Flying the Flag for LGBT Equality

05 February 2013

The National Assembly for Wales is marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month by flying the rainbow flag above its estate in Cardiff Bay and Colwyn Bay from February 7.

The Rainbow standard will be raised across the estate at 12.15 and there will be a photo-opportunity with the Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, either on the steps of the Senedd or in the Neuadd, depending on the weather.

She will be joined by Assembly Commissioner for Equalities, Sandy Mewies AM, as well as members of the Assembly’s LGBT staff network, Assembly Members and staff.

This follows further recognition of the Assembly’s work in this area from LGBT-rights group Stonewall.

For the fifth year running they have ranked the Assembly amongst the top LGBT-friendly places to work in the UK – increasing its index score once again this year.

“I am proud that the Assembly does so much positive work around the issue of LGBT rights”, the Presiding Officer said.

“But there is still work to be done in ensuring that the LGBT community is recognised on an equal footing in all walks of life, and in particular within mainstream politics.

“That’s why the National Assembly for Wales is highlighting LGBT History Month by flying the Rainbow flag above our estate across Wales. Throughout February, there will also be a display of LGBT Heroes in the Senedd”.

Sandy Mewies AM, the Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for equalities issues, added: “The LGBT History Month is all about celebrating diversity and cultural pluralism which is something that we strive to do at the Assembly.

“This work has once again been recognised by Stonewall and I am delighted to take part in this ceremony to raise the Rainbow standard above the Assembly’s estate.”

In the past year, the National Assembly has undertaken the following work to make the Assembly a more LGBT-friendly place to work:

• We continue to work with local partners to celebrate LGBT History Month;

• A showcase of LGBT Heroes will be displayed in the Senedd throughout February;

• We continue to take our Outreach Bus to the Cardiff Mardi Gras where the Presiding Officer spoke on the main stage and met with many attendees;

• We increased our community engagement by consulting with LGBT groups on the development of our Equality Plan and filmed anti-bullying videos for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia;

• We produce monthly equality bulletins which contain information on LGBT news, publications, conferences etc;

• We promote LGBT equality internally, through our inclusive staff policies, training and awareness-raising;

• We have a senior LGBT champion and a number of Allies who promote LGBT equality internally and externally;