LGBT

Why do we need an LGBT Campaign?
LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans and covers the range of sexualities and gender identities that students can find themselves in. Traditionally, this group of students has faced widespread discrimination, criminality, bigotry and prejudice in British society. The NUS LGBT campaign has fought for over 20 years to lobby the UK Government to change the legal discrimination that exists against LGBT students, and to promote a non-discriminatory attitude amongst the general public and in education, work, health and welfare services.

In recent years, most of these legal battles have now been won; notably the Gender Recognition Act 2004, scrapping Section 28, equalising the age of consent to 16 for homosexual sex, the Civil Partnerships Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2006 banning discrimination in the workplace. However, LGBT students across the country still face discrimination and prejudice whilst at university and in the wider community.

All the changes to UK Law and to the mindset of the general public towards LGBT people has come about due to campaigning and lobbying for change - this must continue to ensure the 21st Century is rid of prejudice and bigotry. There are still high rates of hate crimes against LGBT students, gay and bisexual men are banned from giving blood because of an out-dated stereotype of them at higher risk of HIV, anonymous marking is still not universally enforced and LGBT people are still underrepresented in Parliament, the armed forces etc

Key Facts and Figures

• In a recent study, 72% of young lesbians and gay men indicated that they had either played truant or feigned illness to avoid homophobic abuse at school. Stonewall, 2004
• LGBT pupils are more likely to leave school at 16 and not reach FE or HE (regardless of their achievements at school). 2 in 5 say they fear the bullying will continue if they stay. Stonewall, 2004
• In a survey of 4000 Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people, 48% of respondents under 18 had experienced violence because of their sexuality and 90% had experienced verbal bullying. Queer bashing, Stonewall, 1996
• 24% of lesbians (1 in 4) have suffered homophobic violence. Stonewall, 1996
• In a recent Scottish study, 68% of respondents said that they had been verbally abused or threatened by someone who has assumed they are LGBT. www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
• Only 6% of schools have a homophobic bullying policy despite homophobic bullying being endemic in schools. DfES, 2004
• Gay and bisexual men or any person who has had sex with a gay or bisexual man cannot donate blood to the National Blood Service.NBS
• Same-sex sexual activities for men are explicitly illegal in more than 80 states around the world, and for women in more than 40 states. IGLA World Legal Survey
• LGBT people are officially subject to the death penalty in nine countries in the world, in three of which recent executions have taken place. IGLA World Legal Survey
• 35% of L&B women in a survey of 1100 LGBT people said they had attempted suicide (18 years average age at first attempt). Count Me In, 2001
• According to recent figures 1 in 5 young LGB people try to commit suicide. Connexions, 2005
• 4 in 5 secondary school teachers say they are aware of verbal homophobic bullying in schools. Stonewall, 2004
• It is estimated that there are around 5,000 post-operative transsexual people in Britain. Press for Change (PFC), 2000
• Waiting times of ten years are not uncommon for trans people wishing to access surgery or other treatments on the NHS. The A to Z of Trans People’s Discrimination, PFC, 1999
• Many colleges and universities still refuse to re-issue degree certificates for graduates who have changed gender roles. Such refusal means that a trans person may either have to apply for jobs with employers who aren't going to ask to see their certificates, or voluntarily disclose their medical history during application. The A to Z of Trans People’s Discrimination, PFC, 1999