Dear Supporter, Message from Ben Summerskill, chief executive ‘I’ve got parents who love me. It doesn’t matter if they’re a man or a woman.’ That’s what one child said to researchers involved in our groundbreaking new report examining the experiences of children with gay parents. ‘Different Families’ is based on interviews with over 80 children and young people from the age of four, all of whom have lesbian and gay parents.

The research also provides shocking insights into the prevalence of homophobia in Britain’s schools, including primary schools. The children who experience this, although not gay themselves, identify that many schools still don’t address it.

Eight year-old Jasmin said: ‘We still do things together, and we’re still a big family and we’re still happy ... and we still care for each other and we’re still there when someone needs someone.’ But thirteen year-old Maheen said: ‘In school I don’t like it how people make fun of gay people. Like when they say “that’s so gay”. Most people say it as a joke, and it’s not funny at all.’

For the children of lesbian and gay parents their families look remarkably like everyone else’s. The research highlights how it’s the prejudices of others which often causes them far more distress than their own personal or family characteristics – and it’s further evidence of the urgent need to tackle homophobia in our schools. That’s one of our key priorities for the Pride season this year. We hope we’ll see you out and about.

PS Don’t forget that you can join us on London Pride this Saturday 3 July. We're gathering on Baker St between Blandford St and Dorset St from 12:00. We'll also have a stall in Trafalgar Square where our limited edition 'Some people are gay. Get over it' bags will be on offer. 

News

Government gay equality work programme

Stonewall has welcomed the gay equality work programme unveiled by the Coalition Government, Stonewall which reflects discussions we had with all the main political parties ahead of the election. The programme of work includes some of the most pressing areas where action is required in order to continue to secure equality for gay people in Britain: homophobic bullying, discrimination in the workplace, the rights of same-sex parents, and homophobia in sport.

We will work with MPs from all parties to tackle some of these entrenched areas of prejudice, and will press the Government for early implementation of the public sector Equality Duty and regulations allowing civil partnerships in religious premises.

Scotland

FIT screening and reception

Thursday 8 July 6:30 - 9:30pm

Support Stonewall Scotland’s Education work by enjoying a private screening of FIT at the luxurious Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh. As well as a chance to see the powerful film, you will be able to spend the evening meeting and mingling with other Stonewall Scotland supporters and staff at a wine reception sponsored by RBS. Book now