The Diversity Trust is proud to support the launch of a new research report examining the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in South Gloucestershire — and the findings make clear that urgent action is needed.

The report, Living Proud in South Gloucestershire: Understanding and Improving the Lives of LGBTQ+ Communities, was commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council and developed through extensive engagement with local LGBTQ+ residents. It reveals widespread experiences of discrimination, harassment and exclusion, alongside significant health and wellbeing inequalities.

Many participants described feeling unsafe or unwelcome in everyday spaces, with reports of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic behaviour having a serious impact on mental health. LGBTQ+ young people were particularly affected, with bullying in education settings and social isolation highlighted as key concerns.

These findings reflect recent media coverage describing the “appalling treatment” faced by LGBTQ+ people in the area, reinforcing what community members have been saying for years: that equality is far from being achieved, and that lived experience must drive change.

The report sets out 43 recommendations for improvement across education, healthcare, community safety and local services. These include:

• Improving LGBTQ+ inclusion and anti-bullying practice in schools

• Strengthening access to inclusive healthcare and mental health support

• Investing in visible, sustainable LGBTQ+ community spaces

• Embedding accountability and LGBTQ+ representation within local decision-making

At The Diversity Trust, we believe research like this is vital. Evidence-based insight, rooted in lived experience, provides a powerful foundation for meaningful change. This report builds on our long-standing work to highlight health inequalities and social barriers affecting LGBTQ+ communities in South Gloucestershire and beyond.

We welcome the commitment from South Gloucestershire Council to take these findings forward and work in partnership with LGBTQ+ organisations, residents and allies to implement the recommendations.

The full Living Proud in South Gloucestershire report is available to read online, and we encourage organisations, professionals and community members to engage with its findings. You can also explore The Diversity Trust’s wider research and projects, including our previous work on LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing in South Gloucestershire, on our website.

Everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety and pride. Turning this research into action is an essential step towards making South Gloucestershire a place where LGBTQ+ people can truly thrive.

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