Over half of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) LGBTQ people have experienced racism within the LGBTQ community, research by equality charity, Stonewall, has found.
The research, which was based on a YouGov survey, revealed that 51% of 5,000 respondents had experienced discrimination from others within the LGBTQ community. Three in five black LGBTQ people said they had experienced racism.
Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall UK, said: “This research gives a worrying insight into just how serious a problem prejudice is within our community, and we need to talk about it.
“Both online and in their daily lives, LGBT people of colour are excluded and face stereotyping from their white peers.”
Trans people, LGBTQ disabled people and those of faith were more likely to face discrimination than others. 36% of trans people, 26% of disabled LGBTQ people and 21% of those of non-Christian faith said they had been victims of homophobic abuse.“
The research has revealed that less than half of LGBTQ peoplefelt they could be open with their family about their sexuality and/or gender orientation.
Stonewall’s report has made several recommendations to reduce instances of this discrimination, including more diversity in decision-making structures, starting anti-discrimination training, and making connections with BAME and disability groups.
“If real change for BAME LGBT people is to occur, we as a community need to hold a mirror to ourselves and have open conversations about how to change. This means learning to recognise our own privileges and to be active allies to each other,” concluded Hunt.
In September 2018, Eric Silverberg, chief executive of Scruff, an online dating app for gay, bisexual and transgender men, published a blog in which he discussed his views on “sexual racism”.
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