Issue #20 Monday, 12 June 2023
Dear Subscriber,
Welcome to the latest issue of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories you need to know about right now.
We are now in Global Pride Month and wanted to share a brief reminder of some of the training and awareness programmes LGBT Great is offering throughout June to Members and Non-Members alike:
1. The Importance of Pride: An Introduction to LGBTQ+ DE&I This introductory session supports teams and organisations of all sizes to understand the historical context surrounding Pride before exploring an introduction to LGBTQ+ inclusive language and what it means to be an ally in 2023. Click here for more info
2. A Bedrock of Solidarity: LGBTQ+ Pride and Intersectional Allyship Intersectionality refers to the overlapping aspects of one’s identity and the corresponding instances of power and marginalisation that occur at the intersections of those dimensions. In this session, we explore how the concepts of LGBTQ+ Pride, intersectionality, and allyship overlap and offer a series of suggestions to support allies to be even more impactful during Pride month and beyond. Click here for more info
3. Seeing is Believing: The Power of Role Models and Visibility
Finally, we are gearing up for our second annual Together With Pride event on 1 July in London to celebrate Pride 2023. Click here to join the waiting list.
Best wishes,
The LGBT Great Team |
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| 1. Human Rights Campaign declares LGBTQ+ emergency in the US |
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On 06 June 2023, the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ folks living in the United States. This is the first time such a warning has been given since in the 40 years since the HRC was founded. _____ Our View: During the 2023 US legislative session, a total of 491 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced, and over 75 of them have already been enacted into law. A recent IPSOS LGBTQ+ study (June 2023) reveals that public opinion in the United States regarding trans and non-binary rights is amongst the most conservative compared to 30 other surveyed countries. This state of emergency warning by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is not unexpected; rather, it highlights the significant risks and legal setbacks being faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the US. |
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| 2. Latvia elects first openly gay president |
| On 31 May 2023, Latvian lawmakers appointed their long-serving foreign minister Edgars Rinkēvičs, as the new President. He received 52 votes from the legislature, making him the first openly gay head of state in the Baltic region. _____ Our View: In late 2022, a draft was presented to the Latvian parliament to advocate for the recognition of same-sex couples, resulting in civil unions being granted to same-sex partners. The situation in Latvia has now taken another positive step towards fuller LGBTQ+ inclusion with the election of an openly gay President. We expect that Rinkēvičs' agenda will include increased protections for LGBTQ+ Latvians.
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| 3. Japanese court rules banning same-sex marriage in a "state of unconstitutionality" |
| On 30 May 2023, the Nagoya District Court ruled that the disallowance of same-sex marriage is in a ‘state of unconstitutionality’, but did not call the ban unconstitutional itself. The court said that current marriage laws were “in a state that violates” a section of article 24 of the constitution that refers to “individual dignity and equality of the sexes”, _____ Our View: Five district courts have now reviewed this and have arrived at three different conclusions. Two courts said that the same-sex marriage ban was expressly unconstitutional; two other courts said that it was in a ‘state of unconstitutionality’ and the final one ruled it as being constitutional. These rulings paint an ambiguous picture for the future of LGBTQ+ marriage equality in Japan. Japan remains under immense international pressure for being the only G7 country that does not permit same-sex marriage.
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| 4. Thai PM frontrunner promises to legalise same-sex marriage |
| On 04 June 2023, Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party vowed to pass legislation legalising same-sex marriage within 100 days of taking office. Limjaroenrat is expected to become Thailand’s next Prime Minister, _____ Our View: Despite the legality of same-sex relations in Thailand, same-sex couples continue to lack the same level of legal protections afforded to heterosexual couples. However, it seems that is about to change, with the Move Forward Party and its leader having clearly signalled LGBTQ+ equality as one of their top priorities once they assume office.
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| 5. The UK ranks as one of the least friendly countries for trans people |
| A new Ipsos LGBTQ+ report which surveyed 22,000 people across 30 countries found that Britons were one of the least supportive populace for trans protections. Only 47% British respondents believed teens should have access to gender affirming care compared with highs of 75% in Thailand. _____ Our view: England & Wales reported an increase of 56% in transgender hate crimes throughout 2021 and 2022, with 4,355 hate crimes being reported in 2021/22. A recent Government Equalities Office report found that 88% transgender hate crimes go unreported.
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| Together With Pride 2023 | | Sponsored by the Diversity Project | 
| Jul 1, 2023
(10:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
(GMT+1) |
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| 100 Wardour St
England, United Kingdom |
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| A vibrant and joyous celebration of identity, where you can let your hair down, be yourself, and revel in the uplifting atmosphere. An incredible opportunity to forge new friendships, dance to the beats of infectious music, and immerse yourself in the spirit of Pride.
So, let loose, be proud, and join us in this extraordinary celebration of love, acceptance, and self-expression!
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Applications for new Corporate Members are opening again. If you would like to find out more about the membership options with LGBT Great, get in touch today via this short form. |
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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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