The Welsh government has set out an LGBTQ+ Action Plan with the goal of advancing inclusion and equality for all.
Within it are policy-specific actions which range from improving safety, education, housing, health and social care, to promoting community cohesion.
These include banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for all and making it easier for trans people to change their legally recognised gender.
It also emphasises a commitment to defending and promoting the rights and dignity of the trans+ community.
Launching the Action Plan on 7 February, the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, and the Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, set out how they intend on making its ambitions a reality.
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“We have come a long way in the past few decades, but we cannot be complacent. Progress can and never should be taken for granted. LGBTQ+ communities remain under attack, with our hard-fought-for rights at risk of being rolled back around the world, including here in the UK,” the Deputy Minister explained.
“I’m proud that here in Wales LGBTQ+ rights are embedded in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government commitments and the LGBTQ+ Action Plan is a commitment in the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
“The plan is ambitious but with hope at its heart. We are absolutely committed to meaningful change for LGBTQ+ communities, creating a society and country where LGBTQ+ people are safe to live and love authentically, openly and freely as ourselves.”
Price added that tackling “all forms of injustice is essential and together we can create a fairer society, promoting the rights of everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.”
“We should not become complacent”
It underlines the country’s intention to become the most friendly nation for LGBTQ+ people in Europe.
The Welsh government worked with a number of LGBTQ+ people and organisations to develop its Action Plan, including co-founder of Stonewall Lisa Power.
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“This Action Plan is clear on what it is going to do and how. It recognises that being LGBTQ+ is part of a more complex and often intersectional identity and that all kinds of matters affect us across our life,” she said.
“Through the work I do internationally, I increasingly get comments from people who recognise Wales as a country trying to protect all of its citizens – and that absolutely includes LGBTQ+ citizens.”
Davinia Green, Director of Stonewall Cymru, welcomed the LGBTQ+ Action Plan but warned the government to “not become complacent.”
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