If you’re a member of the local LGBTQI+ Community and a member of the Labour Party, then you are automatically a member of the LGBTQI+ Forum.
Why do we need a LGBTI+ Forum?
The LGBTQI+ Community are still vastly under-represented in both local and national politics. Currently, only a small but growing number of MPs in the Houses of Parliament, identify as LGBTQI+. Campaigns such as #thisisme, #BlackLivesMatter and the ongoing work of LGBT Labour, Stop Hate UK, 17-24-30 No to Hate Crime Campaign, the LGBT Foundation and Stonewall, among others, remind us of the inequalities which still exist in the United Kingdom today. Unfortunately, members of the local and national LGBTQI+ Community are also greatly under-represented in many areas of local government.
Aims of the LGBTI+ Forum:
• To encourage the participation of members of the LGBTQI+ Community in all local events
• To provide members of the LGBTQI+ Community their families, friends and allies with the inspiration and support to participate in both local and national campaigns and events
• To forge links with other members of the LGBTQI+ Community in the local community
• To overcome barriers to participation of the LGBTQI+ Community, their families, friends and allies
• To ensure that the voices of members of the LGBTQI+ Community, their families, friends and allies are heard within the local Labour Party.
How?
We understand that members of the LGBTQI+ Community often feel too scared or isolated and as such do not feel comfortable or cannot always attend meetings. We are always open to suggestions for how and where we can meet in a safe environment or gather online. We hold informal social events, some in collaboration with the Aylesbury Vale LGBT Social Group, at which we talk about politics or anything we feel like, over a coffee or a drink.
In the future, we aim to run some LGBTQI+, families, friends and allies workshops and training events, to enable members of the LGBTQI+ Community to feel more comfortable and confident to get involved in all aspects of campaigning, in conjunction with our LGBTQI+ and Families Hub.
All members are welcome and we look forward to seeing and hearing from you very soon.
Julien FitzGerald
LGBT+ and Joint Equalities Officer
Aylesbury Constituency Labour Party
email: lgbt.officer@aylesburylabour.org.uk