UK: Most Same-Sex Couples Fear Holding Hands in Public

New research reveals that the majority of LGBTQ+ couples in the UK avoid holding hands in public due to concerns about their safety.

According to the Hold My Hand campaign by LGBTQ+ rights group Stonewall, 56% of LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel safe showing affection by holding their partner’s hand in public.

“Our latest research reveals LGBTQ+ people do not feel safe to live their lives freely,” said the organisation. “Even something as simple as reaching out to hold their partner’s hand now feels unsafe.  Everyone deserves to go about their daily lives free from the fear of abuse and harassment, no matter their identities.”

This comes amid a rise in hate crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity in England and Wales.

In November last year, the UK’s Home Office reported a 112% increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation over the past five years. Hate crimes against transgender people have surged even more sharply, rising by 186% over the same period.

In response, Stonewall is urging the government to prioritise the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. The organisation is calling for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes to be classified as an Aggravated Offence, offering the same legal protections as those facing hate crimes due to racism or religious discrimination.

Additionally, Stonewall has called on the government to implement a comprehensive hate crime strategy and action plan that addresses barriers to reporting LGBTQ+ hate crimes. The public is also encouraged to contact their local MPs in support of these initiatives.

“Many people feel less safe to be openly LGBTQ+ in the UK right now. It’s time for MPs to take action – to stop the rising hate and challenge the Government to make society safer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Stonewall added.

So far, more than 600 individuals have used a form on the organisation’s website to email their MPs, urging them to back the campaign and push for these crucial changes.