There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in every part of Scotland from our biggest cities to our smallest settlements and islands. We know through our published research, Further Out; The Scottish LGBT Rural Equality Report, that while LGBTI equality has progressed considerably in recent years the lived experience of LGBTI communities in urban settings is vastly different to that of LGBTI communities in more rural and island settings.

51% of LGBT people living in rural areas have personally experienced prejudice or discrimination for being LGBT.

70% feel that more needs to be done to tackle inequality experienced by LGBT people living outside of Scotland’s biggest cities.

62% believe that LGBT people outside of Scotland’s biggest cities face more inequality.

81% said they had experienced LGBT+ phobic comments and attitudes.

The pandemic too has had a big impact on LGBTI people living rurally, with less opportunities to connect with other LGBTI people, increasing loneliness and isolation.

That’s why we we’ll be taking to the road in August and September with out street stall, pride flags and materials. We’ll be reconnecting with LGBTI people on high streets and town squares across rural and island Scotland, and we’re up for a coffee and a chat in places where we won’t be setting up the street stall.

We’ll be following the latest COVID-19 guidance at all times, and will be taking regular lateral flow tests.

Where we’ll be (follow our social media channels for exact times and locations):

If you’ve any questions about Further Out or would like to get involved please contact scott [at] equality-network.org