LGBT

Messages of suppport have been flooding into the offices of LGBT History Month Scotland. 

Message from Elaine Chalmers, Head of Childline Scotland

"LGBT History Month is a great way of celebrating the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. The ChildLine helpline, 0800 1111, is here for any child or young person who wants to talk about anything that affects them. We know from the calls that we receive that many young people still feel worried about or isolated by their sexuality and we are working with a number of partners to address the issues that young people face, such as homophobic bullying. ChildLine fully supports initiatives, such as LGBT History Month, which highlight the full part that LGBT people play in Scotland's past, present and future."  

Message from European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation

"European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation, EGLSF, has a motto: Fair play, tolerance and safety in sports for everyone. In football/soccer the silence of fans, players, coaches, clubs, and associations or the negation and invisibility of homosexuality are serious expressions of homophobia. When the opposing team or the  referee is called “gay,” most people do not even notice any abuse. Homophobia and sexism are often understood as being part of the cultural logic of football/soccer. While we keep waiting for the coming-out of a top player, a lot of work  can be done. By transforming established structures of male bonding into a new form of solidarity, a new atmosphere may be created both on the pitch and on the terraces, in which the decision for diverse life-styles is entirely up to the individual, who will not be left alone with possible unpleasant consequences, however. EGLSF fights against discrimination in sports because of sexual preferences. Football is the European sport. Therefore, EGLSF supports the LGBT History Month Scotland in its work against homophobia in football."  

Message from Robin Harper, MSP

“LGBT History month is a most welcome development. It is much easier to know where you are going, if you know where you have been - that is true of all history, and because change has come so rapidly, this is particularly true of the history of LGBT issues. I am sure this month will be a revelation of many moving tales, a spur to further action, and an inspiration to all."  

Message from Jo Swinson, MP, East Dunbartonshire - Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Equality

“LGBT history month reminds us that, just a few years ago, LGBT people were discriminated against by this country’s laws in the most appalling of fashions.  The month is the most forceful demonstration of why we cannot be complacent about the progress made in recent years and shows why we must redouble our efforts to engrain equality at every level of society, from schools, to the high street, to all our public institutions.”  

Message from Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council

"Diverse societies are strong societies. I am proud to recognise and support the Borders as a strong and richly diverse society where everybody is free to participate fully in public and community life. LGBT History Month reminds us all of the contribution made to society by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and the personal struggle they have faced in doing so. Scottish Borders Council is delighted to offer its support to this initiative."

Message from David Lyle, Chief Inspector, Scottish Co-ordinator, Gay Police Association

“LGBT people have been part of the Scottish Police Service throughout its history, but much of their lives and their contributions have gone unseen and unnoticed. The Gay Police Association strongly supports the work being done by LGBT History Month, in recognising and celebrating those lives and working to ensure that equality, fairness and dignity are at the heart of all aspects of Scottish society.”

Message from Pauline Nairn, Police Sargent, Lothian & Borders Police

"Lothian & Borders Police continually strive to show its commitment to its LGBT staff and community. It welcomes the opportunity to support LGBT History Month and to celebrate the significant contribution made by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in both its workplace and its community."

Message from Phil White, Manager, West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership

"West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership and its partners are committed to equality and diversity.  This is reflected in our new Community Plan and in our local Partnership Agreement.  We are pleased to support the celebratory and consultation events that are being planned currently by West Dunbartonshire LGBT Equality Network for LGBT History Month, which will take place in February of next year." 

Message from Alex Salmond, First Minister of the Scottish Government

"I am sorry that I cannot be with you today, but I would like to pass on my best wishes for an enjoyable and successful celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual andTransgender History Month 2008. The Scottish Government is firmly committed to equality for all the people of Scotland. My colleague, the Minister for Communities and Sport, will be hosting a reception to celebrate LGBT History Month next week. We believe that a successful Scotland is open, fair and inclusive and provides equal opportunity and choice for all its people. And we want to see an end to all forms of prejudice and discrimination. I hope you have an enjoyable evening."

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