An estimated 900 trans+ people and allies turned up at Westminster, making it the largest LGBTQIA+ lobby on record
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY CANVA
History was made yesterday (25 June), when hundreds of trans+ people and their allies packed Parliament’s Westminster Hall to call on politicians to act to stop the bathroom bath proposals that would have a devastating impact on trans lives in the UK. If not prevented, these proposals would enforce blanket bans for trans people when it comes to accessing everyday spaces such as toilets and changing rooms. Not only this, but it would also prevent all women’s, men’s and gay and lesbian services and associations from being trans-inclusive. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) proposed regressive changes are open for consultation until the end of June.
What is a mass lobby?
It’s when lots of people organise to meet their MPs on the same day to have urgent conversations on the issues they care about. This mass lobby was organised by Trans Solidarity Alliance and, with an estimated 900 participants, is the largest LGBTQIA+ lobby to ever take place. Notably, the largest one before yesterday’s was back in the eighties when an estimated 850 attendees gathered to lobby against Section 28.
Who showed up?
People turned up from all over the UK, from Cornwall to Scotland. Trans actor Abigail Thorn (House Of The Dragon) was there and documented her experience on social media. GERM singer Kate Nash has also supported the movement and turned up on the day, along with Sian Berry MP. Many of those who showed up waited in a queue during this very hot British summer to have their voices heard.
What happens now?
Trans Solidarity Alliance urges us to keep going. On Instagram, the organisation wrote: “If you had a positive meeting thank your MP, and tag them on social media. If your MP didn’t turn up ask them for a meeting in their constituency office.”
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