Blog
Football fans around the world are currently gearing up for the 2022 Men’s World Cup, which is only days away.
With all the brilliant support we’ve had for our Rainbow Laces campaign, we’re feeling sporty too – but this time of excitement has been shadowed by huge concern for the welfare of LGBTQ+ players and fans alike.
The decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has already faced wide criticism over the country’s persecution and criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people, which sees those engaging in same-sex relationships threatened with fines and time in prison, or even the death penalty under some circumstances.
Widespread concern about the well-being of players and fans travelling to watch the tournament has prompted the Football Association (FA) to seek and share their assurances that LGBTQ+ people will be able to attend safely under an “enabling law,” which would mean that “minor offences” are not prosecuted. However, full clarity as to what a minor offence entails has yet to be given, with the first match merely days away – and LGBTQ+ fans should not be expected to accept that their right to simply be themselves is a “minor offence” to be overlooked.
There has been some reassurance from the FA that actions such as holding hands or waving a rainbow flag at a match will be allowed, but this is little consolation to fans considering putting their welfare on the line to attend. Alongside reports that not all FIFA-recommended hotels in Qatar will accommodate same-sex couples, this is not an environment where LGBTQ+ people can reasonably be expected to feel safe or included.
A statement put out by several fan clubs worldwide including Three Lions Pride (England) and The Rainbow Wall (Wales) in April noted that “all we have unfortunately seen from those in charge are slogans not safety.” They also mention seeing “no details about how our trans+ members will be treated with respect through security checks.” Fan-led campaign No Pride Without All expresses similar views, stating “There is no Pride at a World Cup that criminalises human rights.”
This is not to mention the experiences of LGBTQ+ Qatari people or people living in Qatar, who have risked punishment for sharing their views and experiences online in the run-up to the World Cup. Dr Nas Mohamed, now seeking asylum in the US, spoke out about the “psychological abuse for being an LGBT person,” as well as “systemic oppression,” and a “frightening conversion therapy programme,” that Qatari LGBTQ+ people face year-round.
Here at Stonewall, we believe in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves, and can enjoy sport as either a fan or participant, free from fear of discrimination. But LGBTQ+ people in Qatar are being failed. Now is the time for us all to stand up, call out persecution, and demand better. This is a critical time to support the rights and wellbeing of sports players and fans across the globe.
If you agree, join our Proud Stadium and stand with LGBTQ+ people in Qatar this World Cup season. Wherever you are, you can shine a light on the injustices faced by many in Qatar and around the world. By spotlighting these injustices and standing with our friends, family and colleagues for equality, we can help build pressure on leaders across the world to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights.
For over two centuries, LGBTQ+ people have been excluded from the Census.
Now, after two decades of campaigning, the number of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and asexual people in England and Wales has been counted in the Census 2021 for the very first time.
The Census results don’t just give visibility to a section of the population who have long been hidden – although that alone would be reason enough to celebrate. This data will help us campaign more effectively to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in different areas of our lives – from improving access to healthcare to tackling homelessness. With our communities now more visible in data, we will be able to better understand the issues facing us regionally and nationally – and campaign for the right solutions, backed up with evidence.
The results of the Census are already helping LGBTQ+ people across England and Wales feel more seen and joyful, and as the year rolls on, even more data will be released that will enhance our understanding of the make-up of our communities and the challenges we face. Until then, here are five things that you might have missed from the initial Census data drop!
1. There are nearly as many bi and pan people as there are lesbian and gay people.
In England and Wales, there are 736,000 bi and pan people, and 748,000 gay and lesbian people. Yet, our 2020 LGBT in Britain survey found that only 20% of bisexual people are out to their families compared to 63% of gay and lesbian people. Along with the negative attitudes and behaviours experienced by many LGBTQ+ people, bi people also experience erasure. Stemming from assumptions around what LGBTQ+ people look like, and assumptions of their orientation based on the gender of a person’s current partner, this can create a secondary layer of discrimination. The results of this Census highlight the need to tackle bi erasure and provide specific support for the bi community.
Learn more on our bi hub.
2. 0.5% of the population have a gender identity that is different from the one they were assigned at birth.
This figure is in line with what we expected to see for the trans and non-binary population in England and Wales, based on comparable data from Canada. Within this, some may be surprised to learn that the number of trans women and trans men is almost exactly the same – each accounting for 0.1% of the population, with a slightly smaller proportion identifying as non-binary at 0.06%. A small but vulnerable minority group, trans people deserve our solidarity and support.
Hear from trans and non-binary people via our trans hub.
