Next steps towards forming a LGBT+ network in the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region

The statistics around the LGBT+ community across the Commonwealth speak for themselves. Adam Price MS from Senedd Cymru, keeps a watchful eye on the figures, recognising their power.

“There are 205 publicly out LGBT+ parliamentarians across the whole of the Commonwealth,” Adam says.

“The British Islands and Mediterranean Region represents more than half of that 205 figure which includes 100 within Westminster (both Houses) as well as some representation within the devolved legislatures. There are 18,000+ members of the CPA, so just over 1% currently are out LGBT+ parliamentarians. That's underrepresentation.”

These statistics certainly resonated with attendees of a webinar organised by CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region.  It was held to report back on a workshop held at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Sydney this October which explored how legislatures can support and promote LGBT+ participation. The recommendation from the workshop was that,

“Political actors across the Commonwealth have a responsibility to listen to the voices of LGBT+ citizens and support their meaningful participation in the democratic process.”

Before the Sydney CPC, it had been decided at a regional conference in St Helena in May 2024 to create a network of LGBT+ parliamentarians within CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region.

Therefore, the pre-Christmas webinar (11 December) was a useful opportunity to discuss next steps in forming that network.

There is a lack of consensus across the Commonwealth about LGBT+ rights, which according to Adam Price explains the underrepresentation.

“It’s not entirely a surprise given that the majority of Commonwealth countries still criminalize being LGBT+.  That’s 29 of the 56 countries. Only five member states currently within the Commonwealth have any out LGBT politicians, and it’s mostly in the Global North. The one exception is South Africa, where, across the South African National Assembly and the provincial parliaments, there are 15 LGBT parliamentarians.”

Participants in the webinar included Louise Doublet from Jersey’s elected assembly, who recommended including the term ‘visibility’ when refining the terms of reference for the proposed regional network.

“We’ve had members who felt they couldn't be out and then didn't seek re-election, and that was linked to their status as a queer person. I think this network would do so much good, but it’s worth adding “visibility” to the terms of reference.”

Meanwhile Kirsty Blackman from the SNP in Westminster was pleased about the hybrid nature of the proposed network but also urged a gentle approach when forming a LGBT+ network.

“It's not about imposing it on other people, but showing how great a thing it is, and how it could spread. I appreciate that the network would operate through both hybrid and in-person meetings. Anything that can be done on a hybrid basis would be incredibly helpful for me and those who have caring responsibilities and who find it more difficult to travel.”

Helen Haywood, Deputy CEO of CPA UK, confirmed that the terms of reference for the proposed regional LGBT+ network have been shared with branches, and that feedback is welcome.