Statement of support for this weekend's Trans Vigil
On behalf on the city, we are extending our support for this weekend’s vigil on trans rights and changes to the Gender Recognition Act (GRA).
We stand in solidarity with our trans, non-binary and intersex communities.
I’m proud that Brighton & Hove is a beacon city for trans, non-binary, gender Queer and LGB communities. It is a safe and inclusive city with a thriving diverse and intersectional community.
We are concerned that the plans to reform the GRA might be abandoned and the possible effect on the rights of trans women. We believe this runs counter to the government’s commitment to LGBTQ rights.
We have strong cross-party political support for our commitment to equality and ensuring our residents and visitors are treated with dignity and respect.
The right to recognition as a person before the law is guaranteed in numerous human rights treaties and is a fundamental aspect of affirming the dignity and worth of each person.
Under the current GRA, trans and non-binary people in the UK face significant barriers to legal recognition.
We support the call for the government to reform the act to allow for a transparent, accessible administrative process for legal gender recognition based on self-identification and clearly reject policies that would subject trans women to discrimination and expose them to harm.
Many people and groups in the city took the time to respond to the government’s consultations for the GRA last year and their views should be acknowledged and listened to.
Over the past years we have listened and learned from the authentic experiences of our local trans and non-binary communities allowing us to better provide services and respond to the concerns of our communities in an educated, evidence-led way.
To our trans and non-binary communities we, once again, stand firmly alongside you. We work hard to defend your right for full inclusion and trans equality.
We recognise the challenges and increasing hostility directed at trans and non-binary communities and how harmful narratives are attempting to change conversations, policy or the direction of full inclusion and fairness.
We are staunch in our commitment to full equality and the pursuit of a fairer city for all. We are proud to celebrate our city’s diversity and offer support and solidarity.
In Brighton & Hove we are proud of our commitment to trans equality.
Everyone deserves to be valued and treated with respect. That is not open to debate. Trans lives are not a debate.
For everyone attending the vigil, please help keep yourself and everyone else safe by wearing face masks and following the directions of the stewards around physical distancing.
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw
Equalities lead for LGBTQ+
