Blackpool has one of the largest gay communities in the UK, although there are no accurate figures it is estimated that around one in 10 people in the UK are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Blackpool has a thriving gay community with a large number of gay owned and gay friendly hotels, bars, clubs and businesses.

The Civil Partnerships Act 2004 provides legal recognition and parity of treatment for same-sex couples and married couples, including employment benefits and pension rights. Access the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 at the website of the Office of Public Sector Information. Further information at the Stonewall website.

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 - This directive protects against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in employment, vocational training, promotion, and working conditions. Access the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientations) Regulations 2003 at the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website. Further information can also be found at the Acas website.

Blackpool Council services the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Forum which was established in 2006 to raise awareness of LGBT issues for the community at a strategic level and to ensure the LGBT community has a say in all local decisions made by the Council, Police, Local Strategic Partnership and Primary Care Trust.   For further information please email lgbtforum@hotmail.co.uk.