Brighton trans charity the Clare Project has released a statement, accusing senior leadership at LGBTQ+ mental health charity MindOut of “a persistent disregard of both systemic and direct acts of transphobia and ableism”.
In a statement, the Clare Project said: “Over the past 18 months we have been made aware of escalating issues regarding discrimination and community safety in local LGBTQ+ charity MindOut. Throughout this period, concerns and formal complaints from fellow organisations, team members and services users have failed to be addressed by senior leadership, and in some cases, gone unacknowledged.
“We continue to witness a persistent disregard of both systemic and direct acts of transphobia and ableism among senior leadership, of which those we are aware of to date include:
– Acts of transphobia and disability discrimination (including mental health) towards team members and beneficiaries;
– Repeatedly failing to address conflicts relating to staff connections to anti-trans campaigns;
– Formal complaints raised going unanswered and/or declared to stakeholders;
– Sudden redundancies of trusted, experienced and allied staff;
– Continuing to ignore explicit concerns raised relating to community safety & safeguarding, alongside a chronic disregard for individuals’ ongoing mental health impact.
“Despite being a charity of considerable size, and continuing attempts to build on funds, MindOut have continued to breach their own policies, ignore serious safeguarding concerns, and fail to address explicit acts of discrimination.
“Among many others, we have given ample opportunity and contributions to seek remedial action in the best interest of those we support, and this has been repeatedly met with dishonesty, gaslighting and/or complete silence. We want our communities, partners and commissioners to be aware of these continuing acts of violence and disregard for our communities’ safety, particularly in those claiming to be LGBTQ+ spaces.
“We send our solidarity and support to those who have been affected over this recent period, and those who will find this news both distressing and disheartening. Alongside a growing number of trusted allies, we will continue to advocate for equitable, accessible and inclusive services, free from violence and discrimination while we persist in demanding better for the communities we serve.”
MindOut’s Response to the Clare Project Statement
“The Clare Project released a statement that included some serious allegations against MindOut.
“We are taking time to address these allegations both internally and directly with the Clare Project.
“We are disappointed that an organisation we work closely with in the sector would choose to take such action. This way of communication can be divisive and create distress and anxiety for people within our LGBTQ communities, the very people we’re here to support.
“We are concerned to read the comments which are defamatory and have written to the Clare Project with the aim of addressing these and prevent further harm in the sector, to partner relationships and our communities we both serve.
“We want to reassure our service users, stakeholders, and supporters that MindOut:
- Has always, and continues to provide inclusive services for all members of our LGBTQ communities, including specific services for trans and gender-diverse people.
- Has implemented changes and redundancies in order to protect front line services and our future sustainability
- Remains committed to listening and learning from feedback across the sector.
“We believe in open dialogue and trust that this situation can be resolved swiftly.
“We appreciate your ongoing support and trust in MindOut’s mission.”