Sexuality, Equality and Local Governance

Professor Diane Richardson (Newcastle University), Dr Surya Monro and Dr Ann McNulty, (Newcastle University)

The Universities of Newcastle and Huddersfield undertook this two and a half year research project (2007-2010), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The field of LGBT equalities work is currently undergoing a period of rapid change fuelled by the introduction of a raft of new legislation as well as ongoing local government modernisation. Through a cross-cultural comparison between the English, Welsh and Northern Irish situations, the research aimed to examine the impact of contemporary policy changes on the field of LGBT equalities work in local government. It built on existing research and will enable exploration of three key analytic themes: processes of local authority resistance and compliance, cultural change, and debates concerning sexuality, citizenship and democracy.

The project used and developed innovative qualitative Action Learning Set and tracking methodologies, focus groups, and interviews with local and national stakeholders. It made a contribution to academic, policy and activist debates about equalities and diversities initiatives. A number of individuals and groups benefitted from the outcomes of the research, including policy makers, LGBT people and community organisations.

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