A group of Bury-based LGBT+ advocates have paid a visit to Downing Street to deliver letters expressing a number of concerns to the Prime Minister. 

The visit to Sir Keir Starmer's parliamentary home, organised by the Greater Manchester-based LGBT+ youth charity, The Proud Trust, saw youngsters aged from 13 to 18 air their worries about the current state of LGBT+ rights, especially the rights of trans people.

Letters from the young people from Bury addressed issues such as discrimination, mental health challenges and the need for comprehensive legal protections.

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Orla, a 17-year-old trans girl, is calling for the government to spend time with people within the LGBT+ community to get a true understanding of how policies impact young people.

In her letter she said: “Ultimately, our voices need to be heard and the MPs that are making life-changing decisions on our behalf need to have a better understanding of us and how these decisions affect us…you should meet trans youth and work with them so you can better represent them.

“In fact, I think you should arrange to meet trans/queer young people, and the youth workers at The Proud Trust in Manchester.”

The visit is part of the wider work that The Proud Trust does across the country to support those in the LGBT community.

In another letter, Keegan, a year eight trans boy expressed how he would like to see the new government do more to protect young people.

He said: “I have experienced bullying and harassment due to my identity, and I know others who have also experienced this, so I think if people had a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, it could stop many problems within the community.”

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Echoing a similar message was 16-year-old Kate, who is currently questioning her identity, calling on the government to create safe spaces for those within the community.

She said: “In the past, me and some of my friends have experienced a lot of criticism in school, which I believe should be a safe space for everyone to be who they are without the fear of being bullied.

“In my high school, they had an after-school club which took place once a week for LGBTQ students, but even then, other students would stay just to make fun of the LQBTQ students.”

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The young people involved in the visit believe that their efforts will not only bring attention to these issues but also encourage others to join the movement for equality.

The Proud Trust CEO Susie Cuthill said: “We hope that the new government will be committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of all citizens, including LGBT+ young people.

“Ensuring equal rights, protection from discrimination, a supportive school environment, and access to vital healthcare are just a few areas where the new Prime Minister’s leadership can make a profound difference.

“By working together and fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued and empowered to contribute to our nation's success.”