It’s June 2021 which means it’s Pride Month!! Unfortunately we can’t go out celebrating in the way we usually would. However, Pride has always been about more than just a party and so now we can connect and learn.
Last year we launched our first Pride campaign, ‘Breaking the Stigma’. We featured over 40 people, from the LGBTQ+ community. Learning about each of the identities within the Queer alphabet. We got to understand just how personal each of our identities are, but also how we are free to develop each one for ourselves. It taught us more than we ever could have imagined.
This year we want to Break the Barriers, talking to the LGBTQ+ community around the globe. Whilst last year was a celebration of identities and free expression. This year is about understanding the challenges that many still face. We are starting with the facts, the good, the bad and the ugly.
*All following figures correct as of June 2021
Did you know that in January 2021 the world counted only 29 countries that recognise same-sex marriage?
The death penalty for the LGBTQ+ community still exists in the following countries:
Yemen, Iran, Brunei, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.
Whislt the death penalty is generally not executed. Iran is the one country that continues to impose it on CONSENSUAL same-sex acts. It’s sobering to realise that these forms of punishment still exist in so many countries.
Did you know that the UK had their first lawfully same-sex marriage in 2014?
According to Equaldex, there are currently 71 countries where a range of LGBTQ+ activities are illegal. Not so surprisingly, 47 of these (67%) were once part of the British Empire. Yes, the laws outlawing consensual gay sex were put into place by the British and reamined after the countries gained their independence. Ironically the UK is now recognised as one of the safest places to be LGBTQ+. Whilst creating some of the harshest and most homophobic laws in history.
In a recent Forbes article these additional countries were listed as the most dangerous for LGBTQ+ travellers:
Tanzania, Barbados, Malaysia, Malawi, Zambia, Saint Lucia, Uganda, West Bank & Gaza, Kenya, Maldives, Jamaica, Ethiopia and Eqypt.
Many of these countries are popular holiday destinations and we have actually visited a couple of them. Whilst we never encountered any homophobia, it’s important to note that we were always cautious. We had the understanding that if anything were to happen, the law would not be on our side.
Did you know that In 2004, The Netherlands became the first ever country to allow same-sex marriage?
As we learned from last year, our community is more than just the first 3 letters and so it’s important to discuss the severe lack of rights for others. The right to change gender is still illegal in 18 countries and not fully legal in a further 44. In these 44 it is legal to change gender, however, it requires surgery, this makes it impossible for many as they don’t have the means or support to do this.
Did you know that same sex adoption is only legal in 44 countries?
When it comes to being LGBTQ+ in the workplace, a recent Mckinsey report showed that more than 1 in 4 employees are not out at work. With only 58% of women compared with 80% of men coming out in the workplace. It showed that 50% of LGBTQ+ employees have to come out at least once a week. When it comes to rights in the workplace, only half of Fortune 500 companies provide benefits for domestic partners and fewer than two-thirds offer trans inclusive healthcare cover.
Did you know that 83 countries provide no protection for LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace?
Conversion therapy is a topic that is being widely discussed in many countries at the moment. Statistics show that whilst a huge number of countries have no specific on it. There are still 87 countries where it hasn’t been banned, including Ireland, France and Germany. Versus just 21 where it has been (Brazil, South America and China). We understand that for the most part it may not be practiced in all countries where it’s not banned. However, the law still allows it and this must change.
We also want to acknowledge some of the barriers that have already been broken. We now have an equal age of consent in 181 countries as well as legal blood donation in 160 countries. It is also legal in 175 countries lesbians, gays and bisexuals to serve in the military. In the last decade, the positive impact of social media has allowed many people struggling in their own countries to find a community of support online.
Did you know that Scotland is the first country in the world to add LGBTQ+ history to the school curriculum?
As more and more countries are forced to reevaluate their laws, we hope that this will change the perspectives and culture in those countries. Ensuring that being LGBTQ+ is no longer seen as a sin or something to be cured, but as a strong and beautiful identity and something to be proud of.
We hope you learned something from reading this post and if you want to connect then please find us on Instagram @_breakingthedistance.
I currently live in London, working all over the UK as a performer and a presenter. I have a passion for writing and love sharing my experiences with others.
I currently live in London, working all over the UK as a performer and a presenter. I have a passion for writing and love sharing my experiences with others.
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