Between 2017 and 2020, we visited people all over Scotland, as well as surveying hundreds online, to capture the diverse experiences of the rural LGBTI community. We collated these stories and statistics into our research report ‘Further Out‘; the first of its kind in Scotland. We found high levels of poor mental health for LGBTI people living rurally, stemming from greater prejudice, isolation and minority stress, as well as a lack of access to inclusive services and spaces.

Recognising this, and the need for community-led approaches, the Scottish Government approved funding for the development of an LGBTI visibility mark. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Recent research by the Equality Network tells us that feelings of social isolation can be compounded further for LGBTI people living in a rural setting. This new funding will allow the Equality Network to create an LGBTI Visibility project, working with a partnership of organisations and ‘ambassadors’ from the LGBTI community itself to advocate for the needs of LGBTI people in rural and island Scotland.

It will seek to encourage willing local community spaces, such as cafes, cinemas, theatres and leisure centres, to sign up to the scheme to show that they are a safe space where LGBTI people can go and be themselves. The Scottish Government is committed to advancing equality for LGBTI people, and promoting, protecting and realising the rights of every LGBTI person in Scotland. This fund is another step in the direction to do that.”

We are pleased to be working alongside Highland Pride, Four Pillars, Somewhere and Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Plus to make this project a national success. We also want your input on the design and features of the mark. There is still time to fill in our survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ruralLGBTIvisibility