4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership: Pride, and Progress on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:42 pm on 21 June 2022.

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Photo of Hannah Blythyn Hannah Blythyn Labour 3:42, 21 June 2022

Thank you, Sarah, for those very well-said comments there in terms of calling out the risk of history repeating itself in terms of ignorance. Do you know what? I don't actually think it's ignorance half the time, unfortunately; it's intentional. And that kind of othering and the homophobia, that kind of low level, almost, sometimes—. It's inferred homophobia that is latent in some of these things. I'm really pleased that 40 years after the AIDS crisis—. Also, you talked about Terrence Higgins, and I know my colleague Jeremy Miles sponsored an event in this place last week, to launch the Welsh Government's new HIV action plan. That demonstrates how far we've come, but also recognises that we still have a road to travel in terms of tackling stigma and homophobia. I very much would join in with you in what you said, and a message to all LGBTQ+ people in Wales and beyond that you are amazing, you are valued, you are loved for who you are.