


Michael Chick, Co-founder and Chairman of United Pride Friends, reflects on the challenges LGBTQ+ people have had to overcome – particularly those LGBTQ+ people who also have learning disabilities.

This LGBTQ+ History Month, Michael shares why it’s important to recognise both progress and what still needs to change for communities to thrive...

We at United Pride Friends are celebrating LGBTQ+ history month as it important to us to remember those that have protested and campaigned so LGBTQ+ people have the same rights as the rest of society and that we are given equity.

It’s important that we remember, although it is LGBTQ+ history month, LGBTQ+ should be given support throughout the year, every year.

We have come a long way over the last 53 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality, even getting the sexual offences act amended took bravery and determination.

Since decriminalisation we have sought to overcome discriminate legislation.

For many years the legal right of consent was unequal with age consent being 21 for LGBTQ+ people and 16 for heterosexual people.

In 1994, the age was lowered to 18 but this was still not on equal foot as heterosexuals.

On the 8th of January 2001 the legal age of consent was brought to 16 years of age, the same equal foot as heterosexuals.

Other discriminate legislation we have overcome includes Section 28, a piece of legislation which criminalised the promotion of Homosexuality in schools and colleges and was harmful and cruel.

Teachers so feared this legislation that they were unable to offer support or tackle homophobic bullying in case they were seen to be promoting homosexuality.

Due to this fear, there was no support for young LGBTQ+ people and they suffered, with there being no outlet for support or advice.

The legislation had a damaging effect on many people from this time period, but in the year 2003 the Section 28 was abolished.

In other countries LGBTQ+ people do not have the same equal rights and freedoms that we have here.
In some country’s it is still a criminal offence to be LGBTQ+ and so we continue to press for change so everyone can live equally not live in fear.

As a person with mild learning difficulties and autism, I see that people with disabilities and autism also face other inequalities that pose a challenge to their LGBTQ+ identities.

LGBTQ+ disabled people often face stigma and discriminate attitudes from people who don’t understand LGBTQ+.

Knowing one’s LGBTQ+ identity is just the same as one knowing their heterosexual Identity.

There is also the issue of services not offering support and care for disabled people to acknowledge their LGBTQ+ Identity or choosing to ignore it.

I have my own experiences, and heard from others that care staff do not sometimes want to deal with incidents of homophobia as they have the attitude that it will bring disruption.
This is also an issue for people who are diverse in many different ways.

There are also very little befriending and support services that show visible inclusion of LGBTQ+ people or people with a learning disability, so when we do attend these there are often few people we are able to really connect with.

This is why I set up United Pride Friends, with the advice and support of my advocate.

It is befriending service for autistic people and people with mild learning difficulties who are LGBTQ+.

We hold an in-person session in Manchester at the LGBTQ+ Foundation on the first Saturday of every month and an online social every two weeks online.

We also offer peer support on matters and issues faced by our members such as mental wellbeing and coming out to friends and family.

For LGBTQ+ autistic people and people with learning difficulties looking to meet and make new friends, you are most welcome to access our groups or contact us through unitedpridegm@gmail.com or visit our website at www.unitedpridefriends.co.uk