LGBT groups mark International Women’s Day
Groups are today marking International Women’s Day, which celebrates female achievement across the globe.
Activists around the world are rallying to lobby for women’s causes, from equal pay to domestic violence and access to birth control.
In London, a women’s rights march was joined by figures including Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, Gemma Arterton and Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney.
Many are also raising awareness of the intersection between LGBT issues and women’s rights.
Rights charity Stonewall notes that sex between women remains illegal in 50 countries, while LBT women often face an increased risk of sexual violence. Trans women in particular face high levels of murder around the world.
The group celebrated a number of inspirational LBT women, including Arsenal player Casey Stoney.
Stonewall said: “Progress has been made but internationally, we know that lesbians, bisexual and trans women experience high levels of inequality and violence.
“At Stonewall, we believe that LBT women will only achieve real equality if they can be themselves, regardless of their gender, gender identity and their sexual orientation.”
Mina Tolu of the International LGBTQ Youth & Student Organisation added: “IGLYO believe that in order to comprehensively address violence, discrimination and oppression women of all kinds experience, we must adopt an intersectional approach and policies that support all women and girls who might face and experience multiple oppressions in their daily lives.”
“We at IGLYO stress the particular needs and challenges of young LBTQ (lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer) women, girls and individuals identifying as queer or feminine who are at an increased risk of being bullied, this causes dropouts and increases the chance of mental health problems often leading to suicidal thoughts.
“Furthermore these individuals are more exposed to violence and physical assault. Governments must gear policies that ensure the safety of young LBTQ individuals whose concerns are too often neglected in the national human rights strategies.”
