The shockingly violent attack Dr Gary Jenkins in the early hours of July 20, 2021 in Cardiff's Bute Park that he eventually died of 16 days later in hospital was a devastating blow for the LGBTQ+ community.

Just a short distance from our doorsteps in the cosy haven of Penarth, an innocent life was taken in a savage attack that has now led to three people being convicted of his murder.

Shortly before the vigil for Dr Jenkins on the steps of National Museum of Wales, Mr Doughty, 41, the Labour and Co-Operative MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, spoke out about the homophobic abuse he's been subjected to on BBC Radio Wales' Sunday Supplement broadcast.

But was the tragic murder the only reason for speaking out?

"Firstly, everyone has been in real shock and disbelief over the tragic murder of Dr Jenkins and our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones," says Mr Doughty. "But I think it's highlighted the horrific situation a lot of people from the LGBTQ+ community face.

"I felt like I should speak up about my own experiences because, unfortunately, we've seen a huge rise in the hate crime statistics. We've seen a significant increase in everything from online abuse to physical violence and, speaking with friends and others in the community, it's exactly what they're facing."

In the year ending March 2021, hate crimes against people's sexual orientation in England and Wales increased by 7% to 17,135 and transgender hate crimes by 3% to 2,630.

All this comes at a time when people should be celebrating LGBT+ History Month. But what does LGBT+ History Month mean to Mr Doughty?

"It's really important to recognise that we've [LGBTQ+ people] always been around and will always be around," he said. "There are a lot of untold stories that need to be shared and it's crucial to know our history. Legal rights have come a long way in the past two decades, but, equally, when we look at history, we know that can go backwards and it's very fragile."

What about being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in politics?

"It's certainly a lot easier than I think people would have found it ten or 20 years ago," he said. "In the UK, I think we have the queerest parliament in the world with openly out LGB members. So, things have become very accepting during my time in parliament."

The downside, however, is the abuse that comes with the role and because of his sexuality. "Anybody in public life who isn't a straight, white, cis-gendered man unfortunately experiences a substantial amount of abuse," he said.

Penarth, on the other hand, has always been a welcoming community for Mr Doughty. "Penarth is a very warm, inviting, and open community for people from all backgrounds and walks of life. That's one of the main positive aspects to being here."

But despite recognising the changing attitudes to LGBTQ+ people, speaking to children in schools in Penarth, and the Vale of Glamorgan's progress with recent Pride events in Llantwit Major and Barry, he believes education is key to making further steps forward.

"It's crucial that our schools deliver education that actually reflects the full range of identities that people have."