Stepping Out joins forces with similar organisations across Scotland to call for end to LGBTQ+ identities being used as ‘political pawns’ on international day against hatred
Caithness LGBTQ+ group Stepping Out have joined with dozens of other Pride organisers across Scotland to issue a joint-statement ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) which is marked tomorrow, May 17.
The statement calls on those in powerful positions to stop using the LGBTQ+ community as political pawns and end the polarised debate surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
They raise significant concern about the current geopolitical climate and express alarm at the escalation in the demonisation of LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans individuals, both at home and abroad.
A total of 23 Pride organisers from across Scotland represent organisations of varying sizes, from rural pride events in Shetland and Dumfries and Galloway to the largest Pride events in the country in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The organisers say that current levels of anxiety, fear and anger within the LGBTQ+ community across Scotland must not be understated.
A spokesperson for Stirling Pride commented: “LGBTQ+ people are rightly concerned about the current direction of travel.
“We have seen a dramatic u-turn from Scotland being one of the most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights to our rights being removed, undermined and the very identity of our trans community being removed. This is why we have had to come together to put out this statement today.”
A Porty Pride spokesperson said: “Porty Pride stands behind this call to action as we are committed to the promotion of social justice and human rights, ensuring that all LGBTQ+ people are respected, recognised and celebrated across all of society.”
A Trans Pride Scotland spokesperson agreed: “On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we stand united in affirming the dignity, rights and humanity of LGBTQ+ people across Scotland. Love is not a crime. Identity is not a threat. Equality is not an option.”
Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ similarly urged: “Everyone needs to stand together to challenge discrimination and support the whole LGBT+ community in our pursuit of dignity and respect.
“The battle for equality is not just ours - it is yours as well. Together, we will prevail.”
An Orkney Pride spokesperson added: “Orkney Pride are disappointed in the erosion of basic human rights, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. We stand firmly behind this statement and our siblings around the globe.”
The joint statement in full reads: “This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we call on those in powerful positions to stop using the LGBTQ+ community as political pawns and end the polarised debate.
“IDAHOBIT on May 17 2025 raises awareness of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and drives positive change.
“As a collective group of LGBTQ+ Pride Organisations across Scotland, we issue this statement against the current geopolitical climate. We are deeply alarmed by the escalation in the demonisation of LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans individuals, both at home and abroad.
“The current US administration’s actions to reverse LGBTQ+ rights and deny the existence of trans people have global implications, encouraging harm to LGBTQ+ people worldwide, including in Scotland.
“The recent Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission are a serious threat to the rights of trans people.
“Additionally, continued delays to the ban on conversion therapy, the banning of puberty blockers, and the obstruction of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill indicate the influence of the anti-LGBTQ+ lobby in both the UK and Scottish Governments. Meanwhile supportive voices are continually sidelined, ignored and vilified.
“As LGBTQ+ Pride organisers across Scotland, we play a part in bringing our communities together, amplifying their voices and creating safe spaces where people can just be themselves.
“Current levels of anxiety, fear and anger within the LGBTQ+ community across Scotland must not be understated.
“The demonisation of our communities must end. We need to be brought in from the cold, listened to and action taken.”
Signatories to the Statement
Angus Pride, Bute Pride, Pride Cumbernauld, Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+, Pride Edinburgh, Fife Pride, Grampian Pride, Glasgow’s Pride, Highland Pride, Pride South Lanarkshire, Pride Lochaber, Pride in Moray, Oban Pride, Orkney Pride, Pride in Orkney, Perthshire Pride, Porty Pride, Shetland Pride, Somewhere For Us, Stepping Out, Stirling Pride, Trans Pride Scotland and West Lothian Pride.