Wales is taking steps to become the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe, with a new action plan aimed at making it easier for trans people to legally change their gender. On Monday, the Welsh government launched its LGBTQ+ Action Plan at the St Fagan’s Museum in Cardiff, which seeks to follow Scotland’s lead in taking control of gender recognition laws for trans and non-binary people.
Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, and finance minister, Vaughan Gething, have both expressed their support for the Scottish gender self-identifying system, which was blocked from Royal ascent by the UK government. The action plan, which has been in the works since 2021, is aimed at making Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe, with a focus on improving safety, education, housing, health, and social care, as well as promoting community cohesion.
Deputy Minister for Social Partnership in Wales, Hannah Blythyn, who was joined by leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, said the action plan is a bold and realistic goal towards an inclusive society. Blythyn added that although significant progress has been made in recent decades, the LGBTQ+ community remains under attack, with their rights at risk of being rolled back around the world.