Gay rights and the Socialist Party
‘It was the best national meeting I’ve been to in a while because
I could actively engage in the discussion.’
That was Andrew’s verdict on the last Socialist Party Lesbian Gay
Bisexual & Transgender Group national meeting held in London in October
2003. All those participating from around England and Wales agreed.
Manny Thain
The day started with a thought-provoking political discussion on the
family.
This was introduced by guest speaker, Christine Thomas, who explained
the role of the family in modern society and how it has developed over
time – from the earliest human communities through slave, feudal and
capitalist systems.
The wide ranging discussion touched on the attitude of organised
religions to same-sex relationships, partnership rights, the approaches of
establishment political parties, and much more.
Campaigning priorities
In the afternoon Marc Vallée (LGBT Group convenor) started the
discussion on our campaigning priorities by comparing today’s attitudes to
sexuality with the political outlook of LGBT people and movements of the
past.
The discussion highlighted our campaigning initiative on homophobic
bullying in education. From this meeting, a resolution on this issue went
to (and was passed at) the International Socialist Resistance conference
in November.
We heard personal accounts of homophobia in workplaces, where verbal
abuse is commonplace and often goes unpunished. And there were reminders
of the sense of isolation that many LGBT people face, especially outside
of the main cities.
Provocative
We agreed that we should encourage Socialist Party branches – as well
as International Socialist Resistance and Socialist Student societies – to
arrange discussions on the family and LGBT issues.
They raise many fundamental questions, and are invariably wide-ranging,
provocative and interesting.
They also bring out local problems, which can become the basis for
campaigning activity – for example on the need for safe and affordable
social venues for LGBT people.
The Socialist Party LGBT Group is more than willing to provide advice
and speakers.
