The democratic process is often celebrated as a cornerstone of modern society. However, for many LGBTQ+ individuals this ideal can feel distant and disconnected from their daily realities. The prolonged struggle to ban conversion therapy spanning six prime ministers and countless broken promises, exemplifies this disconnect.
This disillusionment is not a result of apathy but rather a deep-seated fatigue. Fatigue from unfulfilled promises, decisions made without lived experience, and a system that often feels exclusive rather than inclusive. Matt Belfield, Head of Marketing, Communications and Editorial at the LGBT Foundation understands this sentiment all too well.
The power of community action
Belfield emphasizes that change does not happen in a vacuum. The LGBT Foundation’s community Action Network is a testament to this belief, providing a platform for individuals to shape policies and services that directly impact their lives. This principle also underpins the Refuse to Be Invisible campaign which Belfield designed to encourage LGBTQ+ people and allies to engage in places of influence and champion critical issues.
Through the Vote with Pride activations Belfield has observed firsthand how informed and supported communities engage effectively. They vote, ask pertinent questions, and demand better outcomes. However, this engagement hinges on accessible information. Candidates’ stances, research methods, and publicly available data must be clear and comprehensible. Being informed should not be an overwhelming task.
Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Hustings: a turning point
While the national spotlight may currently be on Manchester due to a new Prime Minister, a more immediate and impactful decision is unfolding locally: the Greater Manchester Mayoral Election. The person elected will hold the keys to the city region’s safety, services, and future. This is where hustings play a crucial role.
A hustings is a public forum where candidates are held accountable. Real questions, real stakes, and real accountability. The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Hustings on Tuesday was a resounding success, with a packed room and standing room only. Many attendees were first-timers, unsure of what to expect but determined to make their voices heard.
The dynamic shift
When candidates step into the community’s space, the dynamic shifts dramatically. They are no longer distant figures but individuals standing a few feet away, explaining their plans and commitments. This face-to-face interaction is where politics should thrive—open, transparent, and accountable.
The hustings proved that when given the opportunity, the LGBTQ+ community shows up. They listen, learn, and make their voices heard. As one attendee remarked, “We didn’t get to where we are today by behaving and keeping quiet.” This sentiment underscores the importance of refusing to be invisible and demanding a seat at the table.
Politics should have the courage to engage more frequently in this manner—face-to-face, in the open, with nowhere to hide. The LGBTQ+ community knows what it feels like to be ignored, and they are determined not to let that happen again. If someone wants the keys to govern Greater Manchester, they should be prepared to earn them face-to-face with a community that refuses to be invisible.
