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Stonewall responds to US Government's decision to suspend foreign aid

Responding to the US Government's decision to suspend foreign aid, Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, said: "Many will be rightly fearful of the impact the US Government's decision to suspend foreign aid will have, including for programmes supporting LGBTQ+ communities around the world. This latest decision signals a further rollback of rights and support for marginalised groups by the new administration and its impact will be detrimental to communities living in extremely challenging…

New stats reveal that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are a growing part of UK society

The Office of National Statistics have revealed new stats about sexual orientation in the UK: Younger people were more likely to identify as LGB than older people. Among those aged 16 to 24 years, around 1 in 10 (10.4%) identified as LGB, compared with around 1 in 100 (0.9%) of people aged 65 years and over.An estimated 3.8% of the UK population aged 16 years and over identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) in 2023, up from 2.2% in 2018.The proportion of people aged 16 to 24 years…

New research shows almost 40% of LGBTQ+ employees still hide their identity at work

As LGBTQ+ History Month begins, our new research has highlighted the extent of workplace discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in the UK.  The statistics come as the new US administration has rolled back federal commitments to DEI programmes, and threatened future action on private companies. The research shows that: Two in five (39 per cent) LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide the fact they are LGBTQ+ at work Over a third of employees (36 per cent) have heard…

LGBT+ History Month – a chance to reflect on progress

This week marks the start of LGBT+ History Month - an important moment and focal point in the year where we can celebrate what remarkable contributions LGBTQ+ people - and organisations - have made in every single walk of life.  This year’s LGBT+ History Month comes at a time when we are seeing increased uncertainty and concern in the LGBTQ+ community around the rollback of hard-won rights and freedoms. But, perhaps during this time of turbulence and at this time of year more than at…

Stonewall, County FA’s, and FvH come together to tackle homophobia in football

Last night, we teamed up with the Amateur FA, London FA, London Assembly, and Football v Homophobia to host an event at City Hall for Football v Homophobia Month of Action. The evening was all about building community through football and shining a light on the work still needed to tackle homophobia in the game. Jon Holmes, Media Officer for Football v Homophobia Month, shared some concerning stats from Out and Out Football - a staggering 74% of LGBTQ+ people surveyed said they had…

Ban Conversion Practices: A timeline of advocacy and action

As we near the end of LGBT+ History Month, we are taking a moment to reflect and turn to the future. Stonewall is proud to have been at the forefront of social change for the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. We’ve helped to abolish Section 28, equalise the age of consent, achieve marriage equality and lift the ban on LGBTQ+ people serving in the military. Now it is time to focus on banning conversion practices once and for all. This year’s LGBT+ History Month’s theme is…

Stonewall responds to the Prime Minister's announcement on international aid cuts

Responding to the announcement from the Prime Minister that the international aid budget will be cut, Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake, said:“In these turbulent times, it is deeply concerning that the UK Government has chosen to cut its aid budget. Aid plays a vital role in making a safer and more equal world for all and has long been one of the most effective ways to build long term prosperous and peaceful societies, including for LGBTQ+ people. Globally, the UK once led in its commitment to…

New survey findings reveal alarming scale of conversion practices in Great Britain

New survey findings have uncovered the shocking scale of conversion practices in Great Britain; interventions that seek to change, cure, or suppress an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.  This new data comes as the UK Government has committed to publishing a long-awaited draft Bill for a fully inclusive ban on conversion practices this spring.At Stonewall, we have campaigned for a ban on conversion practices for the past five years, and we're calling for a fully…

Ban Conversion Practices: Syd’s story

For five years, Syd endured conversion practices, made to undergo exorcisms and told she needed to be "cured" just for being herself. She shares her story:When I was 17, I realised that I was attracted to women. I decided to confide in my Church about how I was feeling. Instead of being met with compassion, I was told there was something wrong with me. Soon after sharing that I thought I was gay, the Church began trying to ‘convert’ me. I was told that the devil was in me, trying to steal…

Stonewall responds to today’s Supreme Court ruling

Responding to today’s Supreme Court ruling, Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake OBE said:   “Stonewall shares the deep concern at the widespread implications for today’s ruling from the Supreme Court. It will be incredibly worrying for the trans community and all of us who support them. “It’s important to be reminded the Court strongly and clearly re-affirmed the Equality Act protects all trans people against discrimination, based on Gender Reassignment, and will continue to do…