Manchester DPAC statement of solidarity with the trans community

There is a rot at the heart of government. One of its names is ableism, another is transphobia.

In recent days the government have signalled their intention to drop proposals for much-needed reform of the Gender Recognition Act, that would have removed unnecessary obstacles to transgender people obtaining legal recognition of their gender. In doing so they have ignored majority public support for that reform. The government have also floated worrying ideas about restricting trans people’s access to gendered public spaces, including public toilets.

Manchester DPAC would like to make it clear that we stand in full solidarity with the trans community. In rejecting needed reforms to the GRA and in floating restrictions on public spaces that show callous disregard for trans people’s safety and ability to participate in public life, the government are pandering to the views of a hateful minority. Any rollback to the rights of trans people is unacceptable and must be resisted. Furthermore, the rights of trans people to obtain appropriate medical treatments, including puberty blockers for young trans and gender-nonconforming people, must be protected and expanded.

Trans people are already at increased risk of mental health-related disability, and of discrimination in public, health and work settings that can sometimes intersect with disability. Trans people who are disabled in any way, or who are subject to other oppressions including racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homelessness or housing precarity, face particular risks that are likely to be worsened by the government’s transphobic stance.

Manchester DPAC will always support the rights of trans people to be treated as who they say they are, to protest and organise, and to participate fully in public life.