LGB Alliance is seven today!
On 22 October 2019, Kate Harris and Bev Jackson called a meeting at Conway Hall in London with lesbians, gay men and bisexuals who shared their horror at the crisis engulfing gay rights. That momentous meeting marked the start of LGB Alliance; there’s no doubt that the energy, intellect and commitment of our two founders kickstarted a movement which continues to make waves worldwide.
Seven years on there’s still much to do but you will forgive us, I hope, for taking this opportunity to reflect on the gains we’ve secured for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals.
We’re so proud that we:
- Told the world that Gay Teens Aren’t Sick and secured a ban on puberty blockers for children in the NHS
- Set up the UK’s only Helpline for LGB young people
- Launched LGB International to fight for our rights in 20 countries around the world
- Established 40 fabulous Friends Groups to provide support for LGB people nationwide
- Championed gay adoption and fostering
- Speak up at Party Conferences, festivals, rallies, debates, in Parliament, at demos and in the media
- Engage with leaders through our LGB Business Forum to make workplaces fairer for LGB people
- Set up our Gay Men’s Health Committee to centre the needs of gay men
- Completed consultations, carried out research and produced important reports including Chemsex, Compelled Conformity and Don’t Call Me Queer
- Hold an unmissable National Conference
- Joined the Lesbian Intervenors to help For Women Scotland secure their momentous victory at the Supreme Court
It’s an impressive body of work achieved against a backdrop of hostility from captured organisations and institutions that were determined to thwart us at every turn. Who could forget the malicious attack from Mermaids and The Good Law Project as they attempted to have our charitable status removed? We weren’t afraid to fight back then and we’re not afraid now.
The proposed Conversion Practices legislation, the puberty blocker trial and the ongoing attempts by the ‘queer’ lobby to erase the meaning and reality of homosexuality in every sphere of our lives are our current focus. It’s such important work.
Thank you for travelling with us on this incredible journey.
Kate Barker, CEO
Please consider becoming a Core Supporter if you can. A small monthly donation will help secure our organisation to fight on for the next seven years, and beyond.
