Features / LGBTQ+
‘If we don’t have equality inside our ranks, then we will never see it outside’
Three contributors from Bristol24/7’s Talking LGBT+ Bristol film to tell us what they would change if they had one wish this Pride. The film gives a platform to the LGBT+ community in Bristol and aims to increase visibility and raise awareness of the love, struggle and change that the community has faced.
There’s no doubt that we’ve come a long way in the last few decades, especially for the ‘LG’ part of the community, but I would love to see the rest of the ‘BT+’ acronym catch up.
We don’t exhibit equality within our own community, not when asexuals are told they are not welcome, or non-binary folk are made to feel they’re wasting resources that were meant for transgender people.
is needed now More than ever
If we don’t have equality inside our ranks, then we will never see it outside. Bisexual people in straight-passing relationships are still bisexual! They still need and deserve the support that other queer folks receive, and they should feel as free to enjoy Pride events with their partner as other couples that ‘appear’ more gay.
The LGBT+ community should be a beacon of tolerance and an example to follow. We should treat our own (and others) with the humanity, empathy and understanding we want from the rest of the world. No acephobia, biphobia, misogyny, racism, and no Islamophobia. If there was ever a community capable of such commitment to eradicating oppression, it is us.
Branwen Hughes is a contributor to Talking LGBT+ Bristol. Branwen moved to Bristol to study at university where they felt comfortable to ‘come out’ for the first time.
Read more: ‘There should be no restriction placed on desire, appearance and behaviour’
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