3. There are 28,000 people in England and Wales who identify as asexual.
Ace people have always been part of the LGBTQ+ community but are often erased and ignored. Now, the results of this Census highlight that there are a significant number of individuals in England and Wales who belong to this community, and who deserve recognition and support.
Find out more about how to be an ally to asexual people.
4. LGBTQ+ people live and participate in every part of the country, rural and urban.
The Census is proof that LGBTQ+ people are not just bound to big cities – we can see representation in every community across England and Wales. This highlights the need for LGBTQ-inclusive events and support in all areas, and the importance of uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals based outside of big cities.
5. Brighton and Hove is the most LGBTQ+ place!
Brighton and Hove has the smallest proportion of cisgender-heterosexual individuals in its population out of any local authority in England and Wales. Home to countless LGBTQ+ venues, charities, and support services – and the site of one of the UK’s largest Pride parades – the community in Brighton strive to create a welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, and to raise awareness for our communities in the process.
Find out how many LGBTQ+ people are in your neighbourhood, and share why you are #ProudToBeCounted on social media and with your networks!
Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March.
It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.
It also provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and realistic representation – and for allies to learn more about how they can stand in solidarity. Visibility is crucial. Without exposure to others who think, feel, and live in a similar way to us – especially for those who exist outside of society’s norms – we can feel lost and alone. Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.
Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.
When learning about trans and non-binary experiences, it’s important to understand the diversity of this community. We can only do this by listening directly to trans and non-binary voices, and by learning about our history. This year, we’re spotlighting a range of trans stories from the UK and beyond. Hear from trans couple, Jack and Hannah Graf, about their journey into parenthood. Explore the very common misconception that all trans people have had, or must undergo, surgery in order to be valid in their identity. Or learn about the history of Berlin’s Institute of Sexology, one of the first institutes in the world to offer gender-affirming surgeries to trans patients.
It’s also crucial for Western communities to broaden our understanding of trans identities on a global scale.
It’s also crucial for Western communities to broaden our understanding of trans identities on a global scale. This helps us recognise and unlearn Eurocentric understanding of gender, to understand the long-lasting impacts of colonialism on citizens of post-colonial countries, and to challenge ongoing racial injustices worldwide. After all, trans and non-binary identities are not new or unique to any one demographic.
While communities around the world may use different terminology, gender-variance has long existed, persisted, and thrived. One such culture and community are the Hijras in South Asia. The West may group these women as transgender, intersex, or as castrated men, but in South Asia, the Hijra have been historically categorised as a third gender. While this categorisation provides certain safeties, the community are socially excluded and kept on the extreme margins of society. This leaves them both extremely visible and eternally invisible. While they often perform at events and bless babies, they also struggle to find secure employment, and many make a living through unsafe sex work.
This Trans Day of Visibility, we’re happy to share a short film by documentary film-maker Lily Vetch that offers direct insight into the Hijra experience, featuring an interview with Dhaka-based Rani Chowdhury and scenes of dance rehearsals with a male partner. With so much harmful rhetoric in mainstream media presenting trans and non-binary identities as a novel trend, today we’re drawing attention to the rich and diverse history encompassed under the trans umbrella, and amplifying the voices and experiences of the most marginalised members of the community.
Without action – and true systemic change that supports the needs of the trans community – visibility can easily create further instability.
So, visibility is important. But is it enough? While positive representation can lead to wider acceptance in society, trans people also experience concerted pushback. We’ve seen dozens of examples of anti-trans legislation sweeping through different states across the US in recent months, and trans people’s identities are treated merely as a debating topic in the UK media. Without action – and true systemic change that supports the needs of the trans community – visibility can easily create further instability.
Today, we all have a role to play. Along with sharing trans peoples’ stories far and wide, make sure to support campaigns and mutual aid networks, so that in future trans people can be more than simply visible – they can thrive.
Follow us across social channels to listen to, and learn, from the stories we are spotlighting today.
Visit our Trans Hub.
Photo: Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans
The practical and financial costs that face many LGBTQ+ people who want to have children are unfair and must be challenged.
In this article, we explore how improving access to IVF will remove barriers for those looking to conceive, particularly lesbians, bi women and some trans people.
Where we stand
Stonewall and DIVA’s 2021 LGBTQI+ Insight Survey 2021 found that 36% of respondents who had children experienced barriers or challenges when starting their family. One in five of those stated that the greatest barrier or challenge was the high cost of private fertility treatment.
Currently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that funded access to IVF in England is only available to women ‘who have not conceived after two years of regular unprotected intercourse or 12 cycles of artificial insemination (where six or more are by intrauterine insemination)’.
