News
We've Come a Long Way
Published: 19/08/08
Paul Martin LGF's Chief Executive on why we should all celebrate Manchester Pride's 18th Birthday and How we can all play our part in fighting homophobia every day of our lives.
We've come a long way
I'm sure I won't be the only person wishing Manchester LGBT Pride Happy Birthday this month, as they say in the movies, 'you've come a long way baby! 'Everybody who has played a part in this fantastic celebration of queer life can feel justly proud as the festival 'comes of age' this year. Millions of people over the years have enjoyed an ever growing range of activities, hundreds of thousands of pounds has been raised for well-deserving local community projects who provide vital support services, and of course every year the LGF distributes tens of thousands of condoms so the boys can havefun safely.
Everybody at the LGF would like to express their 100% support to the current Manchester LGBT Pride Team, and on behalf of our community we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved throughout the years and has made Manchester Pride probably the best LGBT communityfestival in Europe....
...A Long Way Still To Go
As I think back over the years I can't help but be reminded of other notable anniversaries. 2008 is of course the 20th anniversary year of Section 28, probably the most insidious and homophobic piece of legislation we have ever experienced in this country in modern times. Although repealed in 2003, Section 28 still casts a long shadow over LGBT organisations attempts to provide anti-homophobic bullying projects in schools.
It is also only 16 years ago, on the 17th May 1992, that the World Health Organisation finally removed homosexuality from its international list of diseases and health problems. Of course today that anniversary is commemorated with International Day Against Homophobia, and we are remindedthat being gay is a crime in 75 countries around the world. And earlier this month we learnt of the tragic death of Michael Causer, an 18 year old gay teenager from Liverpool, who died in hospital from his injuries after being attacked in the street. At the time of writing wedon't know if the brutal attack on Michael was a result of queer bashing, but we do know that the press reporting of his death was far more muted thanfor those of other teens who have been attacked on the streets of this country.
The LGBT community of Liverpool is justifiably outraged by this situation, particularly as a recent report commissioned by Liverpool City Council found that 59% of LGBT people in the city had experienced a homophobic hate crime, and less than 1 in 5 had reported this to the police. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the many friends and loved ones of Michael, particularly his boyfriend George, who have lost such a vibrant and life loving young man.
So what can we do to make a difference, to change things so that this doesn't happen to more members of our communities?
I believe that each and every one of us has a personal responsibility tostand up and be counted each and every day, and come out wherever we are, aswell as empowering others to do the same. I believe that this is the most important thing that we can do to fight and challenge homophobia. We are probably at the most important time in our history. We have more legal protections than ever before, and we have more allies and supporterswho are willing and able to fight homophobia alongside us. So now the time has come to put ourselves to the test every day and proudly state and celebrate our sexual orientation. It is our responsibility to be as open as we possibly can be about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. To ensure that other people do not make assumptions about our sexual orientation. In any situation where we are asked to disclose our sexual orientation whether that be at the doctors, applying for a job, renting or buying property, or receiving any professional service at all, we should choose to openly and proudly acknowledge who we truly are.
Remember how important it was for you when you first realised that there were other LGBT people out there?
We need to be open and confident enough ourselves to be able to help empower others to feel comfortable about their sexual orientation as well. We cannot expect to have all the legal protections we currently have, the freedom to enjoy events like Manchester Pride or socialising on the gay scene without doing our bit and putting something back. With the many hard won changes in legislation in recent years it is essential that we educate ourselves about these rights and know how to use them when we feel we aren't receiving equal treatment.
Standing up and being visibly counted is probably the most important thinganyone of us can do, to not only end homophobia, but to empower others to dothe same...in every walk of life. The more of us who are visibly out, (and at the last count there are 3.6 million of us in the UK alone), the harder it will be for us to be treated as a minority.
Pride events are all about celebrating LGBT communities; the contributions we have made to the world, our aspirations, hopes and dreams, how far we've come, the battles that we have won, as well as acknowledging the battles we still have to fight to become equal members of society. Party with Pride this year, and remember, 'We Can't Do this Without You!'
