MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: As we mark LGBTQ+ History Month
2026, I wish to take this moment to honour the profound
contributions that LGBTQ+ people have made – and continue to make
– to our communities, our public life, and our national story.
This annual celebration encourages us not only to reflect on the
progress achieved, but also to renew our commitment to building a
Wales where everyone can live openly, safely, and with dignity.
This year's theme, Science and Innovation, invites us to
celebrate the achievements of LGBTQ+ people whose creativity,
curiosity, and leadership are shaping the future. Across Wales,
LGBTQ+ scientists, researchers, engineers, STEM educators and
industry innovators are transforming our understanding of the
world and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
Visibility matters. Representation matters. For young people in
particular, seeing LGBTQ+ role models in STEM – confident,
talented, and proud of who they are – can be life‑changing. Their
presence sends a powerful message: innovation thrives when
everyone can participate, contribute, and lead.
This year's theme of Science and Innovation gives us the
opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ people who are shaping scientific
discovery and inspiring the next generation. Wales has fostered
and developed remarkable LGBTQ+ talent in STEM. Cardiff
University‑educated electronics engineer, Shrouk El‑Attar,
internationally recognised for combining engineering with
powerful LGBTQ+ advocacy, demonstrates how visibility transforms
young people's sense of belonging.
A member of staff at Wales‑based Science Made Simple
reminded us of this impact, noting how seeing openly LGBTQ+ role
models in schools helps young people feel they belong and can
thrive in Wales:
“Visibility and representation are so important… I hope that when
children watch my shows, they feel there is a place for them here
in Wales.”
Wales continues to take important steps to embed equality at the
heart of our education system and our public life. Through
the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for
Wales, we are working across government and with partners to
create safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people of all
ages. With the full rollout of inclusive Relationships and
Sexuality Education, every learner up to age 16 will benefit from
a curriculum that promotes understanding, respect, and the
celebration of diversity.
A curated set of LGBTQ+ educational resources for Welsh educators
highlights creators and storytellers whose works support
inclusive STEM learning. These include Welsh‑linked creatives
such as Daf James, writer of BBC series Lost Boys and
Fairies, which tracks the story of a gay couple adopting a
young boy in Wales, which forms part of a broader strategy to
increase LGBTQ+ visibility in learning across Wales.
The University of South Wales hosted LezDiff, the Cardiff
International Lesbian Film and Arts festival, celebrating and
representing the lives and work of lesbian, bisexual and queer
women and non-binary folk. Bringing an International flavour to
Welsh cultural life.
I am also proud to support local Pride events across Wales – from
our cities to our smallest rural communities. These events bring
people together, strengthen community bonds, and remind us that
LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere in Wales and contribute
immeasurably to the diverse and vibrant culture we all enjoy in
Wales today.
Our museums, cultural institutions and heritage bodies continue
to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ histories and stories in
innovative ways. Through new exhibitions, research and
interpretation, Wales is recognising the vital place that LGBTQ+
people hold in our shared heritage. Aberration is one example of
an organisation who has held a series of workshops and events
across Aberystwyth throughout the month to celebrate queer lives.
Iris on the Move has seen the annual touring showcase from the
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ film festival, bringing award-winning short
films to venues across Wales with a Q&A with festival
director Berwyn Rowlands.
I would like to take a moment to commemorate the life of Martyn
Butler, who sadly passed away this month, in co-founding the
Terrence Higgins Trust, Martyn didn't just build a charity — he
built a lifeline for thousands of people, at a time when stigma
and silence were costing lives.
This month, and every month, we celebrate the contributions of
LGBTQ+ people in STEM and across all sectors. Their leadership
makes Wales a more innovative and more compassionate nation.
Together, we remain committed to building a fairer, more
inclusive Wales – one where diversity is not only welcomed but
recognised as a source of celebration and joy for all of us, and
a collective strength.
