Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

@pluslibdems.bsky.social

2.4K followers 170 following 210 posts

The Liberal Democrats party body for gender and sexual minorities. Campaigning for equality. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Promoted by LGBT+ Lib Dems, 66 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AU. 👉 lgbt.libdems.org.uk

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · Apr 16

Statement from us on today's ruling:

"As LGBT+ Liberal Democrats... we don't think Britain is the sort of country where people should have to show their 'papers, please' in order to use the loo. ...we do not support efforts to legislate in ignorance to enforce conformity."

🔶🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🧡

LGBT+ LIB DEMS STATEMENT
On the Supreme Court ruling, 16/04/25

Like many, we are disappointed and deeply concerned by today’s Supreme Court judgement, which marks a significant and troubling shift away from decades of settled legal precedent.
By redefining sex in law as “biological” — a term with no clear legal or scientific consensus, and one that does not reflect the lived realities of many people, the ruling introduces confusion and instability into our legal system, which has treated “sex” and “gender” as interchangeable for decades.
We are concerned that this creates an unsatisfactory ambiguity around how people with various endocrine and intersex conditions should be treated, how Gender Recognition Certificates can be obtained and given their intended force in law, and many other areas.
This ruling undermines established protections for trans+ people. Attempts to define sex biologically risk rolling back hard-won rights for all women, not just trans+ women, which is why Liberal Democrats oppose them.
However, nothing in this judgement means that trans+ women can or should be regularly excluded from women's services and spaces. The law still says that trans+ people should not be excluded without a proportionate and legitimate reason.
(Continues - )

(- continues)
As LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, we will not stand by in silence. We don't think Britain is the sort of country where people should have to show their 'papers, please' in order to use the loo.
The fight for trans+ equality continues, and we will never stop standing up for our trans+, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities, and all communities under our wonderfully diverse LGBTQ+ umbrella.
We are proud to be in the most progressive party across Great Britain for LGBT+ rights. Lib Dems seek to uplift individuals and their communities, and help them to be the best they can be, free to be who they are.
We believe people when they show us who they are. We celebrate diversity, and do not support efforts to legislate in ignorance to enforce conformity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dignity, safety and justice for all.
Ever yours,
The Executive Committee
LGBT+ Liberal Democrats

9 63 170

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 19h

We thought the Brighton Centre looked much better when the @libdems.org.uk had our conference there a year ago.

A picture of a huge crowd of Lib Dems, including Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and various MPs, standing outside the Brighton Centre, which has a huge Liberal Democrats decal on the main windows, all holding an enormous Trans Pride flag in the sunshine, at their Autumn Conference in 2024.

10 45

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 14d

In January 2007, @libdems.org.uk Leader Ming Campbell voiced his support for same-sex couples to foster and adopt.

In the same month, Lib Dem Lords advocated banning discrimination based on sexual orientation when purchasing goods and services, which eventually became law.

2 14

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 14d

Ming Campbell was one of the most influential Lib Dems of the last few decades - his opposition to the Iraq War inspired a whole generation of Lib Dems to join, and his allyship on LGBT+ matters was always both strong, and appreciated.

He was also remarkably kind. We will miss him.

1 21 96

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 16d

Well done to Chris!

1 6

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 16d

YES! Chris is a fantastic councillor and advocate for her community. It's a thoroughly deserved award, and good to see HQ having no truck with any nonsense about it. Well done, Chris!

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 16d

The Express asked us about awarding the Patsy Carlton Prize to Cllr Chris Northwood. We responded:

"This prize acknowledged an exceptional woman in Cllr Chris Northwood. The message it sends to women members and voters is that the Liberal Democrats honour and value all of our women members."

6 23

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 18d

You do realise that we're just ordinary people who want to be able to take the bins out and nip to the loo while out shopping without random weirdos demanding to know what's in our pants, right?

1 2 17

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 18d

Not what we're hearing on the doorstep, and our people are knocking on lots of doors.

Reposted by LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Alisdair Calder McGregor @acmcgregor.bsky.social · 20d

For those who pay attention to UK politics, the Liberal Democrats and #LDConf

A bunch of TERFs tried first thing this morning to impose a transphobic policy on our internal elections (they wanted to exclude trans women from the gender balance criteria)

They failed, spectacularly.

3 120 470

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 20d

Glad to see that @libdems.org.uk Conference had no more patience for hate on the agenda than it did last time. We, and Conference, saw that amendment for what it was. Thank you to everyone who voted.

2 23 110

Reposted by LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 22d

The arrest of four people after this incident is an outrageous affront to the freedom of expression enjoyed by UK citizens. It is a human right we all enjoy and is protected in law.
1/2

24 110 350

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 22d

As in, are we against proposals from known transphobes to strip non-binary folks and trans women out of our committee quotas? Hmm. Let us think about that for a second.
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

1 7

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 23d

...However, debate requires that both sides act in good faith, and we do not believe that applies to the Mail and many other mainstream media outlets at present, especially on trans+ issues.

We trust our response speaks for itself.
4/4

1 9 100

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 23d

...We know many Lib Dems, and people in society generally, believe we should debate people who seek to restrict trans rights, and we agree that debate is a fundamental and vital part of politics...
3/4

1 7 61

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 23d

...This group, which would like to be affiliated with the Lib Dems, is attempting to remove non-binary representation from our committee gender-balancing rules, and to try to force the party to use Sex Assigned at Birth instead...
2/4

1 8 66

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 23d

Yesterday, we received an email from a Daily Mail journalist asking us to comment on the attempt by a trans-exclusionary group to change our party's rules. For the avoidance of doubt, or misrepresentation of our position, we reproduce our response in full here...
1/4

Text of an email response to a censored @dailymail.co.uk address. It states in summary that because the Daily Mail is one of the main protagonists of the anti-trans movement in British media, our co-chair has no faith that any response will be presented in a fair or balanced manner, and declines to comment further.

