Lancashire attendees identified many LGB&T engagement mechanisms within the county. This meant if LGB&T populations were termed ‘hard to reach’ by the public sector this could have more to do with the embarrassment and heteronormativity that exists.
It was felt while LGB&T spaces were important in terms of safety and sharing our common LGB&T experiences, often such spaces are dominated by younger, white, non-disabled gay men. And that they might also contribute to the separation of LGB&T people and wider society.
The geography and political structures of Lancashire can be a barrier to doing Lancashire-wide work. The county is split by the M6, with western Lancashire residents often accessing Blackpool services and eastern Lancashire residents going to Manchester. The unitary authorities of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen also complicate county-wide partnerships.
What did Lancashire say?
“Could a campaign be launched to get people to enter LGB&T as their religion on the census?” "(as a protest due to it's exclusion from the census, as religion is the only ‘free type' category on the census)
“Trans imagery can be difficult to include as trans people may not ‘look’ trans.”
“Why are gay men much more ‘heard’ within and outside of the LGB&T community than lesbians, bisexual or trans people?”
“Self confidence is essential for affecting change in organisations.”
“The Strategy is inaccessible for community groups and activists.”
How will Lancashire use the Strategy?
- Look into support group for BME LGB&T people.
- Increase knowledge and education around LGB&T issues.
- Increase reporting of hate crimes and incidents.
- Get into schools through partnership working, make children aware homophobia is a crime.
- Be open to identifying allies in the straight community.
- Continue to build on the success of the LGB&T VCS in Lancashire.