Stonewall (charity)

Stonewall (charity). Stonewall is a prominent British charitable organization focused on advancing LGBT rights and equality. It was founded in 1989 in response to the controversial Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. The organization is named after the Stonewall riots in New York City, a pivotal event in the modern LGBT social movements.

History

Stonewall was established on 24 May 1989 by a group including actor Ian McKellen, politician Michael Cashman, and activist Lisa Power. Its formation was a direct reaction to Section 28, a law that prohibited the "promotion of homosexuality" by local authorities in the United Kingdom. Early campaigns successfully targeted the repeal of this legislation, achieved in 2003 in England and Wales and earlier in Scotland. Under its first director, Angela Mason, the organization expanded its focus to include issues like the age of consent and LGBT parenting. Key legislative successes include the passage of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and the Equality Act 2010. In 2015, Ruth Hunt succeeded Ben Summerskill as chief executive, later being succeeded by Nancy Kelley.

Activities and campaigns

Stonewall conducts extensive campaigning, research, and advocacy work across various sectors. Its high-profile public campaigns have included "Some People Are Gay. Get Over It!" and "Come Out for LGBT." A major program is the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme, which provides consultancy to employers like Barclays, the BBC, and the Civil Service to improve LGBT workplace inclusion. The charity also runs the Stonewall School Champions program for educational institutions and publishes influential research, such as the annual Workplace Equality Index. It actively campaigns for reforms in areas including transgender rights, hate crime legislation, and LGBT rights in football, partnering with bodies like the Premier League and Kick It Out.

Structure and governance

Stonewall operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its strategic direction is set by a board of trustees, historically including figures like Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman. Day-to-day operations are managed by a senior leadership team headed by a chief executive. The organization has offices in London, with additional operations in Scotland and Wales to address devolved policy matters. It also formerly operated an international program, Stonewall Global, which worked with partners worldwide.

Finances

Stonewall is funded through a combination of donations, grants, and revenue from its commercial programs. According to its 2022 annual report, the charity had a total income of approximately £8.6 million. A significant portion of revenue comes from membership fees for its Stonewall Diversity Champions and Stonewall School Champions schemes, with hundreds of organizations participating. Other income sources include charitable trusts, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. Major expenditures are directed towards campaign activities, research projects, and the delivery of its diversity programs.

Public perception and criticism

While widely recognized for its historic role in advancing LGBT rights in the United Kingdom, Stonewall has faced significant public criticism in recent years, particularly regarding its stance on transgender rights. Some critics, including journalists from The Times and The Guardian, and groups like LGB Alliance, have accused the charity of promoting a contentious view of gender identity that conflicts with single-sex spaces protections under the Equality Act 2010. This debate led several high-profile members, including the BBC, the Cabinet Office, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to withdraw from its Diversity Champions scheme. In response, Stonewall has defended its positions as essential for the protection of all LGBT people and continues to advocate for legal reforms.