2022: The Queerest Year Ever - A Reflection on LGBTQIA+ History, Pride, Hate Crimes and Challenges

The year 2022 marked a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march and the celebration of LGBT History Month. However, amidst the progress and festivities, the year also witnessed a rise in hate crimes and ongoing challenges faced by the queer community. This blog post delves into the events and issues that made 2022 a pivotal year for queer individuals, recognizing that the roots of Pride extend even further back in history, beyond its more recent inception.

The Birth of Pride: A Continuation of Queer Resilience:

On July 1, 1972, a momentous event unfolded as around 2,000 people marched down Regent’s Street in London, marking the first Gay Pride march in history. Organized by members of the Gay Liberation Front, this protest aimed to combat the prevalent shame and discrimination experienced by the LGBTQ+ community at the time. It symbolized the beginning of a global movement that would go on to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across the world.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that the roots of Pride reach back even further, embedded in the resilience and resistance of queer communities throughout history. Long before the first Pride march, queer individuals and communities faced persecution and attempts by colonisation to erase their identities. From indigenous cultures around the world that revered gender diversity to pre-colonial societies with rich traditions of same-sex love and gender nonconformity, queer identities have existed since time immemorial.

Pride as a celebration and a call for visibility emerged as a response to the erasure and oppression faced by LGBTQ+ people. It carries the legacy of those who fought against societal norms and sought recognition and acceptance for their authentic selves. While the first Pride march in 1972 holds a special place in history, it is important to recognize and honour the longstanding history of queer resilience that led to its inception.

Hate Crimes and the Underreporting Epidemic:

In 2022, hate crimes against transgender individuals continued to rise. The Home Office reported a 16% increase in hate crimes, with 2,630 incidents recorded against transgender people. Shockingly, these numbers are believed to be severely underreported, as a staggering 88% of transgender individuals did not report the most serious incidents they faced. Furthermore, only 48% of those who reported were satisfied with the police response, emphasizing the need for improved support and protection.

Media Influence and Transphobic Reporting:

Media outlets played a role in perpetuating transphobia and fueling hate speech. Reports indicated that mainstream newspapers ran anti-trans articles almost daily, contributing to a hostile environment for transgender individuals. In response to this harmful narrative, protests were held outside the BBC offices, and some LGBTQ+ employees left the organization due to concerns over its transphobic reporting.

Bullying and Mental Health Challenges:

The year 2022 shed light on the persistent issue of bullying and its detrimental effects on the mental health of LGBTQ+ students. Just Like Us released a report titled "Growing Up LGBT+" which revealed that LGBT+ students were twice as likely to experience bullying compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. Disturbingly, 82% of LGBT+ students in Northern Ireland reported contemplating suicide, highlighting the urgent need for support and intervention.

Political Landscape and Challenges to LGBTQ+ Rights:

The UK's treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals attracted international concern. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe identified the UK, along with other countries, as a place where attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ people were prominent. Anti-trans rhetoric and debates surrounding gender identity were seen as threats to both civil liberties and women's and children's rights. The report called for reframing discussions to better represent the complex realities of LGBTQ+ experiences.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill:

In 2022, the UK faced criticism for the proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill, which raised concerns about the potential curtailing of freedom of expression and assembly for marginalized communities. The bill granted police powers to disperse events deemed to cause "serious annoyance," raising fears that it could disproportionately target LGBTQ+ gatherings.

The year 2022 was a year of mixed emotions for the LGBTQ+ community. While celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Pride movement and acknowledging the progress made over the years, the year also brought attention to the persistent challenges faced by queer individuals. The rise in hate crimes, the underreporting epidemic, media influence, bullying, and ongoing political battles highlight the urgent need for continued activism, support, and systemic change to ensure equality and safety for all LGBTQ+ individuals. It is crucial to recognize the enduring resilience of queer communities throughout history, who laid the groundwork for the Pride movement and continue to inspire the fight for justice and acceptance today.