Every year, I write another round up of LGBT events from the past 12 months. It ends up being a weird moment of reflection on how far we've come as a global community. I remember 2013's list –Putin's anti-gay propaganda law came into effect, while gay marriage was legalised in the UK. This year feels similar in terms of its ups and downs.
It would be nice to be able to make some value judgements year on year, and say, "things are getting better for LGBT people". And maybe they are, gradually. However, we can't ignore the various statistics that chart the heinous acts of violence committed towards LGBT people across the world. And they're just the crimes we know about. Things clearly aren't where they should be.
Until they are, let's once again pause and take stock. It wasn't all doom and gloom in 2015; big name celebrities came out, same-sex marriage was legalised and important conversations were had about LGBT issues in the media. Here are some (but by no means all) of the good, the bad and the ugly things that happened in 2015.
Marriage was legalised in Ireland and across all States in America
In May this year, Ireland won the "yes vote" and legalised same-sex marriage across the nation. A referendum was won in favour of the ruling – with 62% saying yes over 38% saying no. In a country where the main religion is still Catholicism, the victory was hailed as revolutionary. Ireland's deputy prime minister Joan Burton said at the time: “The people of Ireland have struck a massive blow against discrimination.”
Also this year, back in June, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage would be made legal in all 50 states of America. It was one of the most important rulings in LGBT and civil rights history. Prior to this, only 37 states would allow same-sex marriage, those maintaining the ban largely conservative. President Barack Obama commented: “This ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.”
Getty
Big name celebrities came out
In 2015, Miley Cyrus declared her sexual fluidity, Kristen Stewart refused to define her sexuality and British pop star Jess Glynne openly told the press she was bisexual. Elsewhere, Caitlyn Jenner was obviously the big "coming out" superstar of the year, announcing her transition back in June with a cover of Vanity Fair.
While stars talking about their gender and sexuality can help to create a public conversation around LGBT issues, and provide role models or inspiration for others to "come out", it's important to remember that their experiences are not comparable to the everyday lived experiences of other LGBT people – many of whom suffer prejudice, deal with issues concerning race, religion and their identity, or can't afford to transition (particularly in the States, where healthcare comes with a price tag.) Still, baby steps...
Hate speech made the headlines
2015 was the year that the phrase "no platforming" spiralled into the public consciousness. After making transphobic comments, Australian second-wave feminist and author Germaine Greer was met with a petition aiming to prevent her from speaking at Cardiff University.
The talk went ahead, but the incident created a conversation in the press that questioned the limitations of free speech and the definition of trans exclusionary radical feminism (the idea that trans people are not "real women"). Greer was almost denied a platform, and was met with widespread criticism – demonstrating that, if your comments are considered crass or dangerous enough, in 2015 you will at least face public trial.
Rex
Minority groups came together to support one another
This year was a devastating year for racial inequality (hence the ongoing need for #blacklivesmatter), as well as people seeking asylum – as evinced by the ongoing refugee crisis. Minority groups came together to support one another though, and we saw the formation of activist organisations like Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants take to the streets to show solidarity, while Black Lives Matter groups appeared at various gay pride events.
Transgender prisoners died in their cells
In 2015, it became blatantly obvious that justice systems are failing transgender inmates. In the UK, within a space of just weeks, trans prisoners Vicky Thompson and Joanne Latham were found dead in their cells after being placed in all-male prisons. Another trans prisoner, Tara Hudson, was moved from a male to female jail, and is still alive. Justice Minister Caroline Dinenage responded: “Transgender adult prisoners are normally placed according to their legally recognised gender. However, we recognise that these situations are often complex and sensitive." No shit – the law as it stands is just not working.
This is a problem shared in America, where a report suggests that 40% of trans prisoners report sexual victimisation. As well as demanding provision of care for these people, we need to consider the structural discrimination that leads trans people to wind up in prison in the first place...and do something about it.
Rex
LGBT people and stories graced our screens
With shows like Transparent and Orange Is The New Black bringing LGBT issues onto our televisions, and treating them with diligence, 2015 felt like a great year for on-screen representation – a crucial way of nurturing understanding around nonbinary gender identity and non-heterosexual sexuality for straight and LGBT people alike.
There were also a bunch of movies with sensitive and convincing LGBT characters, from Carol to Tangerine. The best thing about 2015 in cinema, however, was that a lot of roles were taken up by LGBT actors, rather than non-LGBT actors just playing the part. Laverne Cox in Grandma and Mya Taylor in Tangerine were great examples of this, and their performances kicked ass too. More in 2016, please.
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