News
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
On 17 May, an awareness event was held at HMP & YOI Polmont, to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHTB).
IDAHTB is a worldwide celebration of gender and sexual diversity, and an opportunity to campaign against violence and discrimination, which people from the LGBTQ+ community can face. The theme for this year’s event was, ‘Our bodies, our lives, our rights’ - a celebration of the free expression of gender and sexuality.
The awareness event was run by CEA (Committed to Ending Abuse), a group which has provided support to those in custody at HMP & YOI Polmont for the past seven years, and is an ally service for the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to the day, all individuals in our care were invited to submit artwork based on what IDAHTB meant to them, which was displayed as part of the event.
To raise awareness, event packs were given to each individual, and a radio show was created and broadcast in collaboration with the establishment’s media centre and one of CEA’s LGBTQ+ service users.
On the day itself, a stall was set up on to enable people to come together and discuss the significance of IDAHTB and what it means to them. Those who participated were given a rainbow wristband to thank them for their support. CEA were delighted to see a substantial amount of support from prisoners, staff, and senior management from the establishment.
A staff member said: “This event supported me to help support someone close to me through the journey they are now going on. The staff offered me support and kind words that I felt empowered me to support the individual I’m close to. THANK YOU LADIES!”
A young person said: “It gave me a voice and gave me a community that now feels like home.”
The Scottish Prison Service is committed to a culture of respect and support for both people in our care and staff, and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form. We welcome the good work done by CEA, and will continue to engage with them, and other partners, who share these key principles.
