These pages are here for you if you’re young, living in Wigan Borough and are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBTQ) - or if you’re just not sure (questioning) about your sexuality or your gender identity.
This information has been put together with advice and contributions from the BYOU group, a support project for young LGBTQ young people in Wigan Borough. Take a look at the links below to find out more or email [email protected]
If you’re a young LGBTQ person and want to tell us your story or want to pass on advice to other young LGBTQ people, you can get in touch with this website on [email protected].
A few facts you might not know
1967: Decriminalisation of homosexual acts in England and Wales.
1969: There is a campaign for homosexual equality.
1985: Chris Smith, the first ‘out’ gay MP is elected.
1988: The Government introduce Section 28 and 2A, which means the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities is banned by local authorities.
1989: Lisa Power founds ‘Stonewall’, the organisation which campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people across Britain.
1997: Angela Eagle, the first ‘out’ lesbian MP is elected.
1999: Transgender people are granted employment rights in the UK (meaning you can’t be discriminated against at work because of being transgender).
2003: Section 28 and 2A (the banning of the ‘promotion of sexuality’ by local authorities) are repealed (no longer the law) in England and Wales.
2003: Employment Rights include sexual orientation (meaning you can’t be discriminated against at work because of your sexual orientation).
2005: Civil partnerships are introduced across the UK.
2005: It becomes a ‘hate crime’ in UK to insult or attack someone because of their sexual orientation.
2010: The Equality Act is introduced which protects the rights of individuals and advances equality for all.
2012: It becomes a ‘hate crime’ in England to insult or attack someone because they are transgender.
2014: Marriage for same sex couple is introduced in England.
2016: Wigan Pride was the first ever LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) festival in Wigan Borough!