LGBT Advocates in Dumfries

The local authority in Dumfries and Galloway have nominated 4 elected members from across the political spectrum to be advocates for LGBT equality in the Council. They will sit alongside local authority advocates for other equality strands, and nominated NHS non-executive board members who also have a championing role for equality and diversity.

The LGBT advocates include Cllr Jane Maitland (independent); Cllr Jeff Leavers (Labour); Cllr Gail McGregor (Conservative) and Cllr Robert Higgins (SNP) - pictured below:

Cllr Jane Maitland Cllr Dr Jeff Leaver Cllr Gail McGregor Cllr Robert Higgins

To mark International Day Against Homophobia, and to kick start their new role, two of the newly nominated advocates visited the Dumfries LGBT Centre to meet staff, volunteers and service users, and to hear first hand the issues that local LGBT people face, and the value placed on the local service. All advocates will also be invited to sit on the local organisation’s advisory group, and to attend training which will equip them with the skills, confidence and knowledge to take on their vital role, which will include raising awareness of and speaking up for LGBT issues within their own political groupings and at Council committees, as well as speaking publicly in favour of LGBT equality.

On the nomination of the new LGBT advocates, our Dumfries and Galloway Services Manager said:

“The fact that 4 elected members put themselves forward as advocates for the sexual orientation strand shows great leadership by the Local Authority, and I am delighted that we now have such excellent representation and support from across the political groupings."

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