Sexual orientation

The 2010 Equality Act outlaws discrimination against a person on the basis of their sexual orientation. A person’s sexual orientation may be to the opposite sex (heterosexual), to the same sex (lesbian or gay), or to more than one gender (e.g bisexual, pansexual). It may also be more fluid and change over time.

Our commitment

We’re committed to securing equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or other non-heterosexual orientations (LGB+) and valuing the contribution made by LGB+ citizens. We are part of Stonewall’s diversity champion programme. The programme aims to promote the rights of LGBT+ people in the workplace and in service provision. In 2022 we earned a bronze award in the Workplace Equality Index.

LGBTQIA+ strategic framework

In February 2024 we approved the LGBTQIA+ strategic framework. It aims to improve service delivery for LGBTQIA+ service users and reduce inequalities. See Plans, policies and strategies – LGBTQIA+ framework.

Proud Hackney

Proud Hackney is our staff network. They support people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, ace, or other non heterosexual orientation or diverse gender identity (LGBTQIA+). This network helps people voice their concerns. It raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences at work and promotes best practices. It also provides peer support.

2021 Census – sexual orientation and gender identity

According to the 2021 Census, Hackney has proportionally the sixth highest LGB+ population in England and Wales and the fifth highest in London. Hackney has the eighth highest proportion of transgender residents in London and the ninth highest in England and Wales. Hackney also has a higher proportion of people who identify as bisexual, queer or as a non-binary gender than any other London borough.

For information on Hackney’s LGBTQA population, see sexual orientation and gender identity Census 2021 briefing (google doc).

Discrimination

Anyone can find themselves discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. However discrimination is more common against people who are, or perceived to be, LGBTQIA+.

According to the UK Government report working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality:

• 65% of LGB secondary school pupils experience homophobic bullying at school
• 20% LGB people think they have been harassed at work because of their sexual orientation
• transgender people highlight transitioning at work as one of the most significant triggers for discrimination
• studies suggest that older LGB people find that care homes fail to provide them with a supportive environment
• between 50% and 90% of LGB people anticipate being discriminated against if they were to run for election as a member of a mainstream political party
• one in five gay or lesbian people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident in the last three years

Studies suggest that older LGB people find that care homes fail to provide them with a supportive environment, and that later life care can fail to take into account the experiences of LGBTQ+ elders.

Further information and support

For health and social care related services see find support services.

• Goods and services discrimination due to Sexual Orientation Citizens Advice Bureau
• Stonewall campaigns to improve the rights of LGBT+ people in the UK and internationally – it also provides advice to individuals and organisations
• Stonewall’s list of groups and initiatives led by Black LGBTQ+ people for black LGBTQ+ people
• Rainbow Borough’s Project A to Z of organisations – a work-in-progress developing an A to Z community directory of LGBT+ groups, organisations, businesses, and services
• akt’s list of black and LGBTQ+ organisations in the UK
• Queer Circle – arts, culture and social action charity
  Parapride – arts charity working at the intersections of disability, sexual orientation and gender identity
• Young people and mental health – LGBTQI+ mental health a resource to support the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex young people

For organisations focussed on supporting people who are trans, nonbinary, gender diverse or intersex, see Gender Reassignment.