Jennie Rigg, the chair of LGBT+ Lib Dems, has responded to the announcement that the Government will legislate to allow mixed-sex Civil Partnerships after losing a case in the Supreme Court in June:

"Civil partnerships for all couples was the intent of the original Civil Partnerships legislation in 2002 by Lib Dem Lord Lester. Sadly the Government of the day chose instead to deliver a 'separate and unequal' two-tier solution. When we became the first major party to call for same-sex marriage, we also supported bringing Civil Partnerships to couples regardless of gender. We're proud to have delivered same-sex marriage in Government, and happy to see this further step for equality 16 years after we first tried to introduce it.

Yesterday was Bi Visibility Day. Our Chair, Jennie, wrote a piece for Liberal Democrat Voice, reproduced here:

Today we are marking the twentieth annual Bi Visibility day, which aims to raise the profile and visibility of bisexual people within our society - a society which so often overlooks them. Whilst great progress has been made in advancing rights and acceptance for gay and lesbian people (although of course, there is more to be done), bisexual people often suffer from assumptions based on the gender of their current (or last) partner and the prejudices of their peers. Media portrayals can trivialise their experiences, treat them as curiosities, or suggest that their sexual appetites are greedy and promiscuous. In such a climate, young bisexuals can feel pressured to "pick a side" and this is part of the reason why bi people suffer from far worse rates of mental illness than either gay or straight people. On top of this, the needs of bisexuals are often overlooked in the provision of health and social services.

This weekend sees the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference in Brighton. As usual, LGBT+ Lib Dems will be in the thick of events, with a Sunday evening of campaigning and celebration.

We will have a stall in the Conference Exhibition throughout the weekend - come to see what we're campaigning on, join us or renew your membership, and meet up with other LGBT+ members of the party.

As the summer of Prides continues , Lib Dem local parties will be attending events around the country, including the following:

Wigan Pride

The Wigan, Leigh and Makerfield Liberal Democrats will take part in the Wigan Pride parade, and have a stall at the event this Saturday from 11am-5pm.

Chester Pride

This weekend, Lib Dems will be at a number of Prides. Here's the ones we know about and how you can get involved:

Brighton Pride

Brighton Pride 2018 is one of the UK's biggest Pride events and celebrations of the LGBT+ communities. The Lib Dems have the longest and proudest record of support for the LGBT+ communities, and we'll be marching to show our support on Saturday.

This weekend, Lib Dems will be at a number of Prides. Here's the ones we know about and how you can get involved:

Sheffield Pride

On Saturday, the Sheffield Lib Dems will be taking part in the Sheffield Pride Parade, and will have a stall at the event. To join the Parade, meet at Omega Court for 11am (parking available) or Pear Street (S11 8JF) at 11.30am at the latest. The march is along Ecclesall Road to Endcliffe Park arriving for approx. 1.00pm. If you can, please come dressed in something bright - some branded tee-shirts will be available - together with flags, placards, whistles and rainbow wigs for those who want them!

This Saturday, LGBT+ activists from the Liberal Democrats will be getting together in Manchester for the annual Summer Conference. The organisation's twice-yearly conferences set the campaigning and policy agenda for the organisation, and form an important part of its governence along with the Annual General Meeting.

Speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of Section 28 which prevented schools from promoting homosexuality, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran has called on the Government to make Sex and Relationships Education fully LGBT+ inclusive.

Earlier this week Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Secretary Kirsty Williams announced that all schools in Wales will teach a new sex and relationships curriculum which will include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex topics, as well as issues of sexual consent and prevention of violence against women.

Layla said: "In coalition Government in Wales, Liberal Democrats have made sure that sex education is fit for purpose in the modern age. Teachers will be given the proper training to provide high quality education about healthy relationships, sexuality, gender, consent and abuse which covers all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Ahead of a Senedd statement on International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have urged Wales to build on recent progress in LGBT rights and fight for safety, equality and freedom for LGBT people across the globe.

There is no doubt that the past few years have seen great strides in LGBT rights in the UK and across the world, but there is far more that needs to be done to create a world where every LGBT person can live safely, equally and freely.

LGBT+ Lib Dems' Secretary, Andrew Brown, has written for Liberal Democrat Voice:

On this day in 1990, the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of 'mental disorders'. Since 2004 the anniversary of this has been used to promote awareness of the legal and cultural discrimination LGBT+ people still experience around the world.