Equality means equality for all

Here in the UK, we were once ranked the most LGBTQIA+ friendly country in Europe. Fast forward eight years and now we’re not even in the top ten. The reality of that decline means that many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are facing an increasing threat of violence, and discrimination, simply for being themselves.

The following provides just a snapshot of the reality for many LGBTQIA+ people today, with most people affected not reporting their experiences to the police.

• The latest hate crime statistics released by the ONS reveal that England and Wales continue their decline into a less safe place for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
• Almost one in five LGBTQIA+ people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.
• New research shows the annual income of UK LGBT+ workers is, on average almost £7,000 less than their straight, cis-gendered counterparts.
• 18% of LGBT+ people who were looking for work said they were discriminated against because of their identity when trying to get a job.

These findings come at a time when there is a widening divide through misinformation in our politics and media. This heightened awareness often leads to the dismissal of the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ people every day.

Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, it’s often people already facing discrimination based on their race, gender, sexuality and more who suffer most. It creates a perfect storm, hitting hardest for people already disempowered. For LGBTQIA+ people that can be the difference between surviving, and not.

When the war in Ukraine triggered the biggest refugee crisis since World War II, people like Vlad Viski from our partner organisation MozaiQ helped provide safety to LGBTQIA+ people fleeing into neighbouring countries, like Romania. 

When a crisis happens, like the war in Ukraine, Oxfam has been able to quickly reach many people fleeing the horrors of war by forming partnerships with local organizations like MozaiQ, who are already working within the community. Many of these people were already facing discrimination and violence.

Among these partners are FILIA – a champion for the voices of women and girls, and eRomnja, dedicated to the rights of Roma women and girls, and survivors of gender-based violence.

We’re also proud to have partnered with Gay-Alliance Ukraine strengthening the LGBTQIA+ community in Ukraine, advocating for human rights and improving life for many LGBTQIA+ people.

"Most of the problems are the same problems that are faced by the ordinary citizens of this country. It is vulnerability to aggression. It is the lack of certainty that you or your home will be protected. But they are also compounded by problems related to discrimination, and homophobia. In the last six months alone, in Kyiv we recorded about 50 attacks on members of the LGBT community by militarised groups.

“We help with food, medicine, and hygiene kits,” says Anna Leonova, Executive Director of Gay Alliance Ukraine. The kits include essentials like soap, a secure bucket to store clean water, detergent for washing clothes, and menstrual products.

Oxfam GB doesn’t specialize in LGBTQIA+ rights. But we do support a small number of programmes to support LGBTQIA+ people. Unless we recognise all the ways power and oppression trap people in poverty, we’ll never build a fairer, more equal world.

By pooling resources and expertise with partners already established in the local area, we’ve been able to rapidly help provide the specialist support that LGBTQIA+ people need. Including safe spaces so that people do not fall victim to violence or bullying and harassment. Alongside this we provide cash assistance so people can buy the essentials they so desperately need at a time of crisis. And legal advice to help people access the social welfare or assistance that they are entitled to.

We all deserve equality and to have our rights respected. But the reality is we’re living in an increasingly unequal and divided world. A world which allows the richest 1% to get richer, whilst unstable governance, soaring living costs, conflict and a changing climate is leaving millions of us without life’s basics - clean water, food, healthcare, and homes.

Discrimination, mistreatment, and other inequalities based on people’s race, nationality, sex or gender, sexuality, or any other defining characteristic is also on the rise. It damages people’s health and creates impossible barriers to jobs, housing. At the same time, it increases their likelihood of living in poverty.

Only by recognising the safety and well-being of all people can we create a fairer, more equal world.

Because equality isn't a privilege—it's a fundamental human right, meant for every single one of us.

If we believe in equality, then we must believe in equality for all.

Brighten up your life with our Pride collection. Every purchase you make supports LGBTQIA+ people through vital projects and partnerships, creating real change. From vibrant tote bags to FairTrade rainbow garlands, join us in proudly showing your dedication to a brighter, more equal world.