A new review of inequality among LGBT people in British society reveals significant levels of discrimination through HBT bullying and through heterosexism and heteromormativity as well as transsexism and transnormativity.
Commissioned by the Government Equalities Office (GEO) and carried out by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), the review, released on the 19th of July 2016, concludes that:
- LGB&T people continue to face discrimination, harassment, disadvantage and inequality in the UK in a number of different policy areas.
- Heterosexism and heteronormativity are prevalent, leaving the needs of LGB&T people frequently unaddressed, which in turn lead to dissatisfaction with services.
- Fears and experiences of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and/or heterosexism lead to reluctance amongst some LGB&T people to engage in many different v aspects of public and political life, as well as a disinclination to make use of various services and/or be open about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
In particular schools are criticised for continuing to have high levels of heteronormativity and heterosexism; leaving young LGB&T people feeling alienated and ignored. There are still high levels of HBT bullying, which were not dealt with consistently. Staff training to raise awareness of LGB&T was cited as being among changes needed.
The report is at its most scathing when it addresses treatment of young LGB&T people in society and across the services. The report’s summary states: “Evidence from across all the policy areas covered by the review shows young LGB&T people face a hostile environment – in education, at home and in wider society – at a stage in their lives when they are particularly in need of support and approbation. Young people are subject to extensive homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, greater mental ill health and unwanted and risky sex.”
High levels of homelessness among LGB&T people and inappropriate questioning of LGB&T refugees by UK Visas and Immigration (formerly the UK Borders Agency) are also highlighted in the report’s findings.
To read the full report go here.