As February draws to a close, so does LGBTQ+ history month, an initiative that attempts to reverse a previous anti-gay education law.
As part of the Local Government Act 1988, Section 28 diminish the representation of LGBTQ+ within education and ban teaching that ‘intentionally promote[d] homosexuality’. 20 years after its repeal, School’s OUT’s movement is making strides in trying to reform the way LGBTQ+ history and contribution are taught, shining a light on their underrepresented work.
This year’s theme is ‘Behind the lens’ and aims to celebrate the contribution of LGBTQ+ individuals within the film and TV industry. Have attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community really changed?
In 2022, transgender hate crimes rose by 56% within a year, while hate crimes targeting individuals’ sexual orientations rose by 42%. Seen when, earlier this month, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was killed in an alleged ‘targeted attack’. 2023’s LGBTQ history month also marks a year since three people were convicted of murdering Dr. Gary Jenkins in a homophobic attack in Cardiff’s Bute Park in July 2021. With acts of violence a regular occurrence, it cannot be denied that measures need to be taken to secure the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
On February 7th, the Welsh Government launched its LGBTQ+ action plan which details how the government aims to advance equality and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Wales is said to envision itself as becoming the most LGBTQ-friendly nation in Europe and the plan details the policy-specific actions, from housing and education to promoting community cohesion, to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The action plan is part of a commitment made in the Cooperation agreements between Welsh labour and Plaid Cymru. Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said: ‘The plan is ambitious but with hope at its heart. We are committed to meaningful change for LGBTQ+ communities, creating a society and country where LGBTQ+ people are safe to live and love authentically, openly, and freely as ourselves.’
More LGBTQ+ movements and events are being developed in Wales. Caerphilly will host its first-ever Pride march to commemorate Pride Month in June. Mas ar y Maes, a Welsh-language movement that partners with the National Eisteddfod, is hoping to develop an Eisteddfod specifically for LBGT+ competitors. While these proactive actions and movements are steps in the right direction, will the LGBTQ+ community have to wait even longer to see these attitudes reflected in all aspects of society?