Trade Sexual Health

Free, confidential health advice, information,
services & support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual
and trans communities of Leicester,
Leicestershire & Rutland

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'In the City' discussion Thursday 2nd May 2019

Wednesday, 24th April 2019

Question: How we can best support change for those people condemned just because of whom they love?

The Background of this month’s discussion is the fact that there are 70 countries that criminalise same sex relations in the world (ILGA, 2019).  

Brunei is introducing strict new Islamic laws that make anal sex and adultery offences punishable by stoning to death. Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei and carried a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. The new measures introduced in Brunei also criminalise sex between women, carrying a penalty of 40 strokes of the cane and/or up to 10 years in jail.

In a number countries, legal challenges could bring about change, with Kenya’s High Court ruling in late May and Jamaica’s laws also facing a greater challenge.

With legal changes out of our hands, is there anything we can do? Is just sadness, sympathy and empathy enough?

Trade supports many LGBT asylum seekers and associated organisations, promoting action on human rights and a greater understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. We also, in partnership with St Phillips Centre worked on a project called Sexuality, Gender Identity & Belief. This resulted in creation of a local guidance document to help facilitate & encourage conversations and change with faith communities on how to best support LGB&T people of faith.

We would like to gather your experiences, views and ideas of what else, what simple things any human being can do or should do to improve the quality of life in the world we all live in together.

             

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