Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the closure of LGBTQ+ community spaces and media platforms on representation and community cohesion; and what steps the Government is taking to support the sustainability of LGBTQ+ venues and local LGBTQ+ broadcasting.

The Government understands the importance of social cohesion and ensuring all communities - including the LGBTQ+ community - feel empowered and part of our national story.

As part of this, the government has published ‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’ for young people in England to ensure every young person across the country has somewhere to go, something to do, and someone who cares. This includes LGBTQ+ young people, who we know experience specific challenges and who were directly involved in the development of the Strategy.

We also recognise that the UK media plays an important role in society in shaping our values and supporting cohesion. Although media organisations in the UK are operationally and editorially independent, the government expects the sector to go further to ensure all people - including those from a LGBTQ+ community - are able to see themselves and their experiences reflected authentically on-screen.