Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality
Issues
Due to the prevelance of discrimination and lack of legislative protection previously afforded, many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people are not "out" and it is therefore difficult to quantify the number of lgbt people. The Government estimate that 6% of the population are lgbt i.e. 36,000 people in Glasgow. This is a significant number of people who may be particularly vulnerable to hate crimes and discrimination.
Significant prejudice appears to exist against transgender people compared to other minority groups.
Some manifestations of homophobia and transphobia are obvious, such as verbal and physical attacks, abuse, harassment, rape or sexual assault. There are, however, other manifestations, for example lesbians and gay men may be rejected by their relatives, colleagues and friends, who do not want to hear about their lives, so they face isolation from the people they are closest to. Transgender people frequently encounter rejection from family and friends due to cross gender identity.
What the Law says
The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
These provide protection against discrimination in employment or vocational training because of someone’s sexuality. Discrimination includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and harassment.
Sexual Orientation Regulations 2007
These make it illegal to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities and services.
Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999
These make it unlawful to discriminate against a person in employment or vocational training because they intend to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone, gender reassignment.
Sex Discrimination (Amendment of Legislation) Regulations 2008
These prohibit discrimination and harassment against transsexual people by providers of goods, facilities and services.
Policy and practice
The Councils Equality Policy recognises lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people as a priority group.
The Council supports and consults with a number of LGBT organisations and services including the West of Scotland LGBT Forum, the LGBT Centre and the Glasgow Women’s Library in order to identify priorities and areas for action.
The LGBT Community Safety Forum was established by the Glasgow Community Safety Partnership in 2002 after this was prioritised by community activists. The Community Safety Forum has a detailed action plan, which it is pursuing. For further information about the forum please contact Jim Dunsmore (0141 287 6813).
Documents
The Council commissioned a handbook on tackling homophobia and the work was undertaken by the Women’s Library with involvement of Council staff and community activists. It aims to raise awareness of homophobia and provide guidance on how to support those experiencing homophobia and to challenge homophobic attitudes and behaviour.
To view a copy of the handbook Taking No Pride, click on the link provided.
There are a number of organisations that campaign on lgbt equality. Their websites are a useful source of information:
The Glasgow LGBT Centre is based at 84 Bell Street in Glasgow and can assist with advice and information on a range of issues. The Centre also hosts a wide range of services. Visit their website www.glgbt.org.uk or phone 0141 552 4958.
For general information on lgbt equality, please contact:
Louise MacKenzie
Principal Corporate Policy Officer
Phone: 0141 287 3841
E-mail:
louise.mackenzie@ced.glasgow.gov.uk