UK to Host ‘First-Ever’ Global LGBTQ+ Conference to Tackle Inequality

The UK will host its ‘first-ever’ global LGBTQ+ conference this year to tackle inequality around the world, and urge other countries to take action.

The ‘Safe To be Me: A Global Equality Conference’ will take place on 27-29 June 2022; coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first official London Pride marches, confirmed Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss. The global event, will bring together elected officials, policy makers and the international LGBT community. This includes activists, experts and civil society to protect and promote the rights of LGBT people around the world. The conference will take place in person and virtually, ensuring all can take part, said Truss, alongside Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab yesterday (16 May 2021).

“I want everyone to be able to live their life free from prejudice, malice or violence; regardless of their background or who they choose to love. People should be judged on the basis of their individual character and talents alone; and we want to ensure that this message is heard around the world,” stated Truss. “This conference will take aim at the prejudices LGBT people still face; and look at the collective action we can take to tackle those injustices alongside our international friends and partners.”

DEFENDING LGBT RIGHTS

“The right to live life without fear and persecution are the bedrock of inclusive and open societies; and the UK, as a force for good, will protect and promote these values at home and around the world,” added Raab. “As co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition [ERC], we are already working with 41 countries to defend the rights of LGBT people. We are urging every country to make sure LGBT people can live free from the discrimination and violence that persists today.”

‘Safe To Be Me’ will be the largest event of its kind, focusing on making progress on legislative reform; tackling violence and discrimination; and ensuring equal access to public services for LGBT people. Conference Chair Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs) has been appointed by the UK’s Prime Minister as the UK’s Special Envoy on LGBT rights. He will promote the conference and champion LGBT equality at home and abroad.

Lord Herbert will also be working with Truss to coordinate a year of domestic action on LGBT issues, in the run up to the global conference. “With our immense soft power, and as a global force for good, the UK has an important role to play in leading international efforts to tackle the violence and discrimination against LGBT people which should have no place in the modern world,” commented Lord Herbert. “I am committed to the cause of advancing LGBT+ rights worldwide. I look forward to continuing that in my role as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy; and as the Chair of the Global LGBT Conference. At a time when Covid has pulled many of us apart, the conference offers a real chance to bring people together and drive change for good.”

LEADER ON LGBT EQUALITY

Across the world, 69 countries still criminalise consensual same-sex acts. Many consider the UK to be a leader on LGBT equality; having legalised same-sex marriage and introduced one of the world’s most comprehensive legislative frameworks for protecting LGBT people from discrimination.

Evidence suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing inequality LGBT people experience globally, with violence and discrimination a daily reality for some. The UK Government, with its international partners, believes this is the time to take collective, global action.

As co-chairs of the ERC, the UK and Argentina launched the ERC’s first Strategy and Five-year Implementation Plan, at a virtual meeting last summer in July 2021. This comprehensive strategy will increase international action to defend the rights of LGBT people around the world. In the lead up to the conference, there was a series of virtual events; bringing together the UK’s key international partners to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT/IDAHOBIT).

IDAHOT/IDAHOBIT

The Council of Europe’s LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) is a network of 37 Council of Europe member states. The UK has been an active participant since its inception back in 2005. The EFPN meets twice a year to celebrate IDAHOT/IDAHOBIT; on/around 17 May and again in the Autumn for a policy roundtable. The UK are the current hosts for the IDAHOT+ Forum until 2022, alongside Cyprus.

The 2021 IDAHOT+ Forum is an important moment to discuss important issues including LGBT inclusive healthcare and business advocacy. It also marked the beginning of a year-long partnership with Cyprus, confirmed the UK’s Government.