LGBT Equalities Work in Local Government: Changes and Challenges

In recent years the UK has seen a raft of new legislation concerning equalities and human rights, including protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. This legislation, and broader policy and cultural changes, have meant that work around lesbian, gay and transgender equality has become a normalised aspect of the local authority remit to a degree. However, development is patchy, and institutionalised heterosexism, and in some cases overt homophobia and biphobia, are still apparent in some cases. This paper reports on an ESRC-funded research project of the impact of recent policy changes, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, on sexualities equalities initiatives. It highlights some of the key issues for policy makers and practitioners, as well as strategies used, and examples of interesting practice. The paper is set in the context of current challenges, including the impact of the recession.