Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities sadly experience homophobia, which is similar to many other cultures. Many hide their sexual identity because they fear rejection by their family and community, others because of their religious beliefs.
There is no empirical research or statistics to evidence the hidden problem of homophobia within the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities against their own LGBT community. From Traveller Movement’s casework and engagement with the wider Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) NGO sector and various other stakeholder groups, we know this is a real issue within the GRT community, however it is still rarely talked about.
The shame and guilt inflicted on LGBT community members has and can force many to live their lives in denial, in secret, fearing for their health and wellbeing.
Read TM's guidance to find support services to help you overcome these issues. It is intended as a basic information guide to identify how to stay safe and offers services for family and friends. Support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller LGBT+ people and their families here.
"We are a loose collective made up of Travellers (used as inclusively as possible) who are LGBT+ (likewise) who want to provide a platform for our intersectional community. We act as a network that can provide guidance, support and information to make life easier for LGBT Travellers."
Visit the website here.
'I don't know what was tougher; coming out as gay or as a comedian': Martin Beanz Warde, on prejudices of Travellers, Peter Casey, and a halting sitcom (2019) here.
LGBT+ Travellers: ‘A lot of the community are ignorant towards the trans issue’ (2021) Article by Martin Warde here.
