Many
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) people are looking
for an alternative to the non-political scene that has been the
backdrop to our lives for the past 15 to 20 years. In Britain, much
has been achieved - anti-discrimination laws, civil partnerships and
adoption rights to name a few legal reforms - and social attitudes
have changed for the better, but homophobia, biphobia and
transphobia have not gone away. Many LGBTQ
people face discrimination on a daily basis, including being unable
to come out for fear of family, workplace or social rejection.
Passing laws banning discrimination does not end prejudice. Growing
numbers of LGBTQ people, especially young people, are coming to the
conclusion that legal reform is not enough. How can we win not just
LGBTQ rights but also liberation? In 78 countries, homosexual acts
are still illegal. In five the maximum penalty is death.
LGBTQ
AGAINST THE CUTS :
The
key issue in politics today is the austerity plan being imposed by
the Con-Dem coalition against public services and the welfare state.
This will hit all working and middle class people. Economists have
said that as of spring 2012 only around 10% of the planned cuts
have been implemented. This applies whoever is in government, as
Labour plans cuts too, but at a slower pace.
Cuts
will hit LGBTQ (Q stands for 'Queer', those who do not identify
themselves as one or the other sexuality) people especially hard.
There will be direct attacks on some services specifically used by
us, such as youth groups and voluntary sector organisations. Plans to
chop up and privatise the NHS will lead to a loss of expertise and
specialist services used by LGBTQ people. If GPs are commissioning
services they may not have the necessary knowledge or be accountable.
This will particularly hit trans people looking for gender
reassignment, which is already limited.
The
abolition of incapacity benefit will have a massive effect on people
living with HIV/AIDS, whatever
their sexuality. Introducing "individual budgets" to buy
support services will be no good if appropriate services don't exist.
Many will be forced on to Jobseeker's Allowance or could lose their
benefits entirely
Join
the ‘queers against the cuts’ bloc on the Pride 2012 Email
beth@bethgranter.com
New
Socialist Party pamphlet £1.00 – contact Brighton and Hove
Socialist Party, info.bhsp@gmail.com,
www.brightonhovesocialistparty.blogspot.com
’GAY
FRIENDLY’ TORIES?
Cameron
wants to "decontaminate the Tory brand" and gain the
support of a layer of wealthy LGBT people. His record speaks
differently. He opposed the repeal of Section 28, opposed equal
adoption rights and the Tories sit, at his behest, with homophobic
far-right parties in the European Parliament. Probably the biggest
current threat is that cuts can lead to scapegoating. Recession and
austerity raises tension within society and some will look to blame
and take out frustration on minorities. It is no coincidence that
homophobic hate crime in the West End of London increased by 21% in
the year to the end of February 2011. This area includes Soho and is
promoted as the safest place for LGBTQ people in Britain with
numerous bars and clubs.
Scapegoating
will be encouraged by elements in the Tory party. There were a number
of attacks on gay rights and marriage equality by Tory MPs and
journalists in the early months of 2011 just as the cuts started to
bite. At some stage any capitalist government under pressure may
resort to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia to divide workers.
Capitalist politicians need a reservoir of reactionary ideas in
society, which they can draw on if they are under threat.
Attacks
against LGBTQ communities will lead to a fightback - just as a mass
campaign opposed Section 28 and brought LGBTQ communities together
against a common foe. This gave confidence, visibility and led to
many of the advances of the past 20 or so years. Capitalism diverted
the mood of confidence down a commercial route and into the opening
up of bars, venues and festivals. Pride events became depoliticised.
Of
course, LGBTQ people need somewhere to meet and socialise, but the
commercial scene excludes those who don't feel they 'fit in', can't
afford to go out drinking or clubbing in an environment where prices
can be very high or just live too far away from the scene. Many
perceive the scene as trashy and over-sexualised. Outside big cities
there may be no Queer or LGBT 'alternative' scene.
Only
working class action can create unity against prejudice and root out
backward ideas. As the effect of cuts and the fight-back against them
grow in society as a whole, LGBTQ people will want a piece of the
action. Strike action and mass demos will inspire and draw in whole
layers of our communities. The Socialist
Party
calls for a mass demonstration, organised by the trade unions, in
particular their LGBT Groups, and LGBTQ community and campaigning
organisations for full marriage equality and against the cuts. This
could cut across any attempts to scapegoat LGBTQ people, make clear
that we are not prepared to accept a legal reform, however important,
as a sop from a government attacking our living standards and build
unity with other workers and oppressed groups fighting attacks.
The
Socialist Party's aim is the transformation of society, with the vast
wealth of global society being democratically controlled by the
currently disenfranchised 99%, not used for the super-wealthy 1% that
capitalist governments work for. On this basis, services could be
expanded, not cut, with human relationships being revolutionised for
the better, including an end to oppression and prejudice. This is the
only guarantee of LGBTQ liberation. To this end we demand.
- The immediate introduction of equal marriage rights for same sex couples and the right for couples of different sexes to enter into civil partnership. No penalisation of trans people in marriage proceedings
- Investment in job creation, decent housing and public services to reduce economic pressure on relationships
- A mass movement against the cuts, led by the trade unions and involving community campaigns, minority groups and young people
- Rebuilding a militant LGBTQ movement to fight for equality and genuine liberation for all
- Pride not profit: keep big business out of Pride events
- A new mass workers' party to offer real political representation for ordinary people, including all minorities
If
you agree with us – think about joining! Contact us –
info.bhsp@gmail.com
– www.brightonhovesocialistparty.blogspot.com
