The Ministry of Equality continues to advance its commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and respect for all members of Gibraltar's community through a range of initiatives supporting the protected characteristics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Reassignment.

Over the past year, the Ministry has worked closely with stakeholders across Government and the community to strengthen awareness, improve understanding, and ensure that Gibraltar continues to foster an environment in which everyone can live free from discrimination.

A key area of focus has been education and awareness raising. In collaboration with the Chair of the LGBTQ+ Committee, the Ministry has delivered in-person LGBTQ+ awareness training sessions, helping to increase understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ persons. This training has been offered to the wider public service through the Department of Personnel and Development (DPD), ensuring that public officers are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support inclusive workplaces and public services.

Recognising the importance of ongoing learning opportunities, the Ministry has also made available specialist online training programmes delivered by a UK provider. These courses covered both LGB Awareness and Trans Awareness, providing staff with accessible resources to enhance their understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, and inclusion.

Visibility is also key and, as in recent years, the Ministry has also facilitated the raising of the Pride flag at the Frontier on the 1st June and 28th June. The Ministry has this year continued to promote inclusion and belonging through the distribution of inclusive desk-top flags to all Government departments and agencies reinforcing Gibraltar's commitment to equality and respect for diversity.  

The Ministry also marked Pride through the illumination of the Moorish Castle in Pride colours, joining many jurisdictions around the world in demonstrating support for LGBTQ+ communities.

Earlier this month, the Ministry hosted a Pride event on 18 June, bringing together members of the community and stakeholders to celebrate diversity and recognise the progress that has been made in advancing equality. The Ministry has also continued its support for Gibraltar's annual Pride March with a physical presence at the event, recognising the importance of visibility, solidarity, and community engagement.

Alongside awareness and engagement initiatives, the Ministry has continued to progress important legislative reforms aimed at strengthening legal protections.  The Conversion Therapy (Prohibition) Bill, published in October 2025, prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy in Gibraltar. The Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2024 proposes amendment to the Crimes Act 2011 to recognise transgender hate crimes and extend protections against hate-motivated offending and the stirring up of hatred on the grounds of transgender identity.

Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said:

"Equality is not achieved through legislation alone. It requires education, visibility, understanding, and a collective commitment to treating one another with dignity and respect. Through training, awareness raising, community engagement, and legislative reform, we are continuing to build a Gibraltar where everyone can feel safe, valued, and included, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"While there is always more work to do, I am proud of the progress that has been made and grateful to the many individuals, organisations, and stakeholders who continue to work alongside us in advancing equality for all."

The Ministry of Equality remains committed to promoting inclusion, tackling discrimination, and strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ persons across Gibraltar.