Bristol’s councillors on the city’s LGBTQ+ community

“I think our LGBTQ+ community enrich life in Bristol massively,” says councillor Fabian Breckels. “It wouldn’t be the same city without you.”

Breckels, Labour councillor for St George Troopers Hill, is one of the councillors who answered the question “what will you do for LGBTQ+ people in your ward?”.

With a host of new councillors elected on May 6, Bristol24/7 asked the city’s representatives how they will support and further the rights of LGBTQ+ people by representing their ward in local government.

“I’m proud of the welcoming and diverse LGBTIQA+ community that Bristol is well known for,” says Tom Hathway, Green councillor for Clifton Down, who voted to support the Green Party motion to allow transgender people to self-identify.

“I love that so many have found their roots here in the city, and have created that buzz and shared sense of belonging.

“Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that some still face an uphill struggle. LGBTIQA+ people still face discrimination, particularly transphobia, and can still lack support in accessing healthcare.”

Bristol24/7 asked the city’s representatives how they will support and further the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Photo: Dan Sheppard

Bristol Green Party has signed a trans support pledge, saying “we believe that trans, non-binary, genderqueer, third gender, and intersex people should have their gender legally recognised and be empowered to update their birth certificate and any other official documents, without medical or state encumbrance”.

A number of councillors, both new and re-elected, are LGBTQ+.

Ani Stafford-Towsend, Jenny Bartle, Jude English, Carla Denyer, Tom Hathway and Emma Edwards are among the Green councillors who are openly “out” and Labour’s Mark Bradshaw is gay man.

And Labour’s Tom Renhard, councillor for Horfield, is CEO of the Independent Mental Health Network. He recently helped set up a LGBTQ+ Mental Health Lived Experience Steering Group, so queer people have a safe space to share their experiences of trying to access mental health support.

“Bristol has a lot of LGBTQ+ networks that do really important activism and social support,” says Bartle, who represents Easton. “Much is built from the ground up by enthusiastic people grouping together, so when you find the right community for you there’s unambiguous solidarity, which I’ve found extremely important personally.

“I’m one of few councillors who is acutely aware of the problems that transgender people face, such as the crisis in trans healthcare, particularly in the South West, and I intend to be a vocal representative for the community.

“I will seize every opportunity to speak out for trans people, to fight against the very worrying trend of restricting trans rights that the UK government seems intent on pursuing.”

Many acknowledge the challenges faced by Bristol’s trans community. Photo: Jack Joseph

On behalf of the Bristol Liberal Democrat group, LGBTQ+ councillors Alex Hartley, Andrew Brown and Andrew Varney said:”At present, trans people in particular are under attack – Liberal Democrats support the rights of everyone to self-expression, and believe trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities are valid.

“We will resolutely defend trans people against those who want to limit, or reverse, their rights. Liberal and Liberal Democrats have historically been at the forefront of advancing rights for LGBT+ people and the fight is not over. ”

As well as transgender rights and helping trans people access healthcare, a recurring themes were the loneliness experienced by queer people during the pandemic – most LGBTQ+ spaces pre-Covid were physical – support for older queer people, work, homelessness, domestic violence and supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

Intersections within the community, such as disabled LGBTQ+ people and queer, trans and intersex people of colour, were also highlighted as groups that need more support.

Conservative Lesley Alexander, councillor for Frome Ward, was the only one from her party to respond to Bristol24/7. She said: “I attended several LGBTQ events when I was lord mayor and found them very enjoyable. I treat ALL of my constituents, whatever their persuasion, with the same courtesy and help.”

Emma Edwards, Green councillor for Bishopston & Ashley and hypnotherapist and yoga teacher working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, says of Bristol’s events attended by the queer people and allies alike: “As well as Pride and Trans Pride South West, we have seen many queer arts festivals spring up in recent years, and different events and community groups for many different facets of the community.

“However I think there is still so much to be done.”

While Bristol is a progressive city for LGBTQ+ people, more needs to be done. Photo: Jack Joseph

Bartle adds: “Concerning the work a councillor does, remember that the council takes actions every day which provide or deny people their human rights, and it’s my duty to ensure we make decisions and policies which protect vulnerable communities.”

Mark Bradshaw, Labour councillor for Bedminster, adds: “Councillors need to represent the diversity of Bristol and to be more aware of the challenges LGBTQ+ people face. This means listening to concerns and being receptive to advice and statements by community representatives.”

Councillors including Carla Denyer and Tom Hathway, directly encouraged LGBTQ+ people to reach out to them if they need support or are experiencing queerphobia.

The current elected councillors will remain in post until the next local election in 2024, and only time will tell how their actions could help Bristol’s LGBTQ+ people.

Main photo: Dan Regan

Read more: The Bristol mayor, WECA mayor and police and crime commissioner on LGBTQ+ communities