LGBTQ+

As an LGBTQ+ artist living in Scotland, it would only make sense that my career highlights elements of Scottish LGBTQ+ history alongside current events.

Alongside my creative pursuits in life I am forever driven to care about the bigger picture & this has led to my current "day job" at LGBT Youth Scotland. Somewhere i didn't think I'd end up when creating the artwork below, but now I see the pathway this created for me, I must share it with you.

Please use the resources linked to all the imagery as and when required. They may inspire you or they may make your realize just how far you've already come.. Let's strive for both!?

Below you can see the resources and research I used to create my original artwork from 2022 depicting the timeline of LGBTQ+ history since legalisation. This features in my portfolio but it deserves a place in the bio without all the process shots.

My shop for more work :D

Section 28 implemented in the UK

Scotland's verison of America's current "don't say Gay" bill.
A scary time where directly after leganization LGBTQ+ people were issued a new set of rules to comply with- "not to promote homosexual behaviours".
A very loose set of wording to allow for all sorts of arrests & to ensure LGBTQ+ people hid their identities away from the general public.

Stonewall Youth project 1989

Now known as LGBT Youth Scotland. Stonewall and LGBTYS separated ways in 2003.
A youth initiative to capture young people's voices amongst the effects of Section 28. Section 28 lent heavily on Thatcher's "protect the children" stance making it very challeneging for young people to share their lived experiences & for the Stonewall Youth Project to function within the law.

1995- Edinburgh Pride

Scotland's largest pride parade to date.
The numbers may not match today's event's by any case but back then reaching so many people was a huge step forward.
Over 3000 people in the streets of Edinburgh holding sign's, protesting for their right's and the right's of their friends/family.
Beginning of the annual tradition of Edinburgh Pride & firmly sewing the seeds of protest within Scotland.
LGBTQ+ right's are Human right's.

Section 28 bites the dust!

2003, the same year LGBT Youth Scotland became independent from Stonewall.

The lifting of Section 28 restrictions on the community has allowed for LGBTQ+ people loving in Scotland to be out and proud.
Section 28 prevente3d the "promotion of Homosexuality" meaning no TV show's w2ith LGBTQ+ characters were allowed, no books or movies, no artwork or plays. Simply nothing for anyone to whitness that would allow them to accept the LGBTQ+ community as part of the "norm".
Once this lifted the fight for marriage equality, adptopns and for Gender Recognition could really begin. Brining the LBBTQ+ community to the forefront of their own fight.

The Gender Reform Bill

Stage one passed in 2022, the third stage passing in 2023 in Scottish government.

A reform in the attempt to make applying to legally transition simpler.

Removing the need for medical proof, shortening the length of time you need to actively be out for to 3 months with a reflection period of another 3 months.

This bill looked to assess that which was already in place, modernise & make changes to streamline. With the goal to take the weight off Scotland's NHS & to reduce barriers for the Trans community.

Unfortunately although this was passed by Scottish government the UK parliament denied the changes.

LGBTQ+

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