There has been a significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights in the United Kingdom in the previous two decades. This has been greatly boosted by the introduction of legal partnerships as well as same-sex marriage and the establishment of a legal framework to change the gender of an individual on official documents.
There has also been the establishment and eventual strengthening of the anti-discrimination protections. Although there have been several developments, the LGBTQ+ people are still facing persistent discrimination in law, the workplace, and their daily life.
The discrimination has even been made worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The TUC and various trade unions have expressed concern about the increase in discrimination and hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ in their workplace as well as their daily life. Little attention has also been paid to the impact of the pandemic that has harmed LGBTQ+ individuals.
The existing lockdown has reduced the availability of social care, childcare, and medical services. This is a bigger challenge to the people who are already at a risk of facing exclusion and discrimination. The lockdown measures have also not considered the needs of the LGBTQ+ people. There is a need for the government as well as the relevant organizations to address the issue.