LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people are everywhere. They are in every culture and ethnic group, in every religion, and across all ages.
LGBT people are daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers and friends. As individual women and men they come from all walks of life and contribute to society as business men and women, artists, doctors, nurses, policemen, teachers, politicians and parents, in the same way as heterosexual women and men do.
Many make a decision to “come out” early in life, some later. Some LGBT people never feel free to express their romantic love for another person, but live their whole lives in secrecy, for fear of prejudice and hostility.
Attitudes in many parts of British society have changed dramatically for the better in recent years, something that has been reflected in the law. There are however still significant pockets of ignorance, hostility and prejudice. Estimates drawn from sociological and commercial surveys show that between 5% and 10% of the UK population define themselves as gay and lesbian. Surveys also indicate that Islington has one of the highest concentrations of LGBT people in the country.
LGBT people have faced significant discrimination and exclusion historically, and still do in many areas today. This occurs at school, at work and in many other everyday situations. It can range from verbal abuse, bullying and harassment to physical violence and murder, as shown by the October 2005 murder of Jody Dobrowski in South London.
It is estimated that almost one third of completed suicides in young people are lesbians and gays. Internationally, Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death, executed two gay teenagers in the summer of 2005 simply for expressing their love for one another.
As with other disadvantaged minorities, LGBT people are often stereotyped. Whether the stereotyping relates to HIV/AIDS, paedophilia or other negative phenomena, it rarely corresponds to facts. Ignorance often leaves a void too easily filled by myth, misinformation and lies.
Parliament passed a law that came into force in 2003, equalising the age of consent between gay men and heterosexuals. It also saw the introduction of an age of consent for lesbians for the first time, finally ending society's historical failure to acknowledge the existence of gay women. Other recent legal developments include the Civil Partnership Act and the Gender Recognition Act for transgender people, who now will have the opportunity to apply for legal recognition in their acquired gender.
Islington values its LGBT residents and staff. The council is committed to working with them to create an environment of respect, fairness and acceptance, where LGBT people are seen as positive role models for young people, and can live and achieve their full potential free from hostility and prejudice.
Relevant legislation includes the following:
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008