The groundbreaking panel was hosted by Kate Osborne MP and Caroline Nokes MP and discussed the experience of trans+ children in UK schools
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE PROVIDED BY JUDE GUAITAMACCHI
February marks the annual observation of LGBT+ History Month. It is a time when we look back at the LGBTQIA communities’ history and LGBTQIA changemakers who fought for the rights we enjoy today. Yesterday (6 February), history was made when MPs Kate Osborne and Caroline Nokes held UK Parliament’s first all-trans panel. The panel took place at Porticullus House and featured experts who discussed the challenges faced by teachers, schools and parents to keep trans+ children safe and happy while in education.
This vital conversation took place in the wake of the government issuing draft guidance that many in the LGBTQIA community and the education sector fear will make supporting trans+ children to thrive while trying to get an education nearly impossible.
When opening the event Kate Osborne said: “I am really pleased to be able to host the first all trans panel in parliament, it is vital that MPs hear first hand the impact that government policies have on our trans community.”
Jude Guaitamacchi (they/them) Director, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance said: “Trans solidarity is needed in the UK more than ever. There is an urgent need to support the trans community, particularly in UK schools. We brought together a panel of trans experts in the fields of law, education and invited a trans youth advocate to speak about his own experiences. So many discussions about us are being had without us. It’s time for trans people to be part of the conversation and for our voices to be heard instead of being ignored, talked over and spoken for.”
Caroline Nokes also shared thoughts on the importance of this panel: “I’m pleased to be part of this cross party initiative to ensure our trans+ community are represented in parliament. Politicians need to stop using hugely problematic anti trans language and realise the damage they are doing to some of the most vulnerable in society, today’s event was a great start and I look forward to hosting the next panel with Trans+ Solidarity Alliance.”
Christine Burns MBE, (she/her) historian and founder of Press for Change had a powerful message on the importance of solidarity and allyship: “Looking back, it seems obvious now that progress has so often relied on people forming alliances and working together. Alliances bring strength in more than just numbers. Working together means greater diversity of ideas, skills and approaches, especially when mobilising allies. The Trans+ Solidarity Alliance sounds right just from the name. We have never been in more need of solidarity and alliances!”
Lesbian Visibility Week’s Nancy Kelly (she/her) stated that: “The principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ is as important right now as it has ever been. As allies, our job is to work alongside trans led organisations and trans experts, using our skills and experience to open up more opportunities for trans people to be heard by decision makers of all kinds.”
This illuminating panel allowed MPs, Lords and staff in attendance to hear directly from trans people, from moving personal stories who have been failed by the education system, to those who have been campaigning for the rights of the trans+ community for decades, as well as legal experts.
The panel was organised by the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance. Find out more about the new organisation at transsolidarityalliance.com.
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