Stonewall to begin three-month consultation period on trans issues
Leading gay rights charity Stonewall England and Wales will this weekend begin a three-month long consultation period around trans issues, and how best to work with the trans community.
Stonewall Chief Executive Ruth Hunt in January said she would not rule out beginning a new dialogue with trans groups, following the resignation of former Chief Executive Ben Summerskill.
Now the charity has invited the trans community to give comments on feedback on how it may become involved with tackling issues faced by the trans community, as well as gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
The first meeting will take place this Saturday in London, the first in which they will discuss if and how it may begin to lobby on trans issues..A full list of attendees is available on Stonewall’s website.
Richard Lane, Media Manager at Stonewall told PinkNews: “This Saturday we’ll be hosting the first of many conversations with trans groups, activists and individuals. We want to have a wide ranging conversation about the future of the trans movement and how best Stonewall can support the campaign for equality.
“We’ll be having lots of conversations and discussions in the coming months and want to hear from as diverse a range of trans people as possible. We hope that anyone who wants to be a part of that gets in touch and gets involved. Simply visit www.stonewall.org.uk/trans and tell us how you think we can best make a difference.”
A preliminary report will be released in January, and in April 2015, conclusions on the best way Stonewall can work with trans people will be issued.
Stonewall’s website reads: “At Stonewall we’re determined to do more to support trans communities (including those who identify as LGB) to help eradicate prejudice and achieve equality. There are lots of different views about the role Stonewall should play in achieving that. We’re holding roundtable meetings and having lots of conversations. Throughout this process we will be guided by trans people.”
The site asks trans people to email in comments, or to call 08000 50 20 20
“We want to hear about what you think the next steps are to achieve equality for trans people and the role that Stonewall might be able to play. We’re determined to get this right and we promise to keep you updated as conversations progress.”
Stonewall in England and Wales does not currently campaign or lobby on transgender issues.
However, Stonewall Scotland campaigns on transgender issues and its research is trans-inclusive.
