Today, I’m proud to join people across the country to mark the beginning of Trans Awareness Week- an important time to raise the visibility of trans and gender non-conforming people.
This week
culminates in the Trans Day of Remembrance - a day set aside to remember the lives lost as
a result of transphobia and anti-trans violence.
Globally,
trans rights are eroding and rates of suicide and self harm in the community
are alarming. Far
too many live in constant fear of physical violence and persecution. This is
unacceptable.
Far too many
live in constant fear of physical violence and persecution. This is
unacceptable.
There are
also massive issues of concern within our own country.
The trans
and non-binary community has been subjected to widespread attack within the
media in recent years. And after years of debate and a huge opportunity to
streamline the Gender Recognition Act, the government has refused to adopt a
right of self-declaration for trans people without a medical diagnosis.
This is
nothing short of appalling. As a proud ally, it is heartbreaking to see
our trans friends treated with such little compassion and respect.
As a
party, our commitment to equality is stronger than ever- we have recently adopted a new
definition of transphobia and have just passed new policy to make our national
party conferences more trans inclusive. We vow to be unwavering in our
commitment to equality and will root out the poison of transphobia wherever we
find it.
During this
important week, I encourage all of us, to raise awareness and join the
fight to end the violence, prejudice and judgement faced by trans and
non-binary people. With so many attempting to erase trans and non-binary
rights, we cannot rest until everyone feels safe and empowered to freely be
themselves.
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