Surya Monro, Diane Richardson, and Ann McNulty

1. Space and Sexuality in Intersection: The Case of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Equalities Initiatives in UK Local Government Surya Monro, Diane Richardson, and Ann McNulty

2. Structure • Introduction • Aims • Methodology • Policy context and key findings • Intersectionality and LGB initiatives in local government • The spatial • Conclusion

3. Introduction • Confusion concerning definitions of intersectionality • Set within disparate approaches to sexuality (foundational versus deconstructionist) • Debates concerning intersectionality as focusing on interstices or encompassing foundational approaches • Dangers associated with individualistic focus

4. Aims • To explore a key debate regarding the definitions and focus of intersectionality theory • To ground the discussion in contemporary empirical research concerning lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) equalities work in UK local government • To address two gaps in intersectional research (sexuality, institutional level analysis)

5. Methodology • Large ESRC funded study of local authorities in Northern Ireland, England and Wales • Interviews with stakeholders (local/national) • Participative Action Research • Dissemination includes national conference in March (UK)

6. Policy context and key findings • Tranche of recent legislation and policy directives • Normalisation of sexuality equalities work within Local Authorities – but still marginalised and patchy and some overt institutional homophobia • Ongoing debates concerning need for LGB-specific initiatives, as opposed to generic provision

7. Intersectional Equalities? • Term ‘intersectional’ not in use • But, shift towards integrated frameworks nationally • Integrated mainstreaming mechanisms • LA sexuality equalities illustrates the challenges of implementing intersectionality at institutional level

8. Quotes • ‘The more innovative public sector organisations have worked out that it is easier to take a multi-strand to equality than a single-strand approach – it is quicker and politically it plays well, it allows people to be more imaginative in thinking about the links – for example local Pride festivals which incorporate family friendly initiatives’ (National LGB Organisation Representative) • ‘there’s nearly 300 impact assessments there… we look at the seven strands of equality in an impact assessment so part of the, one question on the impact assessment is “how have the needs of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual communities of [town] been considered and embedded into the policy?’ (Local Authority Officer Wales)

9. The spatial • ‘…sexuality – its regulation, norms, institutions, pleasures and desires – cannot be understood without understanding the spaces through which it is constituted, practised, and lived’ (Brown et al., 2007: p. 4). • Urban/rural ordering • Spatially organised communities

10. Quote • Contributor: ‘You know, I mean rough in terms of, you can get beaten up and there isn’t really a gay scene here, for young people to be part of the sort of drinking culture, you know, it’s not seen as particularly safe’ • Interviewer: ‘No’ • Contributor: ‘To be out late at night, on a Saturday night, and to be identified as being gay, or to be suspected of being gay, because it’s a very powerful insult here’ • Interviewer: ‘Yeah’. • Contributor: ‘And it’s not just a throwaway comment, people will get into a fight.’ (Local Authority officer, Wales)

11. Conclusion • Foundational categories such as the spatial are important to understanding the structuring of sexualities • Intersectional approaches evident (UK Local Authorities) • But tendency to lapse into foundational (not interstice-oriented) analysis at institutional level • Overall a need for a combined approach