The LGBTQI+ community is a massive part of Scotland's vibrant and inclusive culture. We're proud to support, protect, and advance equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex people, and all gender identities and sexual orientations in Scotland.
While you’re guaranteed Scotland’s world-famous warm and open welcome wherever you go, there are also a huge range of events and locations that cater specifically to the LGBTQI+ community. In fact, Scotland has a broad-reaching LGBTQI+ scene right across the country.
Promoting LGBTQI+ culture
Every Summer, Scotland warmly embraces the LGBTQI+ community through Pride events held across the country. From Scotland’s largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh to rural and remote communities in the Highlands and Islands, such as Oban and on the Isle of Arran, people come together to celebrate.
Pride in Scotland isn’t limited to a single month, it’s a lasting commitment. It’s woven into the fabric of everyday life, reflected in the values, voices, and actions of communities across the country all year round.
LGBT+ History Month is an annual event which is celebrated every February, featuring an eclectic range of arts, cultural and education events.
Through partnerships with community groups, schools, universities and local authorities, History Month celebrates the LGBTQI+ community and the contributions they have made to Scotland throughout history. It’s also an opportunity to identify issues where work can still be done.
In 2021, Scotland became the first nation in the world to embed LGBT+ inclusive education across the curriculum. Many countries have introduced education about LGBTQI+ relationships and families as part of a relationships and sex education programme, now Scotland has advanced on this positive work to increase inclusion and knowledge of LGBTQI+ people and themes through all subjects. This national approach also encourages schools to recognise and seek to address ongoing issues around lack of LGBTQI+ representation in the Scottish curriculum and the need for more support for LGBTQI+ learners.
In 2023, the Scottish Government published a plan of action to reduce barriers and inequalities that non-binary people face in areas such as healthcare. These changes have already begun and will make a real difference to the everyday lives of non-binary and trans people in Scotland.
Evolving rights
LGBTQI+ rights continue to advance, and we’re incredibly proud of the progress we've achieved here in Scotland. In the UK, Scotland was the first nation to consult on legalising same-sex marriage. Following the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014, on 31st December 2014 at 00:01, the first same-sex marriage ceremonies took place across Scotland. These joyous occasions were cheered on in the media and by communities throughout the country.
Same-sex couples have been able to enter into civil partnerships in Scotland since 2005. The 2014 legislation meant that these couples were able to change these partnerships into marriages if they wished. Since 2009, same-sex couples have also been granted joint and step adoption status, allowing them the opportunity to provide a loving family environment for children.
In 2018, the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Act was introduced in Scotland. This key piece of legislation allowed a formal pardon to be granted to people who were convicted of offences related to same-sex sexual activity that were once considered illegal.
Although we have made great strides in evolving LGBTQI+ rights, we know that there is still a lot of work to be done.
The Scottish Government continues to work with and fund a wide range of organisations to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ people and is committed to ending harmful conversion practices in Scotland. This includes developing draft legislation and measures to support victims and survivors of conversion practices, such as mental health support, education and awareness-raising.
In 2023, a Hate Crime Strategy for Scotland was published which sets out a vision of a Scotland that lives free from hatred and prejudice and where our communities are empowered, inclusive and safe.
As for the future, Scotland is committed to finding ways to further support LGBTQI+ communities where possible, helping to lead the way in ensuring a diverse and accepting culture for everyone.
Find out more about the work that the Scottish Government is doing to advance equality for LGBTQI+ people in Scotland (gov.scot)
Find out about the National approach to LGBT+ education (gov.scot)
LGBTQI+ Sport in Scotland
One organisation championing inclusivity in sport is LEAP Sports Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government through the Equality and Human Rights Fund.
LEAP Sports offers a wide range of community sport opportunities for LGBTQI+ people across the country. Their mission is to foster greater inclusion in sport while actively challenging homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in sporting environments.
If you're interested in exploring different community sporting opportunities for LGBTQI+ people, visit leapsports.org to learn more and get involved.