A joint statement has been issued by members of Scottish Pride ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 17 May.

Scottish Pride calls on those in powerful positions to stop using the LGBTIA+ community as political pawns and end the polarised debate surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues.

The organisation says that they have significant concerns about the current geopolitical climate and has expressed alarm at the escalation in the demonisation of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans individuals, both at home and abroad.

A spokesperson for Orkney Pride said:

“Orkney Pride are disappointed in the erosion of basic human rights, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community. We stand firmly behind this statement and our siblings around the globe.

“We here at Pride in Orkney will always stand for and support all of the LGBTQIA+ community. The hate and injustice has to stop, we need to stand united to protect those who can not protect themselves.”

The organisers state that current levels of anxiety, fear and anger within the LGBTQIA+ community across Scotland must not be understated. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people are at alarmingly high levels in Scotland and this alongside regressive political policy and debate is leading to calls for the demonisation of the LGBTQIA+ community to end and for LGBTQIA+ voices to be listened to and action taken to reverse the current situation.