The UK Government’s 2022 Women’s Health Strategy pledged to remove additional financial barriers to In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) for female same-sex couples in England. This included the requirement to pay for artificial insemination (Intrauterine insemination or IUI) to prove fertility status before accessing IVF services. But we’re still waiting - only four of the 42 integrated care bodies have made this change as of April 2024 and no changes have been made in the past year.
Local ICBs choose how to delegate NHS funding – and many regional health boards in England still require female same-sex couples to self-fund at least six cycles of IUI before they are eligible for NHS IVF treatment. Others even require up to 12 cycles of self-funded artificial insemination – this is far beyond what is recommended in guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
While lots of couples will conceive using IUI, the costs quickly rack up for those who don’t. Let’s start to add up the costs:
- IUI costs between £350-£1,600 per cycle at a private clinic, and same-sex female couples usually have to pay for 6-12 IUI cycles privately before they can access NHS services.
- 90% of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England are still falling short of the Women’s Health Strategy’s commitment to 'relieve additional burdens [for same-sex female couples]' looking to form a family of their own.
- 19% of ICBs in England still require up to 12 self-funded cycles of artificial insemination (IUI) before offering any further support – meaning that female same-sex couples have to pay up to £25,000 before accessing NHS-funded IUI or IVF support.
- Accessing IVF is a ‘postcode lottery’ – meaning couples living in different areas could face additional hurdles when trying to conceive.
This policy creates significant practical and financial barriers for prospective parents, particularly lesbians, bi women and some trans people. Including additional costs, a couple who needed to fund twelve IUI cycles could have to spend up to £25,000 before being eligible for NHS care. For many, this cost is impossible to afford.
What needs to change?
Ensuring equitable access to NHS funding for IVF will mean that starting a family won’t be so inaccessible for our communities.
We know that better access to fertility services can be achieved – in Scotland, up to six cycles of IUI are funded for all couples, provided they meet the nationally agreed NHS criteria. In 2018, 70% of IUI cycles and 40% of IVF cycles for female same-sex couples were funded in Scotland. In Wales, 14% of IUI cycles and 31% of IVF cycles were funded in the same year. Clearly, there’s a lot of progress to be made across all areas of the UK.
Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans are a lesbian couple highlighting the human impact of the current restrictions: “We were shocked and devastated to discover the discrimination that lesbian couples and bisexual women face in starting their family. Our local NHS policy states that female same-sex couples must self-fund 12 rounds of artificial insemination, 6 of which must be IUI in a private clinic. As we have chosen a sperm donor from a sperm bank, our only option is to have artificial insemination in a private fertility clinic.
“Female same-sex couples are being forced to pay tens of thousands of pounds in artificial inseminations in expensive private clinics to prove that they are infertile before they are eligible for any fertility treatment on the NHS. However, cis heterosexual couples can qualify for IVF on the NHS if they have not become pregnant after two years of unprotected sex. While this is a long time, it is at no additional financial cost."
LGBTQ+ people deserve the same help to become parents as everybody else. We must ensure that lesbians, bi women, and other LGBTQ+ people who want to conceive should have equitable access to NHS-funded care.
Make access to IVF equal - email your MP today.
Donate to support our campaign for fertility equality.
References
Everyone deserves the chance to start a family, no matter their sexuality or gender identity.
Unfortunately, as things stand, there are significant practical and financial costs facing many LGBTQ+ people who want to have children. A survey of LBTQ+ women and non-binary people conducted by Stonewall and DIVA magazine found that 36% of respondents who had children had experienced barriers or challenges when starting their family. One of these barriers lies in unequal access to IVF treatment, including the fact that policies vary dramatically across the UK.
Accessing IVF is still a postcode lottery.
The UK Government’s 2022 Women’s Health Strategy pledged to remove additional financial barriers to In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) for female same-sex couples in England. This included the requirement to pay for artificial insemination (Intrauterine insemination or IUI) to prove fertility status before accessing IVF services. In October 2023, Health Under-Secretary Maria Caulfield, said that the implementation of this commitment was a priority area and that it “will not take 10 years for the changes to be implemented.”
However, many regional Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England still require female same-sex couples to self-fund at least six cycles of IUI before they are eligible for NHS IVF treatment. Others even require up to 12 cycles of self-funded artificial insemination – this is far beyond what is recommended in guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). In fact, only four of the 42 integrated care bodies have made this change as of April 2024 and no changes have been made in the past year.
With intra-uterine insemination (IUI) costing between £350-£1,600 per cycle at a private clinic, a couple who needed to fund twelve IUI cycles and associated medical fees could have to spend up to £25,000 before being eligible for NHS care. For many in England, this cost is impossible to afford. You can find out more about IVF policies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in this article.
