Buckie councillor nets Proud Scotland honour
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BUCKIE councillor John Stuart has scooped the Public Service Award at the recent Proud Scotland Awards.
The award recognises “the actions of an individual or group as part of a public body, or the body itself, in support and development of the LGBTQI+ community”.
Proud Scotland praised John's work speaking up for LGBTQI+ people.
Councillor Stuart said: “Receiving the award...was a proud moment, and a very surprising one at that.
"Championing LGBTQI+ equality is something I take pride in, and I am proud of all we have accomplished in our workplaces and communities.
"For me, there remains lots to do around equality.
"For example, in April, this year the SNP’s Scottish Government launched a legal challenge against the UK government's Section 35, which blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from gaining Royal Assent.
"Another example is the continuing stigma people living with HIV face in our society. We all play a key part in how we can increase knowledge and understanding, breaking down the ability for stigma to still exist in our society.
"Here in Scotland, it is our aim to prevent people from acquiring HIV by 2030, but the here and now is we need to continue to do more to break down stigma. Stigma reduces the chances that people will access HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.
"I look forward to working more on these issues, supporting the work we do as elected members in Moray, and in my other remit within the Care Inspectorate.
"What a genuinely amazing way to begin Pride month and congratulations to all the nominees and winners at Proud Scotland Awards 2023!”
Euan McLeod, Executive Director, LGBT+ Co-operative, added: "Councillor John Stuart pulled off a well-deserved victory in the Scotland's Railways Public Service Award due to his hard work in speaking up for people that are LGBT+ and of course all his constituents in Buckie.
"Working for the Care Inspectorate he has been a consistent campaigner for LGBT+ equality, from changing perceptions in the workplace to his outstanding HIV and LGBT+ activism across the Highlands and North of Scotland which is helping to transform the lives of so many people."
