Wouldn't it be great if same-sex relationships were so accepted that they never needed to be remarked on in the first place and there was no need for me to be writing this blog? Sexuality is a spectrum, and we all fall somewhere upon it. Being LGBT+ isn't weird, different or "other" – it's perfectly ordinary. I'd like to think we are moving towards a place where most people feel they can live their lives authentically, without having to explain or justify themselves.
Rather than slotting people neatly into boxes, I'd love it if we were all a bit freer; less constrained by the rigid categories of "gay" or "straight". Myself, I have been in a relationship with my partner (a woman) for 27 years, but if I had to label myself, I'd have to go with the term "pansexual". I only learnt this term recently, and it refers to someone who is attracted to people regardless of their gender. However, it's also perfectly normal to find that where you are on the spectrum of sexuality may shift over time. Pansexual is how I feel now, but I am also happy to say there have been times when I would strongly identify as "straight", "Bi-sexual", "gay" or "lesbian", and may again!
Personally I would love to see LGBT+ status and relationships as being unremarkable, but there's good reasons why at times it is important to raise awareness and unapologetically celebrate who we are. That's because the world is not yet there in terms of LGBT+ rights. Attitudes towards members of the LGBT+ community in different parts of the world, or even different sections of our own communities, can still be extremely challenging. We were reminded of this during the World Cup last year which was hosted in Qatar.
Qatar is one of 70 nations around the world that legislate against the LGBT+ community – 11 of these threaten the death penalty. Even in Britain, hateful rhetoric at transgender people (the "T" in LGBT+), on social media and in certain sections of the press, proves how far we still have to go – and prompts a powerful sense of déjà vu amongst the LGBT+ community. For example, Section 28, introduced by the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher, was only repealed in 2003 and the harm it caused is still very much within living memory. It's not difficult to draw parallels between how gay people were treated in the 1980's and 90's and how the transgender community are targeted today.
Compared to many other parts of the world, the majority of the Dumfries & Galloway LGBT+ community will be grateful to be living openly in a tolerant society which upholds LGBT+ rights. However, we are not completely free from abuse, discrimination or homophobia, and for some people it remains a challenge and a struggle to come out and live fully as their authentic self.
That's why the Health and Social Care Partnership LGBT+ Staff Network is so important, providing people with a community of support and a collective voice for change.
So please forgive us if we choose to shout loud and proud during June, and celebrate Pride Month. We are raising awareness for tolerance and equality for those who can't. LGBT+ relationships are just as valid and messy and beautiful and "normal" as everyone else's. Take a moment; learn more about the beautiful, fantastic people, talent and diversity within the LGBT+ community, and celebrate with us.
Happy Pride, wherever and however you choose to celebrate.
Anne.
Anne Allison is Lead Nurse for Community Health and Social Care at NHS D&G and LGBT+ Staff Network Chair
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