Labour launch LGBT manifesto and promise to challenge prejudiced representations of LGBT people

Today Labour are launching their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) manifesto. In it they’ll promise if elected they’ll put prioritise access to mental health services for young people, particularly those bullied because or their sexuality or gender identity.

As part of this launch Angela Eagle, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, has highlighted that nearly a quarter of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people, and half of young trans people, have attempted suicide. To deal with this, alongside focussing on mental health services, Labour would give teacher proper training to ensure they can identify any bullying and find appropriate support for those children being bullied. They would also seek to challenge prejudiced representations of LGBT people.

Eagle will outline a series of policies Labour have developed to address discrimination of LGBT people through a 5-point plan:

1) Tackling discrimination – through strengthening the law on LBT hate crime and conducting a review of the gender identity law. The party will also implement Turing’s Law.

2) An education free from homophobia, biphobia and transphobia – through measures listed above, accompanied by compulsory sex and relationship education.

3) An International envoy on LGBT rights. 

4) Accessible and supportive health services – through strengthening mental health treatments.

5) Fairer and more diverse representation in public life.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Angela Eagle celebrated Labour’s history on LGBT rights but said there is more to be done:

“I’m proud that over the twenty three years I’ve been in parliament Labour has helped to deliver legal equality for LGBT people, but now we face a fight to make that equality a reality for every single LGBT person in our country. Too many LGBT young people are growing up scared and alone because they are bullied at school and don’t have sufficient support when their mental health suffers. In government Labour will finish the job we started and ensure every LGBT person has the chance to achieve their ambitions free from prejudice and discrimination.”