Mark Drakeford has given a passionate speech supporting gay rights. Last weekend was Pride Cymru which celebrates and supports the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
To mark the occasion Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford recorded a message where he spoke movingly about why we must not rest "until gay, lesbian and bisexual people no longer face the threat of being killed simply for living as themselves in countries around the world". He added that the "struggle will not be over until our trans and non-binary communities no longer have to stand up to exclusion, bullying, and erasure here at home."
Despite some of the usual homophobic trolls making comments on social media the response to his message, where he was visibly emotional, was overwhelmingly positive. "Goodness me," said Alun Saunders. "To have a political leader make such a bold and uplifting speech supporting our LGBTQ+ community is huge. This is utterly life-affirming and I’m so, so grateful to Mark Drakeford for this."
Domus Caligari added: "I've said it before and I'll say it again, Mark Drakeford is one of the very few politicians who actually seem to be in it to enrich the lives of those they represent and not line their own pockets or promote their personal hatreds."
Others attempted to contrast Wales' First Minister with the UK Government which has been criticised for polices which have been perceived as anti-trans. "All of you looking at the total shambles in charge in Westminster tonight, this is what political leadership should look like," said Lisa Power. Welsh Ace added: "A world of difference from what happening in England. The Conservatives are re-introducing a crueller version of Section 28. Thank goodness for devolution and a Welsh Labour Government that supports the entire LGBTQ+ community with even the UN praising its LGBTQ+ Action Plan."
Others praised the First Minister for being so unequivocal in his support for LGBTQ+ people. Cardiff Dragons FC said: "When there is so much anger, hate and hostility towards our community, this from the First Minister for Wales means even more." Oisín Donnelly added: "It's genuinely so heartening to hear a head of government on these islands speak so passionately in support of LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly being unashamed in their support of trans and non-binary people."
This was Mark Drakeford's speech in full:
"When we said in 2021 that we wanted to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly place in Europe that is what we meant. And the action plan that our Welsh Labour Government published earlier this year is a powerful statement of our determination to secure the open and equal Wales that we all want to see.
"Our ambition is to use every lever we have available to guarantee that stigma and discrimination have no place in Wales. By strengthening human rights by banning conversion therapy, by removing the barriers which prevent LGBTQ+ people from being able to live freely and without abuse. That plan is being implemented right now. It reflects the enormous effort which has got our nation to this point.
"I want to pay tribute to every person who has been part of that journey to today. From the pioneers of LGBTQ+ liberation to the thousands of nameless woman, men, trans, and non-binary people, all those who have taken up the struggle for equality in a thousand forgotten ways. Because that struggle has been a long one.
"And we know that it is not yet over until gay, lesbian, and bisexual people no longer face the threat of being killed simply for living as themselves in countries around the world. That struggle will not be over until our trans and non-binary communities no longer have to stand up to exclusion, bullying, and erasure here at home – that struggle will not be over.
"We have achieved so much together. And it is always a fantastic pleasure to be able to share our stories and celebrate with you at Pride Cymru in the heart of this, our capital city. But we do not stand here believing that that is all over or with a misplaced belief that we have nothing left to achieve. A happy Pride to you all."
