Gov LGBT Conference Cancelled
The government’s first ever global LGBT+ conference, ironically named Safe To Be Me, has been cancelled. This is thanks to over 120 of the UK’s LGBT+ organisations pulling out of the event in response to the government’s disgraceful decision not to ban transgender conversion therapy. This left the event with no UK participants, no sponsors, and no credibility.
Safe To Be Me was set to be a huge event but from the beginning it has faced widespread criticism from the LGBT+ community who note the government’s poor record when it comes to LGBT+ equality.
For example:
* Cancelling their own LGBT+ Action Plan
* Ignoring the results of a consultation into the Gender Recognition Act and deciding not to go ahead with reforms.
* Disbanding their LGBT Advisory Panel.
* Perpetually delaying their promised ban on conversion therapy.
These are just a few examples. Meanwhile homophobic, and especially transphobic hate crime and inequality rises year on year. The LGBT+ community have told the government loud and clear that it is not Safe To Be Me and we will not allow them to pinkwash their own failings.
Massive thanks to every one of the organisations who spoke out. Here’s hoping that this embarrassment for the government could result in a change of direction.