Labour’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has put Shabana Mahmood into one of the most powerful jobs in government, that of Home Secretary. But what exactly is her stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and what could her new role mean for LGBTQ+ people in the UK? Back in 2019, Mahmood came under fire after raising concerns in Parliament over LGBTQ+-inclusive lessons being taught in primary schools. She said she was reflecting her constituents’ worries over “age appropriateness”, a position that quickly drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. She later clarified: “Nowhere have I said LGBT relationships should not be taught because that’s not my position. Nowhere have I backed the terrible homophobic banners and hostile protests at Parkfield school - because they are wrong, defeatist and feed the very prejudices I want to help eradicate.” Mahmood, who voted in favour of same-sex marriage back in 2013, added that her concern was solely about how young children, particularly those from religious backgrounds, ...