Ahead of the UK General Election we are hosting an LGBTQ Election hustings on November 27th. The G-Scene News Team has written to all candidates, in all three Brighton & Hove constituencies, asking them all the same question.
We shall share their answers with you as we get them over the coming days.
Today we hear from Beatrice Bass from The Liberal Democratic Party standing in Hove and Portslade
“What do you see as the challenges faced by our LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton&Hove, and how would you address them in Parliament if we elect you to represent us?”
The Liberal Democrats are a party of equality, diversity and inclusiveness and have a long tradition for fighting for these values and associated rights. To name a few examples, thanks to Ed Davey’s campaign, the horrible section 28 was abolished. Lynn Featherstone led the campaign for equal marriage which was introduced during the coalition years.
There is still a lot to do in our fight for equality. LGBTQ+ communities feel the impact of hate speech that we hear from the Donald Trumps of the world. A key issue is the discrimination and prejudice against transgender people. Recent reports show that there has been an 81% increase in trans hate crimes. If you are trans you are also more likely to be a victim of domestic violence, homelessness and sexual assault. Discrimination does not always happen physically it can include deliberate misgendering or deadnaming (the refusal to stop using a person’s birth name). Many hate crimes go unreported because many people in the trans community do not feel supported by the police. Many trans people experience discrimination and negative attitudes in healthcare services. This includes denial of care, intrusive questions and incorrect diagnoses.
No one should live in fear of harassment or physical violence. If you are a member of the trans community, I and the Liberal Democrats support you and stand up for you. We campaign to bring attention to the continued injustices and inequalities that the trans community faces. We also work to reform the Gender Recognition Act.
The GScene LGBTQ+ Election Hustings. Wednesday 27th November 7 – 9pm. Dorset Gardens Methodist Church. All Welcome.
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