Stonewall, the equality charity, has today published a landmark report explaining how the organisation will extend its remit to campaign for trans equality in the future.
THE historic move follows extensive consultation with over 700 trans people and will see the charity use its platform and experience to help create real change for them.
All current campaigns and programmes will be expanded to include and involve trans people and also develop new work on issues that specifically affect them.
Over the next 18 months, the charity will take steps to make sure that trans expertise is reflected on its board of trustees as well as recruiting experts to work with Stonewall staff.
Stonewall will also work in partnership with trans organisations to avoid duplicating work and focus on new projects so that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people can be themselves.
Last year, after apologising for previous mistakes, Stonewall started the consultation with trans people by looking at the most effective ways of working in the future.
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “Whether we’re challenging bullying in our schools, tackling hate crime on our streets or working to make our public services truly equal for users, we have a responsibility to use our voice and share our 25 years of experience.
“This change marks a significant moment in Stonewall’s history. As a community we can achieve much more by standing together. This is an exciting but huge undertaking – we recognise that we are not instant experts, and we will work closely with the trans community to achieve real change for LGBT people.”
Dr Sam Hall from the Clare Project, a self-supporting group based in Brighton and Hove open to anyone wishing to explore issues around gender identity, said: “Clare Project welcomes the news that Stonewall is to extend its remit to include and campaign on Trans* issues. This change marks a turning point in the history of inclusivity within the LGBT community. We look forward to the opportunities that will arise as a consequence of this decision.”
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven recently contacted Stonewall to urge them to include the needs and experiences of the trans community in their next guide of the top 100 employers for LGB people.
On hearing the news he said: “It is great news that Stonewall is extending its remit to campaign for trans equality. Too often it can feel like the rights and treatment of the trans community are overlooked and so it is most welcome that Stonewall will now be working to help address this issue.”
Jess Wood, director of Allsorts Youth Project, added: “Everyone at Allsorts is absolutely thrilled that Stonewall is finally becoming trans-inclusive. Ruth Hunt is to be congratulated for leading the organisation towards this. At last, all LGBT organisations in the country can embrace Stonewall as fully as we have always wanted to – as an LGBT organisation. Everywhere in the UK, more and more people are becoming aware of the needs of our trans communities. That the leading LGBT organisation in the country, Stonewall, can now vigorously campaign on behalf of trans issues and alongside trans organisations makes this is truly a great day.”
Purna Sen, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, said: “In a city where we want to welcome everyone for who they are and support their right to live in safety, with dignity, this is a timely reminder from Stonewall that trans equality is yet to be achieved. The country I want to see respects each of us for who we are and does not tolerate hatred on the basis of any identity. The response to Emily Brothers, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Sutton and Cheam, who is trans, illustrates the ease with which people indulge in abuse: one national newspaper carried a comment about her being of ‘the wrong sex’. An apology followed but the indignity of name-calling isn’t easy to erase whether we speak of politicians, bus drivers, children at school or anyone else. I want to see this discrimination end and am proud to be in the party which has most progressed matters of equality.”
Rory Smith from the Trans Alliance said: “We welcome Stonewall’s long-overdue inclusion of trans issues. They have made the right start by doing an extensive consultation with trans people across the country and from the many different backgrounds within the community. Trans activists have made crucial gains in equality in the past 15 years. Stonewall’s influence and capacity will be a welcome addition to our fight. We can only be stronger by working together to tackle the issues and discrimination that affect us all.”
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, concluded saying: “This is very welcome news. I’m proud to be an MP for a city that’s known for being one of the most celebrated and progressive LGBTIQ cities not just in the UK, but in the world. We’ve come a long way – but still there are rights denied LGBTIQ people in the UK and still we see discrimination. It’s crucial to continue actively working toward true inclusivity and equality – and I’m delighted that Stonewall has recognised it has an important role to play.”
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