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A short history of the word ‘bisexuality’

People have been attracted to more than one gender throughout recorded history. But specific identity labels like bi and pan are relatively new. How did bi+ people in the past understand their identities and attractions, and how does this history affect bi people and communities in the UK today? Our Research Officer Martha Robinson Rhodes, who has a PhD in bi history, explains …In 1859, anatomist Robert Bentley Todd first used the term ‘bisexuality' to refer to the possession of…

Why we must speak up for LGBTQ+ sportspeople

Our Sports Engagement Manager Erin Williams argues that we need to move past visibility and into real action if we want to create a sporting world where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive.Happening once a year as the culmination of our Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Laces Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and take pride in the contribution that members of the LGBTQ+ community make to sport.Sport and physical activity bring enormous benefits, from wellbeing to community, and no one…

Positive: how a HIV diagnosis changed my life for the better

This blog was first published on Jason's LinkedIn page, and is presented in its original form.One day in June 2006, whilst sat on a hard plastic chair in a consultation room in a sexual health clinic, my life changed for the better, sadly at the time it didn’t feel like that – it felt like my life had just collapsed in on itself … this was the day I was diagnosed as HIV positive.At the time of my diagnosis my understanding of HIV/AIDS was fairly limited. As a child growing up in the 80s I saw…

Why do we need the Rainbow Laces campaign?

When we wear our rainbow laces, we commit to having honest conversations about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in sport and fitness – but what are the key talking points we need to address?Sport and fitness is an important part of so many of our lives – it has the power to bring people together, and to improve our mental and physical health. But too many LGBTQ+ people still feel confronted with a choice between loving their sport and being their true selves.More than a million of you have…

Needing ID could stop LGBTQ+ people voting

The world has changed considerably since the 2019 general election.The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened existing inequalities faced by marginalised communities; hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity continue to rise; and we are facing a crisis in access to gender-affirming healthcare. It has never been more important that LGBTQ+ communities, and all marginalised people, are empowered to use their vote.In June 2021, the UK Government introduced its Elections Bill, which would…

LGBTQ+ people do not need ‘fixing’

In the UK, it is still legal for LGBTQ+ people to be subjected to conversion therapy.Conversion practices attempt to suppress, ‘cure’, or change a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Conversion therapy might be seen as cruel and archaic to many, but when we back look at our history, we can see that the fight to #BanConversionTherapy is one more step in a long and sometimes slow struggle for our rights.LGBTQ+ people have nothing to be ashamed of – our sexual orientations and gender…

7 things people on the ace spectrum need you to know

We asked 7 ace people what they wish allies knew about their identities – here’s what they told us.1. You don’t have to experience zero sexual attraction to be a part of the ace community. Demisexual and greysexual people belong in the community.“Broadly speaking, a demisexual person is someone who only feels sexual attraction to someone after they feel an emotional bond. Demisexuality fits in to the ace spectrum. I can feel romantic feelings towards someone without there having to be…

Ban Conversion Practices: Why we need a ban with no exemptions and no excuses

A full ban on conversion practices must include religious settings and protect trans people.Aged 21, Liam – a trans man – confided in the pastor at his church about having a difficult time with his gender identity and sexuality. When he was offered support, he accepted, not realising that the purpose of this ‘help’ was to prevent him from transitioning and to end his relationships with women. Soon, he was being coerced into thinking that he would go to hell if he transitioned.“I was told that…

New website to report hate crime in the Western Balkans and Turkey

In partnership with ERA (LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans & Turkey), Stonewall is launching You Are Heard, an LGBTQI+ hate crime reporting website. This new service provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ people and allies to report incidents.How does it work?You Are Heard has been developed with expert civil society organisations to allow individuals to report anti-LGBTQI+ incidents, such as harassment, violence and hate speech.Users can remain anonymous when…

Why do we need National Coming Out Day?

National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in 1988. Over 30 years later, it’s still in our calendars – but why do we need it? National Coming Out Day is an annual celebration which takes place on 11 October every year. It was first celebrated on the one-year anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights – a date chosen to honour the bravery of LGBTQ+ individuals who decide to come out and live openly. Although it started off as an American awareness day,…