It is significantly politer than the first initial draft.

4 51 170

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 28d

Thank you @wendychambld.bsky.social and the many other @libdems.org.uk MPs who are signing this letter. Room for more signatures! 👀

Wendy Chamberlain MP @wendychambld.bsky.social · 28d

I’ve signed this letter calling for full parliamentary scrutiny of the EHRC’s guidance.

Trans people deserve clarity, dignity, and safe access to services - not uncertainty and exclusion. Parliament must ensure that any guidance reflects lived experience and protects everyone’s rights.

3 16

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 29d

Thank you, @charlotte-cane-mp.bsky.social and @lisasmartmp.bsky.social. 💛

Charlotte Cane MP 🔶 @charlotte-cane-mp.bsky.social · 29d

⚧️ As a Liberal Democrat, I stand with LGBTQ+ people and reject all discrimination. Trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary people are valid.

I’m proud to sign Lisa Smart MP’s letter urging the Minister to ensure the EHRC's Code of Conduct is subject to full parliamentary scrutiny.

Letter by Lisa Smart MP for Hazel Grove to Bridget Philipson MP and Minister for Women and Equalities - about the EHRC Guidance and the Need for Parliamentary Scrutiny. It asks the Minister to commit to ensuring that the updated Guidance is subject to full parliamentary scrutiny once it is laid before the Government, including a full debate and a free vote.

1 14 68

Reposted by LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 29d

The ECHR is a British creation that protects all.

It's shocking that other parties such as the Tories and Reform talk about leaving it, rewriting it or watering it down, Liberal Democrats stand firm

Ed Davey Text Quote Graphic.

Text on Screen:

The European Convention on Human Rights is a British creation that protects all our basic rights and freedoms. Children, disabled people, survivors of domestic abuse, victims of horrible crimes - everyone.

While other party leaders talk about leaving it, rewriting it or watering it down, Liberal Democrats stand firm.

3 41 110

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · 29d

A huge well done to Rebecca for her work on this, and thank you for JPAC to listening to her concerns.

While the NHS is complaining of blood donation shortages, it should not be inventing barriers for LGBT+ folks who are willing to donate.

Rebecca Jones 🔶 @rebeccajones03.bsky.social · 29d

BREAKING NEWS:

I am thrilled to be able to report that after a discussion with JPAC, JPAC has agreed to update it's position statement to make it clear that trans people haemoglobin levels should be tested against their hormonal levels, not their Sex at Birth.

1/7

Rebecca Jones 🔶 @rebeccajones03.bsky.social · Aug 22

Attention UK Based people, I need YOU to help me challenge NHS Blood & Transplants policies towards Trans & Non-Binary people.

docs.google.com/document/d/1...

1/7

12 26

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · Sep 9

"On a national level, I think the only party that is walking the walk when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights are the Liberal Democrats." - an Independent councillor.

There's always more to do. Thanks to everyone helping us and the @libdems.org.uk do it. 💛

www.attitude.co.uk/main-stories...

Question time: As Labour breaks promises to LGBTQs, who will be our voice in Westminster?

Over the last year, Labour and much of the UK government has shifted to a less supportive position of queer people. Here, Attitude examines the policies of all of the political parties

www.attitude.co.uk

2 8 22

Reposted by LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Anders Hanson @andershanson.bsky.social · Aug 30

If you have wondered why trans people (and many others) were so upset by the supreme court ruling earlier this year, this article from Sarah Brown explains it well: www.libdemvoice.org/why-are-uk-t...

Why are UK trans people upset?

I want to explain a few things and then it might be clearer why UK trans people are upset. In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia. In 2005 I started medical transition. For the state to recognise this I ha...

www.libdemvoice.org

3 34 54

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · Aug 30

Go, @readinglibdems.bsky.social! Great to join you for the day!

Reading Liberal Democrats 🔶 @readinglibdems.bsky.social · Aug 30

Proud to be at @readingprideuk.bsky.social with @pluslibdems.bsky.social today painting the town pastel and rainbow. Trans+ rights are human rights, now and always. Wonderful to see so many people at Pride too. 🧡

A cheering group of people holding a vast trans pride flag in front of the Maiwand Lion in Reading, along with Reading Lib Dems and LGBT+ Lib Dems placards on a cloudy day.

1 8

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · Jul 17

If you were part of the fight to get same sex marriage passed – thank you, from all of us! 🌈

1 8

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @pluslibdems.bsky.social · Jul 17

Today we celebrate 12 years since the @libdems.org.uk passed the Same Sex Marriage Act, with some lovely photos of our married and engaged Plus members.

Including our Chair, Charley, who’s getting married in October, and our Honorary Vice President, Adrian, who celebrates their 10th anniversary.

1 7 20

Reposted by LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Reading Liberal Democrats 🔶 @readinglibdems.bsky.social · Jun 20

Five years ago, the murders of David, James and Joe shocked Reading, and the world.

They were kind, popular members of our community taken from it far too soon. Today, Reading remembers them. Each of them made Reading that much better, and they are deeply missed.

Love from us to all who knew them.

Portrait photographs of three smiling men, surrounded by greenery and yellow flowers.

4 11