LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
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pluslibdems.bsky.social
LGBT+ Liberal Democrats 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
@pluslibdems.bsky.social
2.5K followers 170 following 250 posts
The Liberal Democrats party body for gender and sexual minorities. Campaigning for equality. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Promoted by LGBT+ Lib Dems, 66 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AU.

👉 lgbt.libdems.org.uk
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pluslibdems.bsky.social
Thank you, @joshbabarinde.bsky.social for pressing the government on today's appalling leaked EHRC proposals. It is both sickening and predictable that they should leak on Transgender Day of Remembrance. Thank you for committing the @libdems.org.uk to standing up for our rights.
November 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It hits particularly hard this year - a powerful reminder of why we fight, and a moment to reflect on those no longer with us.

May they rest in power.
Today is a day to remember those we have lost in the fight against bigotry and hate. We will always remember their names, and let us never stop fighting in their memory. Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20, 2025 at 9:51 AM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
We are disappointed that, due to legal pressure from transphobic campaign groups following the For Woman Scotland decision, two eminently reasonable quotas in our party's election regulations have been suspended. These suspensions are profoundly anti-queer, anti-trans and anti-feminist...
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Statement on the Suspension of Trans-Inclusive Quotas 19 Nov 2025 "We are disappointed that, due to legal pressure from transphobic campaign groups following the For Woman Scotland decision, two eminently reasonable quotas in our party's election regulations have been suspended. These suspensions are profoundly anti-queer, anti-trans and anti-feminist, and those threatening to sue clearly care about trans exclusion and not women’s liberation. Several months ago, well before the elections, we advised the party that we supported the existing trans-inclusive gender quotas and that the only viable alternative in the face of legal threats would be to suspend gender quotas, despite this being completely against our values. The attempt to instead third-space trans people has wasted a huge amount of staff and volunteer time and effort, not to mention money that should have been spent on Liberal Democrat campaigning. We continue to advocate for changing the law to reverse the effects of the For Women Scotland decision. We are also working across the party to develop constitutional proposals to bring back the suspended quotas, particularly the LGBT+ quota, to the fullest extent possible." LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Executive Comittee
November 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
The last two weeks have been a tough one for @libdems.org.uk members, through no fault of their own.

We're grateful to the huge number of members, internal election candidates, and fellow Affiliated Organisations like @libdemwomen.bsky.social who have stood alongside us.

Statement below:
Statement from LGBT+ Liberal Democrats: The Co-Chair of the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats recently had the opportunity to meet with the barrister who issued the legal advice underpinning the Returning Officer’s decision to make the party’s gender quotas trans-exclusionary. The KC had advised that, after nominations for the internal elections closed, no legal avenue would remain available for either keeping gender quotas trans-inclusive or suspending them. Other legal experts take a quite different view, and this raises concerns about the party’s position. LGBT+ Liberal Democrats: • Thank the candidates and AOs that stand alongside us in this struggle. • Believe that it is completely unacceptable that the decision to modify gender quotas was delayed until after the close of nominations, restricting the party's options according to their own legal advice. • Believe that UK law must be changed to restore the rights of trans people, in line with the original intent of the Equality Act 2010, as described by its drafters, and in line with the Goodwin v UK (2002) decision. • Welcome efforts by trans and non-binary members and their allies to test the party's position via the party’s internal appeals processes, and, if necessary, through legal action. We await the full detail of today’s FAP decision. • Will work across the party over the coming weeks and months to develop constitutional proposals that secure trans-inclusive gender quotas and ensure trans-exclusionary gender quotas can never again be imposed. LGBT+ Liberal Democrats remain committed to fighting to secure the liberty and dignity of trans and non-binary people in the UK, and to fighting to uphold the will of Conference within our own party.
November 10, 2025 at 8:05 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Today is Intersex Solidarity Day.

Intersex people are a distinct and uniquely vulnerable minority who face specific issues in life.

