Why supporting LGBTQI people matters now more than ever

29 Jun 2020 04:26 PM

Blog posted by: , 29 June 2020 – Categories: Diversity and InclusionPride month.

June is Pride month, an important time of the year to promote the dignity, equality and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a social group.

It is also a time when LGBTQI allies, like me, need to be extra noisy about why this still matters, and how you can help make a change.

It is tempting to think of  LGBTQI issues as a thing of the past. The data tells a different story. 72 countries around the world still criminalise same-sex relationships, with eight still carrying the death sentence. Over a quarter of the world’s population (29%) believes that people in same-sex relationships should be charged as criminals.

In the UK the story is similarly bleak, with homophobic and transphobic hate crimes, including stalking, harassment and violent assault, doubling in England and Wales between 2014 and 2019.

For LGBTQI staff in MoJ, the champions, networks and allies work hard to protect our colleagues and to champion the right to equality, fair treatment, and for everyone to be able to be themselves at work. 

For people who would like to be more active supporters of LGBTQI rights, please remember that you don’t need to pass an exam to become an ally, you just need to believe in fairness and equality. Here are a few things you can do to help and what I feel is important for me to lead by example and encourage for my team in MoJ Digital and Technology:

Finally, for people who still hold homophobic views, or who think this issue gets too much attention: try to learn. It is okay to change your mind on things, and I promise this will enrich your life. Everyone has a right to be themselves at work, and should expect to be accepted by everyone.

The MoJ is proud to be Stonewall’s 5th most inclusive employer for LGBT+ community in the UK.