Guest blogger Andrew Carter:
17 May is an important date in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) calendar – a time for people around the world to celebrate sexual and gender diversities, and say ‘no’ to homophobic and transphobic discrimination, prejudice and violence. Working in South Africa, I am hugely impressed by the progressive constitution in relation to human rights, and legislation that recognises the rights of LGBT people to live their lives free from fear through the Bill of Rights.
In the UK, we share these same values. I was extremely pleased to see the UK recently declared the number one country in Europe for LGBT rights (for a third year running), by ILGA Europe, the leading European network of LGBT organisations. Sajid Javid, former Minister for Equalities, welcomed the news: “The UK has a strong record of protecting and promoting equality. I am pleased that our work to protect people from discrimination because of their sexuality has been recognised as some of the best in the world. The first same sex weddings in March were a momentous step for equality that we should be proud of.”
Unfortunately, South Africa’s rainbow nation rests on a continent where its regional neighbours do not necessarily share the same views. In some countries in Africa, LGBT people are persecuted on a daily basis for simply being who they are. Our government rightly lobbies overseas governments on these issues, and continues to push for improvements to human rights around the world. We remain committed to promoting greater recognition of LGBT rights globally.
Last week I came back from a two week driving holiday around the Western Cape. My friends and I had a fabulous time, but I couldn’t help feeling a little sad as we drove through Ceres and I remembered an article that I had read in the Pink News. Just six weeks ago, a 21 year old gay man was killed in what can only described as a horrendous act of violence, and was subsequently set on fire. This all happened, while other young South Africans watched. It’s a reminder to me that legislation is only a first step – we must all play our part to promote equality, and change hearts and minds. I encourage each and every reader to show support to LGBT rights today and every day.