Jane Hutt 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.