Issue #43 Monday, 13 May 2024
Dear ,
Welcome to the latest issue of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories that you need to know about right now. Firstly, remember that this Friday, 17 May, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), which was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Here are your LGBT Great three updates and your five news stories below: 1 – Increase awareness in your organisation throughout Pride 2024 2 – The Sister Act Charity Gala this Thursday, 16 May 3 - Join us on Wednesday, May 29th, for your allyship guide launch Kicking off Pride! Join us in collaboration with L&G for an insightful exploration of allyship featuring personal interviews, followed by a delightful drink reception! Register for Allyship Unmasked Thank you for reading. Watch out for our next Digest issue on Monday 27 May. Best wishes, LGBT Great Team ___ Enjoyed this Digest? Click HERE to provide your feedback. |
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| 1. New report reveals asset owners prioritise DE&I for better business performance |
| On 17 April 2024, Pensions for Purpose released a report in partnership with Jupiter Asset Management focusing on DE&I in the asset management industry. It found that all asset owners surveyed believed that 1) DE&I correlates with business performance and 2) DE&I has been actively integrated into their business models. _____ Our View: These findings remain consistent with previous literature around the benefits of having a diverse workforce and an inclusive organisational culture. For example, a 2020 Mckinsey report found that diverse companies were more likely to outperform peers on profitability. Additionally, LGBT Great's proprietary data also indicates that LGBTQ+ inclusive hiring remains a priority for organisations in the financial services industry and beyond.
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| 2. Iraq passes new anti-LGBTQ+ law |
| On 27 April 2024, the Iraqi government passed a new law criminalising any same-sex relations with up to 15 years in prison. The law extends to trans people with a prison sentence between 1-3 years for people who change their "biological gender" or dress in an “effeminate manner”. _____ Our View: A Human Rights Watch report published in 2022 documented cases of attempted murder, torture and sexual harassment of LGBTQ+ people by armed groups and the police force, revealing the grave dangers that LGBTQ+ community in Iraq continue to face. This new law will only exacerbate these dangers for LGBTQ+ Iraqis.
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| 3. GLAAD’s new report shows 2% decrease in number of LGBTQ+ characters on TV |
| GLAAD released its annual report titled ‘Where we are on TV’ revealing a 2% drop (10.6% in 2023 to 8.6% in 2024) in LGBTQ+ characters featured in primetime scripted broadcasts. 50% of those LGBTQ+ characters were people of colour. _____ Our View: In our 2023 report, Seeing is Believing, found that LGBTQ+ people were much more likely to find role models in the media than non-LGBTQ+ people. This insight highlights the crucial role the media plays in affirming the identity of LGBTQ+ people and other marginalised groups.
To learn more about the importance of role models for the LGBTQ+ community, sign up to our industry-facingwebinars during Pride month where we discuss the findings from the report in detail.
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| 4. Mexican Senate passes bill to ban conversion therapy |
| On 25 April 2024, the Mexican Senate passed a bill in favour of banning conversion therapy nationally. The bill passed with a 77-4 vote, with 15 abstaining. _____ Our View: Only 5 out of the 32 federal entities in Mexico had previously banned the pseudoscientific practice, which attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
This crucial step will significantly expand protections for the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico, but hinges on approval from the President.
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| 5. Kenyan court bans anti-gay protests |
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On 29 April 2024, the Mombasa High Court barred any form of anti-gay protests by ruling that politicians, clerics and anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups could not hold homophobic protests or engage in incitement. _____ Our View: This decision comes amidst rising concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, fuelled by the introduction of the "Family Protection Bill" in 2023 parliamentary session which mirrors the draconian anti-LGBTQ+ law enforced in Uganda recently. Additionally, data collected during 2019 as part of the World Values Survey revealed that 65% of Kenyans did not think homosexuality was ‘justifiable’, highlighting the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment pervasive in the nation.
The court's judgement stands as a rebuke against LGBTQ+ discriminatory rhetoric, marking a positive step forward. |
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Disclaimer The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by LGBT Great and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the newsletter or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the newsletter for any purpose. All the quotations in the news are presented as originally published. LGBT Great does not necessarily share the views of the quoted authors and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information or quality of the analysis provided by them. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. |
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