Gay Liberation: A fight still to be won

Text of Socialist Worker leaflet

The modern day gay liberation movement and Gay Pride festival was born 40 years ago out of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The LGBT residents of New York decided ‘enough was enough’ and initiated two days of riots against a government-sponsored system which had systematically persecuted sexual minorities and their human rights.

Gay liberation within Britain and Northern Ireland has undeniably come a long way since the adoption of Clause 21 and with six legislative changes in the last ten years attitudes seem to be shifting. And compared to the south where civil partnership is still illegal - LGBT persons are in a better position.

However the picture isn’t all rosy here. According to the Northern Ireland Equality commission there has been a dramatic rise in homophobic attitudes in the last 3 years; their survey showed that homophobic attitudes had risen by 7%.

Also there still remains a high level of homophobic hate crime in Northern Ireland, 21% of gay and bisexual males, and 18% of females have suffered homophobic attacks in the last three years.

Additionally you only have to look at the PPS report which claimed that Iris Robinson could still continue her job as health minister despite believing that homosexuals could be ‘cured ‘ by her psychiatric friend . All this reflects the society we live in and its attitude towards people with different sexual preferences.

Just as sexual minorities continue to be persecuted within Northern Ireland, ethnic minorties also face horrific attacks and persecution.

The recent attacks and intimidation of Roma families within Belfast force us to look at the stark reality that is the existence of continued bigotry and racism  - this comes out of a society based on division and separation.

The continued attacks on migrant workers and the existance of bigotry and homophobia among our politicians, including our very own ‘Bigot of The Year’ Iris Robinson are glaring indicator that all persecuted minorties must fight together against the lies peddled about race or sexuality.

In the worst recession we have seen since the 1930’s the LGBT community has an important part to play in the fight against making sure  working people don’t  pay for the crisis of capitalism.

Socialists believe that we have to fight against unemployment, job losses and the huge bailout for the banks. But at the same time we have to stand together - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender alongside Inidian, Romanian, African communities to fight for a better world – one without oppression or greed. A society that operates for people not profit.

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