LGF offices officially opened

Minister launches LGB&T Action Plan in Manchester

Lynne Featherstone MP, Minister for Equalities, today officially launched the Government’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Action Plan at the opening of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s (LGF) Community Resource Centre in Manchester.

The Minister for Equality was in the city to officially open the LGF’s new premises and launch a number of new government initiatives.

On cutting the huge pink) ribbon to open the Centre Ms Featherstone said: “It is a great pleasure to be at this fantastic facility, where Manchester leads, it is clear the rest of the country will follow.”

Ms Featherstone then announced that the Government were today launching Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality: Moving Forward a Government action plan to tackle LGB&T inequality.

Ms Featherstone said:  “It makes clear that where the law is still unequal, we will correct it.”

The action plan highlights the government’s continued commitment to challenging homophobia, transphobia and inequality in all areas, including: education, the workplace, and across public sector services.

Ms Featherstone added: “The struggle for LGB&T equality is about so much more than any policy we can enshrine into the law...it’s about opening hearts and minds, and transforming behaviours.”

The government aim to encourage cultural change through sport, and Ms Featherstone referred to the Government’s new Charter which already has the support of the Football Association and other governing sports bodies to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport.

The Minister highlighted that challenges still exist and that full equality will only be realised when, “every lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individual is accepted for who they are.”

Paul Martin, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation said “We welcome the Government’s action plan and are honoured that it was launched here in Manchester at the opening of the LGF’s Community Resource Centre. We look forward to supporting the Government Equality Office with its implementation.”

“We are only too aware of the current economic climate, but it is crucial that if this action plan is going to be successful, there will be the necessary resources to support it.”

“For full equality to be realised, it is everyone’s responsibility across society and government to support this document to challenge discrimination and support the LGB&T community.”

For pictures of today's event, please visit the LGF's Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/lgf/sets/72157626137933379/

Published: 14-Mar-2011: (498)