LGBT+ Archives - Humanist Society Scotland

Dave Brackenridge, wearing a black jumper with a microphone in his hand and lectern infront of him, evangelises to an audience live on YouTube.

Humanist Society comments on links between evangelical pastor and charity working in primary schools

November 13, 2023

An article in The National reveals that Dave Brackenridge is the CEO of Rookie Rockstars, a charity operating in several Scottish primary schools. He was recently recorded making comments about the First Minister, Rishi Sunak (whom he mistakenly calls a…

A black and white photograph of a wedding ceremony, taken from the back of the ceremony hall/room looking down between two aisles of guests to the couple and celebrant. To the left, Kendal wears a black dress with white pattern and smiles at the couple. To the right is a bride wearing a white dress and groom in suit with kilt. They both smile and laugh.

Humanist Society interview series: Kendal Delaney

July 24, 2023

Our Humanist Society interview series is about meeting inspiring people. This includes members of our community bringing humanist values into their daily lives. We can’t think of a better example of this than Humanist Society-trained celebrant Kendal Delaney. Kendal is…

A humanist celebrant conducting a wedding ceremony for a couple, Andrew and Callum. The photo is taken mid-vows in front of flower wreaths and a large window looking out to fields. The celebrant wears a blue dress and raises a hand. The couple stand either side of her in magenta velvet suits.

Far more humanist weddings than Christian ceremonies in 2022: National Records of Scotland

July 20, 2023

The Humanist Society has welcomed new figures showing that far more humanist weddings were conducted than Christian ceremonies in 2022. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) released the figures as part of a larger set of data, showing a huge rise…

Ali Kerr stands in a back garden with shrubs and a decking area behind her. She has short blonde hair, a denim jacket and white shirt, and glasses. She smiles with delight at the camera.

Humanist Society interview series: Ali Kerr (Pride Month special)

June 13, 2023

In a special Pride Month instalment in our Humanist Society Scotland interview series, we speak to a member of the humanist community whose work combines two causes very close to our hearts. Firstly, Ali Kerr is a humanist celebrant, who…

Fraser Sutherland address a crowd (not visible) from a podium wearing a blue suit and green tweed tie against a purple wall. He has short brown hair and his hands opened as if to clarify a point.

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes

May 29, 2023

Our CEO Fraser Sutherland spoke to The National‘s Steph Brawn in an interview published on Sunday 28 May. He outlined our opposition to the “historical hangover” of religious representatives having voting rights on local education committees. Fraser and Steph also…

An image of Gemma leaning against a concrete waymarker, probably on a mountain walk, on a foggy day. She smiles at the camera, has died auburn hair and a maroon jacket.

Humanist Society interview series: Gemma Clark, abortion rights campaigner

May 22, 2023

At Humanist Society Scotland, we love talking to inspiring campaigners. We got to know abortion-rights activist and primary schoolteacher Gemma Clark through her awareness-raising work on the need for buffer zones around abortion services. Scotland is the last part of…

An image of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood with Calton Hill and the city of Edinburgh in the background.

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf

April 25, 2023

The current parliamentary term could be a pivotal time for humanism in Scotland. We look forward to the passing of a law to protect women from harassment outside abortion clinics, and we hope that new rules will follow to ensure…

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf

Vic Valentine addresses a pro-trans rights rally infront of a sign asking MSPs to vote for the GRA reform bill. People around them hold placards that read "Trans Rights Now" and they wave trans pride flags.

Humanist Society interview series: Vic Valentine of Scottish Trans Alliance

March 31, 2023

Today, 31 March 2023, is International Trans Day of Visibility. Humanist Society Scotland has a long relationship with Scotland’s LGBT+ communities and the last 12 months have been significant and trying ones for trans people in Scotland. Holyrood passed a…

A picture of Humza Yousaf in a blue suit and tartan tie in a living room-type space with lamp and painting in the background. He is shown from the torso up and is positioned to the right of shot, smiling at the camera.

Humanist Society responds to election of Humza Yousaf

March 27, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland notes the election of Humza Yousaf as new leader of the Scottish National Party and candidate for first minister of Scotland. We wish Mr Yousaf all the best in his new role and look forward to working…

A picture of Kate Forbes wearing a red jacket and flowered dress in an interior with circular windows in the background.

Humanist Society comments on Kate Forbes’s links to evangelical charities in Third Force News

February 22, 2023

We offered our thoughts on Kate Forbes’s connections to a number of evangelical Christian organisations for an article by Niall Christie in Third Force News. Here’s our statement for Third Force News in full: “Humanist Society Scotland is aware of…

Fraser Sutherland, wearing a blue suit, addresses a crowd infront of a banner reading "Humanist Society Scotland".

Our CEO talks Kate Forbes, faith, and policy-making on BBC Radio Scotland

Humanist Society Scotland CEO Fraser Sutherland appeared on BBC Radio Scotland on 21 February to talk about faith and policy-making in a secular country. There has been much discussion in recent days of FM candidate Kate Forbes’s links to a…