Scottish Greens support Pride movement on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

A politician from Forres is “standing in solidarity” with a global social movement advocating for rights and equality.

Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Ariane Burgess, supported a joint declaration made by Moray Pride, Oban Pride, Lochaber Pride, Orkney Pride, Shetland Pride, and Pride in Orkney on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (May 17).

She said: “I feel ashamed of how politics in this country is letting down this vulnerable community. Even at the lowest point of the political weaponisation of homophobia in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the government wasn't imposing segregation of public spaces - as is happening now to trans people.”

Ms Burgess intends to join Lochaber Pride on June 1.

“The Greens have stood solid against the current wave of prejudice, and we will continue to do so,” she said. “The rise in hate crimes, the rollback of rights, and the silencing of supportive voices are not just political failures - they are moral ones.”

Ms Burgess echoed concerns raised by Pride organisers about the global and domestic erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights, including: the UK government’s delay in banning conversion therapy; the restriction of healthcare access for trans youth; and the blocking of Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

“The anxiety, fear, and anger felt across LGBTQIA+ communities in Scotland is real and justified,” added Ms Burgess. “These are not abstract policy debates, these are people’s lives. We must listen, we must act, and we must bring our communities in from the cold.”

As well as a celebration, the MSP believes Pride is a protest and sanctuary, as well as a lifeline.

She finished: “I stand with every organiser, every marcher, and every person who simply wants to live with dignity and safety.”