Kezia Dugdale, the former leader of Scottish Labour, has been appointed as the chair of the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall. Taking the unpaid position in six months, Dugdale arrives at a time when she describes feeling “quite scared” as a lesbian in Britain.
Concerns Over Eroding Rights
Speaking in Edinburgh, Dugdale expressed anxiety over the rise of right-wing populism and its potential impact on gay rights in the UK. She cautioned that equal marriage should not be taken for granted.
Dugdale pointed to Italy as an example where a rollback of LGBT rights has occurred quickly, centered around concepts of family life. She suggested that a similar regression is not beyond the realm of possibility in the UK.
A Strategic Pivot for Stonewall
The appointment appears to signal a shift in direction for the organization. Stonewall has faced criticism for an “uncompromising” and “absolutist” position on transgender rights, which critics described as a “militant trans agenda.”
These critics specifically charged the charity with a “no debate” approach regarding the inclusion of trans women in single-sex spaces, including prisons, hospital wards, and women’s refuges.
Dugdale has acknowledged that the organization has made mistakes. She is calling for an end to “culture wars” and polar extremes, advocating instead for a willingness to engage in the “messy, grey bit” where consensus is found.
Changing Priorities and Political Context
While Dugdale maintains her belief in the Scottish government’s gender recognition reform bill and “self-ID,” she stated that What we have is no longer at the top of Stonewall’s priority list.
The organization may now focus more heavily on securing compensation and justice for military veterans. Dugdale highlighted the importance of working to ensure a ban on conversion therapy in the UK.
Dugdale, who led Scottish Labour from 2015 to 2017, left frontline politics in 2019 after a falling out with Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit. In 2022, she married Jenny Gilruth, the Scottish education secretary and an SNP MSP.
Navigating Public Identity
Dugdale similarly reflected on her own public identity, clarifying that her sexuality “stumbled out” during a 2016 interview with the Fabians rather than being a controlled “coming out” moment.
She expressed frustration with how gay politicians, such as former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, have been defined by their sexuality in the media, stating her desire to live in a world where such labels do not define a person.
What May Happen Next
Under Dugdale’s leadership, Stonewall could see a shift toward more inclusive, less dogmatic community engagement. This may involve seeking common ground with critics to stabilize the organization’s funding and influence.
The charity is likely to prioritize legislative wins regarding conversion therapy and veterans’ rights over the more divisive debates surrounding single-sex spaces. Such a pivot may either alienate some activists or successfully broaden the charity’s appeal within “rooms with power.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kezia Dugdale taking over Stonewall?
Dugdale stated her motivation comes from a mix of hope and fear. She is concerned that progress for gay rights is not absolute and could go backwards due to political actors and the rise of right-wing populism.
How does Dugdale view the conflict with JK Rowling?
Dugdale expressed huge respect for Rowling as a writer and an advocate for single mothers. She believes the days of culture wars should be behind us and called for kindness and a willingness to find common ground.
What are Stonewall’s current primary goals?
While still supporting trans people, the organization is currently focusing on securing justice and compensation for military veterans and working toward a ban on conversion therapy.
Do you believe a more moderate, consensus-based approach is the most effective way for advocacy organizations to achieve long-term policy change?
