Debate contribution: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Debate contribution by Ms Kellie Armstrong on 12 May 2025.

MLA

Ms Kellie Armstrong

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

12 May 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4937862

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I beg to move

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I propose the motion to reaffirm our commitment, as a democratic Assembly, to the values of equality, dignity and inclusion for all. This week, as we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we are reminded that our words must be matched by meaningful action. It is not enough simply to acknowledge injustice — we must eradicate it. The motion points, rightly, to a failure in leadership — a failure that stretches back more than a decade. In 2006, the Assembly first committed to developing a sexual orientation strategy. Nearly 20 years on, and more than 10 years since that promise was reiterated in the Assembly in 2013, we still have no strategy. We cannot keep telling LGBTQI+ people that their rights are a priority while continually failing to deliver the policies that would ensure that those rights are realised. The delay is not just a political oversight; it is a betrayal of trust for the LGBTQI+ community in Northern Ireland — a community that continues to experience higher levels of discrimination, poorer mental health outcomes, and increased vulnerability to violence and exclusion. The Alliance Party has long been a champion of LGBTQI+ rights. We believe that every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, should be able to live freely without fear of discrimination or harm. Alliance has long advocated for comprehensive equality legislation; inclusive and affirming education; building a united community in which diversity is celebrated; and mainstreaming LGBTQI+, disability and all other rights across all areas of government. We support the creation of a robust, cross-departmental LGBTQI+ strategy not as a token gesture but as a fundamental mechanism for social justice. In 2021, the Department for Communities convened an LGBTQI+ expert advisory panel composed of individuals with lived and professional experience. The expert panel's work culminated in a comprehensive set of recommendations that offers a clear roadmap for government action. The expert panel's recommendations include the immediate development and publication of an LGBTQI+ strategy; a cross-departmental stakeholder forum to embed lived experience in decision-making; inclusive relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in all schools; comprehensive protections against hate crime and discrimination; and a monitoring framework to ensure transparency and accountability. That is not a wish list: it is a plan — a plan created by the expert panel, which was engaged to deliver by the Department for Communities, that is grounded in evidence, lived experience and a shared desire to build a better society. Why does that matter? It matters because LGBTQI+ people in Northern Ireland continue to face unacceptable disparities. The facts are that LGBTQI+ youth are far more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and self-harm; trans people face long delays and poor treatment in our healthcare system; older LGBTQI+ individuals face isolation and invisibility; and in schools, workplaces and even public services, too many LGBTQI+ people still experience discrimination and exclusion. Without a strategy, there is no coherent, coordinated approach to addressing those issues. Departments are left working in silos, and, too often, those in need fall through the cracks. The benefits of such a strategy go far beyond the LGBTQI+ community. When we embed inclusion in our institutions, everyone benefits. In schools, inclusive education leads to less bullying, better mental health and improved learning for all pupils. In the workplace, inclusion drives productivity, innovation and well-being. In society, diversity strengthens resilience, community cohesion and civic trust. It is also important to reflect on the responsibility that we hold as Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The code of conduct for MLAs and the Nolan principles of public life — integrity, honesty, accountability, openness, leadership, objectivity and selflessness — must guide our actions, not just our intentions. We are elected to serve not just some but all our constituents, and that includes LGBTQI+ people in Northern Ireland. The principle of objectivity calls us to make decisions based on fairness and evidence. Leadership and integrity compel us to stand up for marginalised voices even when it is not easy. By supporting the motion and urging the Minister for Communities to publish the strategy without delay, we fulfil our duty not only to the LGBTQI+ community but to the wider public and the principles that underpin the Assembly. Today's motion is not controversial; it is long overdue. It reflects the voices of those who have waited too long to be seen, heard and protected. Let this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia be more than symbolic: let it be a turning point when the Assembly finally delivers on its promises and takes real, concrete steps towards inclusion. Let us honour the values that we claim to uphold and act. Please support the motion.

792 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:23 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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