“Now is the time to come together. Let’s beat the bullies and make sure that hate doesn’t win”
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE BY MERMAIDS
Following persistent abusive threats towards staff and volunteers, Mermaids has launched a Fightback Fund to stand against transphobia. Since 1995, the charity has provided life-saving support to the trans community, helping thousands during times of intense need.
In September 2022, an “investigation” published in The Telegraph involved a journalist posing as a 14-year-old in need of support. Ever since, Mermaids has been subjected to intense abuse both across its helplines and the media, with a slew of anti-trans articles published misrepresenting the charity’s work and mission alike.
Likewise, anti-trans campaigners are increasingly making use of social media to coordinate complaints about Mermaids’ work to the Charity Commission. These groups have placed pressure on local authorities to remove its resources and services from their websites and have even called on the Prime Minister to support a police enquiry into Mermaids as an organisation.
As a result, Mermaids was forced to close its helpline for several days across October and drastically reduce its hours. This service is a fundamental support system for trans young people and their families and a reduction in hours is worrying, to say the least.
“It’s hard to grow up trans, and without us it will be even harder, with many families and young people left rudderless. We cannot let that happen”, Mermaids states. “We’ve grown from a small group of concerned parents around a kitchen table to a leading LGBTQ+ charity, with supporters including politicians, celebrities, and businesses big and small.”
“We’ve come a long way from that kitchen table. But visibility is a double-edged sword, and with it comes increased hostility. Trans people have always been here. We will always be here. We will get through this. But only if we stand together, and show the bullies that we won’t be silenced, we won’t be intimidated and we won’t back down.”
The funds raised will go towards keeping the Mermaids helpline open, providing safe spaces for children, young people and their families, and helping to ensure that trans young people’s voices are heard.
Want to stand with Mermaids against transphobia? Donate to the Fightback Fund here.
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