Lib Dem policy, as passed this Spring Conference, calls for a ban on medically unnecessary, non-consensual treatments or surgeries for intersex infants and children.
November 8th 2025 Intersex Solidarity Day Background: Intersex flag flying
November 8, 2025 at 8:35 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
The RO in our internal elections has sent this update round. It is nowhere near good enough: trans and non-binary candidates should never be third-spaced in this way. The gender quotas in Article 2.5 of the party Constitution should be implemented as-written - or suspended if they can't be.
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Screenclip of an email from the Returning Officer to candidates in the Lib Dem internal elections, setting out how gender and sex-assigned-at-birth data interact with the new "interpretation" of the gender quotas. The email includes a table showing how different combinations of gender and SAAB data will interact with the diversity quotas, showing that candidates the party knows to be non-binary or trans will be included in the Article 2.6 quota rather than the gender quota in Article 2.5.
November 6, 2025 at 5:58 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
LGBT+ Liberal Democrats condemn our party's decision to base internal gender quotas on sex assigmed at birth.

This trans-exclusionary decision is an attack on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society.
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The text of our thread on an image of Big Ben with a rainbow and a trans flag. The text of our thread on an image of Big Ben with a rainbow and a trans flag.
October 28, 2025 at 2:45 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Thank you to @tomgordonld.bsky.social, Lib Dem MP, for speaking up for Trans+ people.
"The Council of Europe has warned that the UK gov's treatment of trans people may well breach human rights law. This must be a wake up call. We've seen an increase in hostility towards trans in recent years. Everyone deserves dignity, safety, & respect - that includes trans people." - Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough
October 15, 2025 at 9:46 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
We thought the Brighton Centre looked much better when the @libdems.org.uk had our conference there a year ago.
A picture of a huge crowd of Lib Dems, including Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and various MPs, standing outside the Brighton Centre, which has a huge Liberal Democrats decal on the main windows, all holding an enormous Trans Pride flag in the sunshine, at their Autumn Conference in 2024.
October 10, 2025 at 12:37 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Ming Campbell was one of the most influential Lib Dems of the last few decades - his opposition to the Iraq War inspired a whole generation of Lib Dems to join, and his allyship on LGBT+ matters was always both strong, and appreciated.

He was also remarkably kind. We will miss him.
Menzies Campbell, 1941-2025, in white on a black background, with Ming's sombre Parliamentary portrait picture in the centre, and the party logo in white at the bottom.
September 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Yesterday, we received an email from a Daily Mail journalist asking us to comment on the attempt by a trans-exclusionary group to change our party's rules. For the avoidance of doubt, or misrepresentation of our position, we reproduce our response in full here...
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Text of an email response to a censored @dailymail.co.uk address. It states in summary that because the Daily Mail is one of the main protagonists of the anti-trans movement in British media, our co-chair has no faith that any response will be presented in a fair or balanced manner, and declines to comment further. It is significantly politer than the first initial draft.
September 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Today we celebrate 12 years since the @libdems.org.uk passed the Same Sex Marriage Act, with some lovely photos of our married and engaged Plus members.

Including our Chair, Charley, who’s getting married in October, and our Honorary Vice President, Adrian, who celebrates their 10th anniversary.
A celebratory graphic titled “12 years of ‘I do’!” featuring photos of same-sex couples, including several from the Liberal Democrats. The images show couples on their wedding days, hugging, smiling or attending events. The banner thanks Baroness Lynne Featherstone and campaigners who made same sex marriage a reality. It also thanks Lib Dem couples for sharing their photos. At the bottom is the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats logo and publishing details.
July 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
On the 7th of June, 1954, Alan Turing died. He was discovered the following day. His birthday would have been the 23rd of June. He had opted for chemical castration following his conviction for homsexuality and indecency.

