Lilly Beeson

I found it difficult to accept myself when I came out at 13, but by the time I’d joined the Labour Party at 16, I didn’t feel any need to hide myself. I never questioned if the Labour Party would accept me, because I knew our party has always championed LGBT+ rights. However, as a young queer woman, I know and understand the struggles our community has faced; from attacks by the right - to actively hiding our identities. I know the feeling that politics doesn’t care about us. Politics does care about us, the Labour Party cares about us.

I found my home in the Labour Party, an empowering space to be myself, and help other members be themselves too. This is why I am running to be the LGBT+ officer on the Young Labour National Committee. I want to help young queer people like me find their home in our party, I will be a strong voice for the LGBT+ community and ensure we are given equal opportunities and respect.

I strive to ensure we are not only represented, but celebrated. I will ensure our party is a space where young people can feel comfortable with their gender and sexuality; through events to create spaces for us to know we aren’t alone.