New action plan to improve the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People has been announced by the UK government which will include £4.5 million of funding to deliver the plan. This plan includes over 70 commitments, including appointing a national adviser to reduce inequality for LGBT people.
The ground-breaking new plan will tackle some of the biggest issues facing LGBT people of different ages in the UK today, including: understanding the scale of LGBT abuse online; improving mental healthcare for LGBT people with a focus on suicide prevention; combating homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools, and increasing awareness of the services available for LGBT victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Minister for Women and Equalities Penny Mordaunt said, “Everyone in this country should feel safe and happy to be who they are, and to love who they love, without judgement or fear. I am incredibly proud of the UK’s global leadership on LGBT equality and the fact that this is the largest survey of its kind, but many of the results are very disturbing. Our Action Plan is a step towards everyone – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics – being able to live safe, happy and healthy lives where they can be themselves without fear of discrimination. It will mark a culture change to allow LGBT people to feel respected at every level of society.”
In addition to dealing with the issues facing LGBT people in the UK, the action plan has an international element to help defend the rights of LGBT people globally. The action plan has been announced in response to the survey results – will include a £4.5m fund to address inequality and support the delivery of actions in the plan in areas including health, education, personal safety and the workplace.