This lack of equitable access to NHS funding for IVF means that conceiving children isn’t an option for lots of people in our communities. With many cis, straight couples qualifying for IVF on the NHS if they have not become pregnant after two years of unprotected sex – at no additional financial cost – this is just another way in which LGBTQ+ individuals are discriminated against in society. Policies around IVF particularly impact bi women, lesbians, and some trans people. You can read more about the unequal burden of proof on LGBTQ+ couples in this article.
Supporting queer families benefits us all.
Aside from the simple fact that we all deserve equal rights, supporting queer families benefits us all. In a world that almost exclusively centres and advocates for the nuclear, cis, straight family unit, the creation of queer families is a radical act. There is beauty in allowing queerness to challenge the landscape of parenting – to expand the limited mainstream view of what a family can, and should, look like. To help us understand that it doesn’t matter who is part of a family – what makes a family is the love, care, and nurture that flows from all loving and caring parents, whether they’re queer or not.
That’s why we’re asking you to exercise your rights as a constituent and write to your MP demanding equal access to IVF for LGBTQ+ people. You can use our tool to see the state of play in your local area, and request that your representative calls on the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to commit to a review of the inequality in access to NHS-funded fertility services in England. We must speak up together to bring an end to the ICB postcode lottery and ensure that lesbians, bi women, and other LGBTQ+ people who want to conceive have equal access to NHS-funded care.
Email your MP now.
Lesbian Visibility Week is entering its fourth year and it remains just as important for our community as it was when I founded it in 2019.
This is a time to celebrate all of our progress, but also to remember how far we have to come to truly achieve visibility.
When lesbian erasure continues to be a force that damages our ability to express ourselves and live full, authentic lives, celebrating and uplifting our community is essential.
Our community is getting stronger and bigger and Lesbian Visibility Week exists to show just that.
The DIVA Awards and the DIVA Power List are testaments to the talent, success and strength of lesbians today. Just 10 years ago, we would have struggled to find 100 out and proud LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people to fill this list; now in 2023 we struggle to fit people in. Our 4th DIVA Awards will be hosted by the iconic Sophie Ward, one of the first-ever actors to come out as a lesbian, and will focus on remarkable and unsung achievements.
This is also a time to acknowledge the full diversity and range of people who identify under the label lesbian. In the face of continued bigotry, ignorance and outright transphobia from the media and government, it is vital that we continue to use our voice to oppose this. At DIVA Magazine we are loudly inclusive of trans and non-binary people, proudly winning the Trans Inclusive Organisation award at last year’s Trans In The City Gala.
Not only do I wish to support and empower non-binary and trans lesbians, but strongly believe in the strength of the lesbian community to foster change for our siblings who identify as GBTQIA+. This remains particularly important when a minority of lesbians threaten to undermine the majority of us who fight for progress and equality. Today and every day, Lesbian Visibility Week and DIVA stand against this narrow-minded intolerance, and proudly believe in #LWithTheT.
This year we have published an extensive survey, in partnership with the ground-breaking LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and Kantar, the people behind the world’s first inclusion index. This report explores what it is really like being an LGBTQIA+ woman or non-binary person today.
In 2023, we found that 73% of respondents felt they were able to be open with their friends and acquaintances about their identity.
This is a brilliant testament to the growing numbers of our community who stand visible in their gender and sexuality. However, it also tells us we have not yet won our battle. It is still common for celebrities and sportspeople to be forced to remain in the closet by management. We continue to be underrepresented within the film, TV and music industries, with lesbian-centred shows being cancelled by networks frequently.
And starting a family, and getting IVF treatment as a lesbian, continues to have significant practical and financial barriers.
Lesbian Visibility Week wouldn’t be possible without our partners which include, among others, brilliant organisations like Stonewall, Kaleidoscope Trust, Kantar, UK Black Pride, Albert Kennedy Trust, Mermaids, the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Trans In The City. In fact, I am delighted to see that this Lesbian Visibility Week, Stonewall have relaunched its IVF campaign to improve access when so many lesbians face a postcode lottery in attempting to reach treatment; you can take action and contact your local MP through their website now.
Furthermore, I must thank our generous sponsors including Headline Sponsor London Stock Exchange Group and category sponsors BNP Paribas, Centrica, Greene King, mygwork, Deliveroo, EY, NoteWorthy, COREcruitment and CitiBank.
Finally, I want to thank everybody who supports DIVA and Lesbian Visibility Week. From our loyal readers, DIVA Awards nominees and award-winners to our brilliant staff. We are more than just an organisation, we are a family. One that continues to endeavour to forge a better life for lesbians and all LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people everywhere. This Lesbian Visibility Week, we come one step closer to that reality.