International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

I was rather shocked recently by a television programme presented by Olly Alexander, the well-known singer and actor who took a leading part in the television drama It's a Sin. He is very much an out and proud gay man, but he talked about his own experience of mental illness and interviewed other people about their experience. He reminded us that 40% of gay people suffer from mental illness. Despite the appearance of general acceptance, many gay people still have a deep sense of shame and unworthiness which they have never been able to shake off.

As a Christian minister I am painfully aware of the part the churches have played in this. Many ordinary Christians have gay family members and friends whom they love and support – many are gay themselves. But church leaders – with a few exceptions – are still afraid to challenge the official doctrines, and there are still many who firmly believe that any sex outside heterosexual marriage is a sin. A lot of education and a lot of challenge are still needed. 

I hope for a future in which we won’t need a day ‘against’ anything but will celebrate all the year round the rich variety of the ways people express themselves and the ways they love one another.

I suggested such a change because I felt it was important. Because it was the right thing to do. On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I felt it was right to point out the importance of support, recognition and respect in these dark times. This day not only points out the hatred that still drives the fight for our right to be ourselves but also has us remember those we have lost along the way. 

We live in an age where I think things aren’t working in favour of the LGBT+ community, especially the Transgender, Non-Binary and Intersex (T.I.N) people of the British Isles in the most recent light of the Conversion Therapy Ban. With this in mind I hope the flag is also a beacon of hope to students on our campuses and in our local communities.

This flag is one of many different ways to represent that the Human Race is a very diverse life form, and we need time to remember and respect that diversity. Some may not understand or relate to such things and that is ok. But that never meant you couldn’t take the time to get to know it. And not understanding something has never warranted hate. Nor should it ever. But sadly, some people see it as such and even in the 2020s we still have to fight for our right to be seen and heard. 

The power flags hold is immense. It can unite entire crowds of people. It can have random strangers talking to one another. It can also have people think differently. Opening their eyes to new thoughts and ideas. The Pride flag has always managed this. 

But the key power behind the Pride Flag’s newest variation is its ability to make not only the LGBT+ community as a whole feel heard, noticed and respected but also the voices of Trans and Intersex individuals as well as People of Colour. Representation can make people feel welcome. It can bring people out of the dark and feel comfier with not only being open to others but themselves too. For some it can even draw out some positive feels including euphoria. A word that’s commonly used within the LGBT+ community.

By the power of this flag people can begin to feel happier about being open and honest to others and sometimes themselves too. It is the most beautiful thing to see, hear and feel happen whether its your friend, your family member or yourself. For someone to blossom. It is with this goal in mind I made sure this variant of the Pride Flag would wave above our heads as we walk from one place to another. And I’d rather not have it any other way.