Towards Equity: LGBT+ community perspectives on policing in Scotland

In early 2025, LGBT Health and Wellbeing brought together LGBT+ people from across Scotland to take part in a series of focus groups exploring their experiences with Police Scotland. These sessions created a safer space for open and honest conversations about our community’s shared history with policing, the impact of legal changes, and current relationships with police.

The focus groups centred the voices of LGBT+ people who face multiple forms of marginalisation, and invited participants to reflect on personal and collective experiences, share their perspectives, and suggest ways Police Scotland could begin to rebuild trust.

This report highlights key themes from those conversations, shares examples of good practice, and offers practical recommendations for change. It is intended to support ongoing community engagement and complement the work of Scotland’s first LGBTQI+ Citizens’ Panel, which developed policy recommendations for Police Scotland.

We hope this resource contributes to meaningful action and improved experiences for LGBT+ people in Scotland.