LGBT+ Lib Dems have welcomed the announcement that the former MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, is to contest the West of England Metro Mayor election for the party.

Stephen is a former Vice President of the organisation and has a long track record of being a campaigner on LGBT+ issues, including leading for the party during the legislative stages of the Same Sex Marriage Bill.

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats are saddened to hear of the death of Swansea Labour Students chair and trans activist Lily Summers.

Lily was a dear friend to many members of LGBT+ Lib Dems, and was a fearless campaigner for liberal politics inside and outside of her own party. Her tireless passion transcended political boundaries and made her an inspiration to others. She will sorely be missed.

This year sees the first year of "one member, one vote" for the party's internal Federal Elections and, as we have done in previous elections, we have given candidates who are members of LGBT+ the opportunity to make a short statement. Two statements were received by the deadline.

Caron Lindsay, Federal Board

20th November 2016 is the 19th International Transgender Day of Remembrance, in which remember those who died due to transphobia and a lack of tolerance. Since TDoR 2015, we know of 87 trans people who have died violent deaths and there are undoubtedly many more who have gone unreported.

Baroness Lorely Burt, the Liberal Democrats Equalities Spokesperson, said "This year has hardly been a beacon of openness and tolerance in some of the political events that we have witnessed. That is why today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we shine a light for you, who suffer the repercussions of prejudice and ignorance all over the world. We are thinking of you, and we fight with you for a more open, tolerant and accepting world."

Today is the last day of NHS England's Consultation into PrEP - please do complete the 5-minute consultation using Terrence Higgins Trust's toolkit

At the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference, party members have voted overwhelmingly to support making Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) available on the NHS to those at high risk of HIV infection. PrEP is a medication that can be taken before possible exposure to HIV. Studies including PRoUD and IPERGAY have demonstrated significant protective benefit from taking PrEP both routinely and "on demand". The World Health Organisation has recommended use of PrEP alongside condoms and other existing HIV prevention methods.

LibDem peer Paul Scriven has spoken out during a debate on HIV in the House of Lords to highlight the problems caused by the use of homophobic language by NHS doctors in the continuing debate on PrEP. Speaking on Monday night, he said:

"Political leadership is needed because NHS England is taking a particularly aggressive and nasty approach on PrEP and in the arguments for why it cannot be used. A statement by Dr Jonathan Fielden on 2 August, on the day of the judgment-he is the deputy medical director of NHS England and the director of specialised commissioning-was at best unfortunate and at worst showed institutionalised homophobic language by NHS England... He went on to compare it with not being able to afford treatment for children with cystic fibrosis or children who do not have limbs. That is clearly an attempt to put it into the public mind that there are deserving and non-deserving people with regard to specialised commissioning, which is not the kind of approach or language we would expect from our National Health Service."

Chair of LGBT+ Lib Dems, Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett and the first openly HIV+ parliamentary candidate said, "I welcome the new bespoke travel Insurance launched by Emerald Life for the LGBT community and will be advocating their work, and watching with interest as they progress, especially encouraging fellow community members to use their services. It's about time insurers addressed our specific needs as a minority community.

Today in The High Court a superb judgment was made on the National AIDS Trust request that NHS England should be able to commission Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of the arsenal to prevent new HIV infections. The judges found in favour of the Trust, and therefore the campaign to get NHS England to supply PrEP on the NHS can continue. However, NHS England have confirmed that they will appeal the judgement.

Local Lib Dems will be out with Pride this weekend across England, supporting their LGBT+ communities at Pride events. You're welcome to join us to show support, and take part in our Human Rights campaign. Details are as follows; details for Brighton Pride, and our Manchester Pride parade with Baroness Lynne Featherstone, will be published soon.