As Portsmouth Pride approaches, I want to take a moment to reaffirm my commitment to support the LGBT+ community in our city.
Celebrating diversity is not just a one-day event; it’s a commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
Throughout the years, I have attended every Portsmouth Pride as a local resident, and last year, I had the immense privilege of participating in Portsmouth Pride as one of my first official engagements as our MP. Joining local volunteers aboard the pride bus and meeting stakeholders, local and national charities, and constituents, I was inspired by the incredible work being done by our city’s organisations and businesses to foster an inclusive community.
The passion and diversity in Portsmouth is what makes our city unique, and it was heartening to see so many people coming together to celebrate. So it’s great to see Pompey’s efforts recognised as a UK national Pride this year.
I’m proud of my party’s history of championing LGBT+ rights, and I am committed to continuing this legacy. It was Labour governments who:
- Scrapped Section 28 – We removed this discriminatory legislation that sought to silence discussions about LGBT relationships in schools and local authorities.
- Equal Age of Consent – We ensured that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, are treated equally under the law.
- Equality in Goods and Services – We made it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services.
- Carrying Equal Marriage – We fought for and achieved equal marriage rights, allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal recognition as heterosexual couples.
However, I do know this is a worrying and troubling time for many of our LGBT community, particularly for the trans community in Portsmouth. Many have raised concerns about the recent Supreme Court ruling, and I want to assure you that I am here to listen and to work with you, and in following this pledge, I have already brought together members of the trans community from Portsmouth North.
I also know that whilst we have made significant strides, there remains much work to be done. The Labour Party’s manifesto promises transformative change for LGBT+ people, acknowledging the urgent need to address the rising rates of hate crimes against members of the community. With hate crime based on sexual orientation up by 112% and transphobic hate crime by 186% over the last five years, Labour will make LGBT+ hate crime an aggravated offense.
Furthermore, we recognise the traumatic impact of conversion therapy, with up to 1 in 5 LGBT+ individuals having experienced this heinous practice. After years of broken promises from the Tory government, Labour is committed to delivering a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, and as many will know, work is already underway on this.
Trans individuals often face inadequate care through the NHS, and we will modernise the Gender Recognition Act, and as a government, we are committed to working to remove indignities and improve access to necessary healthcare services. Our commitment extends beyond specific LGBT+ issues; we will also address broader societal challenges that disproportionately affect members of the community.
Labour’s proposed civil service unit to tackle homelessness offers hope for the 24% of the youth homeless population who identify as LGBT+. Mental health remains a pressing crisis across the country, particularly for LGBT+ individuals. To improve access to mental health support, Labour will recruit 8,500 new NHS mental health staff.
In addition to these efforts, the government has taken significant steps to support LGBT+ veterans, particularly regarding compensation for historic wrongs. Aimed at addressing historical injustices and providing necessary support for mental health challenges that many veterans in the LGBT+ community encounter. It is a commitment to acknowledge their sacrifices and ensure they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
As we prepare for Portsmouth Pride, let us celebrate our progress while acknowledging the journey ahead. I want members of our LGBT+ community to know that I am dedicated to championing your voices in Westminster, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued, safe, and supported. Together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Thank you to all the volunteers and organisations that are working tirelessly to make Portsmouth Pride a success this year and every year. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and I look forward to joining you in the celebrations.
