Commenting on reports that Chechnya has opened concentration camps for gay men, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:

"These reports from Chechnya are truly horrifying, and represent an extreme manifestation of increasing homophobic brutality and intolerance in Putin's Russia.

"The UK government must strongly condemn this disgusting violence, and use every possibly opportunity to raise this with the Russian government, as well as in the UN and other international bodies.

"The UK must work with those who share our values to stop the mindless targeting of the LGBT community, which is still prevalent in too many countries across the world. Only through defending universal human rights will we ever hope to achieve a world in which every person can live, work and flourish without discrimination.

"It is disappointing that Boris Johnson has failed to stand up for these people by not visiting Russia after Trump told him to stay at home."

UK passports should allow people to define themselves as "X" as an alternative to male or female, Stonewall have said today. This is in keeping with Lib Dem policy from 2014 and campaigns from before that.

Commenting on the news, Shadow Equalities Secretary Lorely Burt said: "I'm glad to see the Government has finally accepted that a review into the GRA is overdue. However, we don't need another review to tell us that x passports should be introduced.

The Welsh Government has announced a new HPV vaccination programme for men who have sex with men (MSM), to rolled-out across Wales from 1st April.

The vaccine is being offered to all MSM up to 45 years of age who attend sexual health clinics, following a recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

There were almost 5,000 same-sex marriages in the year equal marriage was introduced, new figures from the Office of National Statistics have revealed.

The figures show there were 4,850 marriages between same-sex couples in 2014, 44% (2,129) between male couples and 56% (2,721) between female couples. In total 1 in 46 marriages that year were between same-sex couples.

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.