Issue #54
Welcome to issue 54 of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories you need to know about right now. As always, here are 3 tools and updates for you: 1 –🏆Award Win: LGBT Great was awarded ‘Best Industry Partner’ at the 2024 PIMFA Diversity and Inclusion Awards at the Intercontinental Hotel in London last Thursday. Help us to spread the word by sharing our LinkedIn post. 3 – 🚀 Event in Edinburgh: Join us on October 24th for a special in-person reception, sponsored by M&G, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh. Connect with leaders from various employers in the region – a great opportunity to network with peers. Don’t miss out! Ticket Registration Here. 3 –💡 Transgender Awareness Week: Join us on November 13th for a webinar focused on understanding Transgender and Non-Binary identities. Learn how to develop inclusive policies, improve recruitment processes, and foster a supportive work environment. Register Here. Check out this issue’s five news stories below and watch out for our next Digest issue on Monday 28th October. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is dedicated to providing any assistance you may need. The LGBT Great Team Enjoy reading our News Digests? Take 1 minute to provide your feedback HERE. |
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| 1. Research finds DEI initiatives during certain presidencies can affect bottom lines |
| A University of New Hampshire study found that corporate DE&I initiatives targeting underrepresented groups saw greater stock price gains during U.S. presidential administrations perceived as unfriendly to those groups. The study analysed stock performance during the Obama and Trump presidencies, revealing that DE&I efforts were more financially rewarding under administrations that were less supportive of these communities. _____ Our View: This study's findings are timely with the upcoming presidential elections, but less relevant in today's environment where DE&I initiatives are being cut due to fears of legal challenges under a potential Trump administration. A Democratic victory could restore DE&I support, leaving the future of corporate inclusion uncertain until November 5.
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| 2. New data puts goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 at risk |
| On 1 October 2024, UKHSA released new data revealing that the number of people who were diagnosed with HIV in England (excluding people previously diagnosed abroad) had increased by 15% from 2,451 in 2022 to 2,810 in 2023. Experts say this puts the goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 in jeopardy. _____ Our View: Despite setbacks, 98% of diagnosed HIV cases in England are virally suppressed, meaning transmission is impossible. Testing among men who have sex with men has risen by 34% since 2019 but has decreased for heterosexual men and bisexual women. A 3% knowledge gap on HIV transmission remains, highlighting the need for education to meet the 2030 goal.
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| 3. Georgia signs anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law |
| On 03 October 2024, the Speaker of the Georgian parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, signed the anti-LGBTQ+ “family values” bill into law after President Salome Zurabishvili’s refusal to do so. The law bans Pride events, public display of the Pride flag, LGBTQ+ media & books, gender transition, adoption by gay and transgender people and nullifies same-sex marriages performed abroad within Georgian territory. _____ Our View: Despite hopes that President Zurabishvili would veto the bill, the parliament speaker has enacted it, worsening conditions for Georgia's LGBTQ+ community. The tragic killing of trans woman Kesaria Abramidze, occurring after the bill’s approval, highlights the dangers now facing the community.
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| 4. New study affirms conversion therapy puts LGBTQ+ people at greater risk of poor mental health |
| On 30 September 2024, researchers from Stanford School of Medicine published a new study analysing data from 4400 LGBTQ+ Americans. It found that the highest levels of anxiety, depressive and PTSD symptoms were reported by participants who received the pseudoscientific 'conversion therapy' for gender identity alone. The highest levels of suicidality were reported for the ones that had undergone both sexual orientation and gender identity conversion practices. _____ Our View: This study supports previous findings from the Williams Institute, showing that people subjected to 'conversion therapy' face significantly higher risks of suicidal thoughts and planning. Major medical groups, including the APA and BPS, have condemned the practice. Despite its harm, only 16 countries have bans, with the UK still lacking one. Protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from these damaging practices is essential for their well-being and authenticity.
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| 5. Uganda HRC asks government to decriminalise homosexuality |
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On 26 September, the state-funded Ugandan Human Rights Commission asked President Museveni’s government to decriminalise homosexuality and other 'victimless crimes'. _____ Our View: The HRC's statement offers hope for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda, where the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes severe penalties, including prison and death. International condemnation has led to sanctions. The HRC’s first public call for decriminalization signals a potential shift in dialogue and hope for repealing this unjust law. |
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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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