Now, of course, we celebrate June as Pride Month.
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A black and white photograph of a young Alan Turing, looking thoughtfully off to the left, wearing a jacket, shirt and tie, and with a side parting.
June 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
It's Pride Month 2025 - wherever you are, we hope you have a safe one. 🧡🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

People have rightly been asking what we mean when we say we @libdems.org.uk need to 'do better' or 'step up' as a party. There's no such thing as 'done' of course - but this is what we're pushing for currently.
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A graphic of three intersex progress Pride flags behind a white box, reading: "What does 'better' look like? Revise the Equality Act to: • Protect trans+ and disabled rights • Protect bodily & medical autonomy for all • Recognise non-binary, agender & intersex folks • Codify trans-inclusive meanings of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in law, as originally intended De-medicalise the GRC process Enshrine self-ID in law, as it is in Ireland Abolish the spousal veto Scrap the ban on puberty blockers Scrap plans for ‘chemical castration’ A trans-inclusive ban on ‘conversion therapy’ Ensure same-sex access to IVF treatment Clear out and reform the EHRC so it protects, rather than diminishes, rights Protect LGBT+ expression in public life" The LGBT+ Liberal Democrats logo, with the rainbow bird-of-liberty, is at the bottom.
June 1, 2025 at 10:15 AM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Great update from @libdemwomen.bsky.social chair Cllr. Donna Harris who is over at #BrusselsPride today.

It's been great working with LDW on our council motion, which will be shared with Lib Dem council groups up and down the country soon.

We need to put in the work locally as well as nationally.
A screencap of a tweet on X from Cllr Donna Harris (@LibDemDonna) whose profile picture is of a blonde woman with long hair, a big smile, and striking black horn-rimed glasses, saying: "Good morning from Brussels! Our LDW/Plus council motion on Trans Rights has just been accepted- such a proud moment, and will be shared with council groups. As I head to #BrusselsPride, I received this fantastic message from Ed- our stance is now loud and clear. Proud to be a Lib Dem, standing up for everyone's rights!" It is a quote-tweet of a post from Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey MP, @EdwardJDavey, itself saying: "On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I want to say to the LGBT+ community: I hear you, I get it, I stand with you, and the Liberal Democrats will never stop fighting to build a country and a world where you are truly free to be who you are." His tweet contains a video message of him speaking, wearing a smart suit and dark cerulean tie, standing against dark wood pannelling, saying "...and I want to say that I hear you..." as part of a longer video that's 1:10 long.
May 17, 2025 at 3:39 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Swansea #Pride is up and running, and the @libdems.org.uk are getting more support than anyone can remember as we stand in solidarity with the community.

Disappointing that for the first time in living memory, the #LabourParty hasn't shown up. Shocking silence from them on #IDAHOBIT of all days.
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Three people standing smiling behind an amber-clad table in an airy hall with tapestries in the background. Behind them are Liberal Democrat banners in Welsh and English; the table is scattered with stickers, QR codes, leaflets and petitions to sign, as well as a plushy tiger. The woman on the left is wearing a yellow top with a trans flag on top worn as a cape; she and the man on the right are wearing rainbow stickers with the Lib Dem bird-of-liberty logo on.
May 17, 2025 at 1:38 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Today is IDAHoBiT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia. This year it hits particularly hard.

We need to do better: as a society, as a Party, and as individuals. We have a great record, but can't rest on our laurels. We're in the fight to do better, and won't let up. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💛
"International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia & Biphobia" against a faded blue background, with the bird-of-liberty Liberal Democrat logo above and a group of colourful cartoon LGBT+ couples below, draped in or carrying a variety of Pride flags including the rainbow, Bi and Trans flags.
May 17, 2025 at 8:08 AM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
The bridge built by Wes Streeting.
The collapsed Tretten timber bridge in Norway. A wide, turquoise river with green banks with pine trees and scattered buildings is crossed by a road bridge with a large wooden frame, which has collapsed into sections with a car sticking sadly out of one end, causing whitewater downstream in the river. No-one was hurt in the collapse and the car drivers involved were both rescued.
May 16, 2025 at 4:58 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
The UKSC ruling was an opportunity for the government and the EHRC to step up and commit to affirm the rights of all. They've failed on every measure, choosing to peddle hate and discrimination instead.

We've heard enough: Kishwer Falkner and Bridget Phillipson must resign.
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Profile pictures of Kishwer Falkner, Chair of the EHRC, and Bridget Phillipson, Equalities Minister, both against black backgrounds, with the text 'We've heard enough. RESIGN' below. Above and below are banners with the Pride flags and Trans flag colours, each with the logos of Liberal Democrat Women, the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Racial Equality, the Young Liberals, LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, and the Liberal Democrat Disability Association, who are jointly calling for their resignation.
May 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
What's that? Oh, just Ed Davey campaigning beside a trans #LibDem local election candidate as the main picture in the leading article about the local elections in today's FT!

