scotland, highlighting progress made since the 1980s. Emphasised the need for continued support for LGBTQ rights and tackling hate crime. Mentioned the role of public figures in advancing LGBTQ equality.

Celebrated LGBT History Month, emphasising the importance of activism and continuing to fight against discrimination. Stressed that progress has been made but there is still a long way to go in protecting LGBTQ rights.

It is a privilege to speak in this debate about LGBT+ History Month. Growing up in the ’80s, I have seen significant progress in LGBT rights. We fought for equalising the age of consent between heterosexual and gay men in 1998 and against section 2A which prevented support for children with same-sex partners. Despite opposition from Brian Souter, Scotland repealed the law due to public support. Today, we celebrate significant improvements but recognise ongoing challenges.

LGBT History Month is a time to reflect on past struggles, especially growing up in the ’80s and ’90s when HIV/AIDS was terrifying due to lack of treatment. This led to stigma against gay communities disproportionately affected by AIDS.

Shared personal experiences with AIDS, highlighted advancements in treatment, and supported the Labour Government’s HIV action plan. Emphasised the need to address HIV not just within the LGBTQ+ community but across all demographics.

Paid tribute to the Minister for her work and acknowledged the contributions of other MPs in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Highlighted Nottingham's rich history of queer activism and celebrated progress while recognising ongoing challenges such as discrimination, homelessness, and rising hate crimes against trans people.

Recalled history of LGBT+ persecution in the UK, highlighted local Pride events like Scarborough's which had over 3000 participants since its restart in 2023. Emphasised ongoing abuse and discrimination against the community.

Celebrated everyday LGBT+ individuals who courageously lived their lives, leading to societal progress. Highlighted importance of banning conversion practices, making LGBT+ hate crime an aggravated offence, and modernising gender recognition laws.

Reflected on the history of LGBT+ persecution including HIV epidemic and section 28 law. Emphasised the importance of recognising past struggles while pushing for further progress in advancing LGBT+ rights.

Mims Davies acknowledges the importance of compassion, safety, fairness, and equality in discussing LGBT+ issues. She praises allies who support LGBT+ individuals and emphasises that rights are not a zero-sum game. Davies also mentions significant achievements under the Conservative government, including reducing HIV diagnoses by 73% and allowing people with undetectable HIV to join the military. She calls for parental involvement in RSHE (relationships, sex education) and advocates for women’s health needs.

She reminded us of her party’s achievements in government and the progress made there. She gave her full commitment to ending the transmission of HIV infections by 030.

The key message we heard from human rights campaigners from east Africa and global organisations was that we are experiencing LGBT history right now in the cuts to US Government funding being forced out by insidious transnational anti-rights campaigns. We must step up to fill the gap left by the US Government.

She undertook very difficult discussions on puberty blockers and reminded us of the importance of activism in stopping attitudes backsliding, especially regarding trans people. She supports the conversion practices ban.

Proud of her diversity and the importance of activism in stopping attitudes backsliding. Mentions tackling the increase in hate crime, especially transphobic hate. Introduced the conversion practices ban and an HIV action plan.

Talked about her activism particularly in Unison, equalising age of consent, and section 2A equivalent in Scotland. Mentioned many successes but also the fear people still live with.

Reflected on early ’80s HIV stigma and progress made on treatments. Worried about rowing back on LGBT rights and attacks on diversity, equality and inclusion. Supports the Office for Equality and Opportunity.

Stood up for women’s rights and trans people. Attacks on trans people are from sources that attack women’s rights too. Calls for action against discrimination, section 28, vilification.

Mentioned her predecessor Paul Latham and historic achievements since then. Described her dog in its rainbow outfit symbolising LGBT+ rights.

Talked about the power of Parliament and ordinary LGBT+ people living out their lives, confronting shame, standing up and being visible. We should never be complacent regarding progress.

Contrasted London from many years ago with Labour achievements since then but mentioned slowdown in progress and need to stand up for LGBT+ people. Mentioned the Employment Rights Bill.