If you do one thing today, please let it be coming out for Trans Equality. There are just two days left to give feedback on the Government’s consultation to’ reform of the Gender Recognition Act. The consultation is a pivotal moment in improving the lives of transgender people. Therefore we need as many trans people and allies as we can get to complete the consultation paper. The result of which will impact greatly on trans people’s lives
What is wrong with the current Gender Recognition Act?
Making changes to the Gender Recognition Act will make the process of changing our gender marker more accessible and life-affirming. The old system is degrading, complicated and expensive.
Currently, you must live in your acquired gender for at least two years before you can apply for a gender recognition certificate. You must provide evidence of this with official documents such as bank statements, utilities, etc.. Once you have the proof, you then complete a lengthy form, pay £140 and send all this to a panel of strangers. The group then decides if you can have your gender marker changed.
Thanks. But no thanks.
What are the proposed changes and why?
I have resisted applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate because l do not want to be placed in a position where l have to prove I am male. I’ve done that enough over my lifetime. During the last six years, since beginning to live as the man I am, I’ve grown in confidence, I know who l am, and l will not let a panel of strangers evaluate me in such an undignified way.
Under the new proposals, l would instead be able to self-identify as male to receive a Gender Recognition Certificate. Importantly, in being granted the ability to do this, it feels like the government is saying, yes we see you, we support you, we take you seriously.
The deeper issues in the Gender Recognition Act Reform
Changing the Gender Recognition Act to allow self-identification, is more than just an easier way to get a birth certificate. The implications of this reform are far-reaching. Granting the ability to self-identify sends a clear message that trans and non-binary people are valid, recognized and respected.
Improving Trans Peoples Lives
In taking our identities seriously, this has the potential to improve acceptance and understanding of trans people. Greater recognition will in turn lower incidences of discrimination and transphobic abuse. Enhancing trans lives in this way will improve our mental health and lower suicide rates.
Sending a Message of Acceptance
We need a clear message of acceptance now more than ever. Since the Government announced proposals to reform the Gender Recognition Act, there has been an uprising of toxic misinformation and bigotry from certain opposition groups. Their arguments against self-identification are based on their denial of transgender identities. They are painting images of transgender people as being a danger to others. They argue that trans people will use self-identification as a way to infiltrate safe spaces, to harm people. Hearing yourself described as dangerous and being compared to a sex offender is sickening and distressing. Vulnerable young trans folk are coming out in the middle of this toxic climate of hate and receiving this message about themselves, it is not surprising that trans suicide attempt rates are at 41%. It is clearly us who are in danger and need protecting.
Protecting trans people from abuse and harm
Opening up the Metro newspaper last week revealed a full page advert which spewed vile transphobia and attempted to generate fear based on lies. I feel increasingly unsafe because of the actions of these opposition groups. I can feel the fear rising within our community. That opposition groups can mass-produce flyers and stickers to be scattered across various cities and afford to pay to place a hate campaign in a mainstream newspaper, is nothing short of terrifying and shocking.
Enough is enough.
Trans people, please grab this opportunity to get your voice heard
Please do not let this opportunity pass you by. It takes barely 15 minutes to complete the simplified version of the consultation paper. If you have already submitted yours, then please remind your trans friends. Share across your social media, if you are able, telling others what the reform would mean for you. If you are not able to be public, then share this article, retweet/repost other articles about the reform. Flood social media with this to gain as many responses as possible.
Trans allies, friends and family, please stand beside us, with us and for us
I beg you today to respond to the Government consultation for Gender Recognition Act reform. As you can see, this is about far more than a piece of paper stating our gender. The outcome of this sets the tone for our future wellbeing.
Stand on the right side of history
Even if you have no idea about trans issues, l ask that you take the time to read the information and see the truth of what we ‘re asking for rather than the lies and misle
The call for reform is a landmark moment, not just for trans folk but also for our country. I know that, like with the civil rights movements of the past, a day will come where we look back in disbelief at this time. We will feel ashamed and sickened at how it was ever thought to be OK to allow a newspaper to publish a full page advert targetting abuse towards a vulnerable minority group.
Stand on the right side of history and come out for trans equality today