Party leaders support Purple Friday

Holyrood unites to support LGBT campaign

Scotland’s party leaders wear purple ribbons in support of Purple Friday, the last Friday of LGBT History Month – showing their support for LGBT people and making a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

LGBT History Month takes place in Scotland every February. It is an opportunity to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender lives and culture and to recognise the significant contribution LGBT people have made to our country and the world at large. It is also a time to reflect on the progress still to be made.

More than 80 events have taken place across Scotland this month, from the Borders to Inverness and reaching some of the most rural and remote communities.

LGBT History Month is coordinated by LGBT Youth Scotland but delivered by local authorities, schools, universities, charities and LGBTI community groups who have a passion and enthusiasm for equalities and improving the lives of LGBTI people.

Purple Friday helps bring LGBT History Month to a close and enables people to show their support for continued progress for LGBT equality, recognising that everyone in Scotland has a role in making LGBT discrimination and prejudice history.

Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland said: “Scotland has some of the most progressive LGBT equality legislation in the world and there is much to celebrate, yet in reality far too many LGBT people and young people still experience discrimination and prejudice in their day to day lives.

“When LGBT Youth Scotland surveyed LGBT young people from all over Scotland, almost 70% of respondents said they had experienced homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at school. 10% had left education directly because of their experiences within education settings (Life in Scotland: Education Report, LGBT Youth Scotland, 2012).”

Cara Spence, Policy Director of LGBT Youth Scotland added: “Purple Friday is a fantastic opportunity to show support for LGBT people and to stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Scotland.

“Based on Spirit Day in the US, and Purple Friday in the Netherlands, this is the second year we have embraced Purple Friday in Scotland. The response has been overwhelming, with demand for purple ribbons outstripping supply. Many schools and organisations have got behind Purple Friday, and are set to share their purple selfies on social media to support the campaign and help improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people across Scotland.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government has strongly supported LGBT History Month since 2005 and it provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, but also look to the future and what more can be achieved.

“Continuing to address the barriers that exist for LGBT people in Scotland and ensuring that everyone has the same chances to participate in every aspect of life is, for me, the most effective way of making sure that each and every one of us benefits from the diversity this fantastic country and its people has to offer.”