Best of luck to all @libdems.org.uk candidates in tomorrow's local elections. 💛

FT article here: www.ft.com/content/8089...
A low-resolution picture of page 3 of today's Financial Times, a paper famously printed on slightly pink paper. The main headline is 'Lib Dems chase 'big opportunity' in push for Tory rout in southern shires', with the subtitle 'Leader Davey hopes party will be major beneficiary of discontent with Labour and Conservatives' just visible. A very large picture is in the centre, of a besuited Sir Ed Davey MP walking down a village lane in bright sunshine, alongside a woman wearing sunglasses, a red short-sleeved top, a black skirt and leggings, and brown boots.
April 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Big shout out to @soton-libdems.bsky.social for the great #LibDems turnout at Southampton's #TransRights protest earlier. Hundreds of people attended the protest, with about ten days' notice. 💛
A picture of a diverse group of smiling Liberal Democrats waving placard in the colours of the trans flag, saying 'Trans Women Are Women', 'Trans Men Are Men', and 'Trans Rights Are Human Rights'. Most of the placards have a rainbow Lib Dem bird-of-liberty in the corner, and the woman on the right is carrying a very large trans flag on a pole. In the centre of the group are an older woman and a smiling woman in a wheelchair.
April 26, 2025 at 1:16 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Our next profile for #LVW25 is the inestimable @helenbelcherobe.bsky.social Helen Belcher OBE. A #LibDems candidate in Chippenham and Reading West & Mid Berkshire, Helen first came to prominence during the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, and has been campaigning ever since.
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A picture of Helen Belcher smiling in front of Pangbourne Bridge. Helen is a smiling woman with long, dark reddish hair, dangly blue earrings and a ruffled blue top, with a trailing ochre scarf. In the background is a long, ornate white bridge over a river, beyond a green meadow.
April 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Our third spotlight for #LVW25 is @sarahdykeld.bsky.social, #LibDems MP for Glastonbury & Somerton. Sarah first shot to fame after defeating, erm, the leader of the Tory Lib Dem response unit, in a council election in Somerset. She won a seminal by-election too in Somerton & Frome in 2024...
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A picture of Sarah Dyke MP in front of an ornate carved fireplace of stone, tiles and wrought iron. She's a smiling woman with shortish dark blonde hair, wearing a bright pink jacket over a white blouse. On the lapel of her jacket is a white ribbon commemorating violence against women, and a red ribbon commemorating World Aids Day.
April 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Our second spotlight for #LVW25 week is MP for Oxford West & Abingdon and 2020 #LibDems leadership candidate @laylamoran.bsky.social - and it's going to take us two posts (and a side note) to do so!

Layla is Britain's first openly pansexual MP, and the first British MP of Palestinian descent.
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A picture of Layla Moran MP cheering in front of a large Liberal Democrat diamond placard. Layla is a slim woman with curly black hair held back by a rainbow bandana. She's wearing glasses and large stylish teardrop-hoop earrings in Palestinian colours, and a yellow shirt over blue dungarees. She has a yellow bag with a patterned white strap and is beaming and waving a rainbow flag. There's a crowd of other Lib Dems behind her, as they walk past Oxford's Radcliffe Camera.
April 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
pluslibdems.bsky.social
Our first spotlight for Lesbian Visibility Week is Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, Liz Barker. Liz is a #LibDems Peer, a patron and ambassador for LGBT+ charities, and co-chair of important Parliamentary groups on sexual health. She's also a fabulous public speaker and campaigner.
#LVW25 🧡🤍💜
A portrait picture of Liz Barker, Baroness Barker of Angach in Highland. She's a smiling woman with horn-rimmed glasses, short flyaway salt-and-pepper hair, and a twinkle in her eye. She is wearing dangly earrings and a rich pink shirt with the top couple of buttons undone. On her left chest is a poppy brooch in rainbow colours.
April 22, 2025 at 7:15 PM