A campaign has launched urging charity leaders to “foster an environment that embraces all trans and non-binary people, and robustly rejects anti-trans hate”.
The campaign has been launched by campaign group Charity So Straight which warns that action is needed by the sector as anti-trans rhetoric is at a “dangerous precipice”.
Charity leaders at The Children’s Society, Teenage Cancer Trust and Centre for Mental Health are among those already supporting the #StandWithTrans campaign.
“We've never witnessed such hostility directed specifically at the trans community, and it's time we collectively said, enough is enough,” said campaign group founder Kevin Taylor-McKnight.
“The alarming reality is a calculated assault on LGBTQIA+ rights, designed to fracture our society. It's causing real and irreparable damage, especially to trans and non-binary people."
Charity leaders are being urged to tackle any homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and queerphobia in their organisation’s policies, procedures and communications.
Charities are also being urged to engage with LGBTQ+ celebrations, such as Pride Month “in a meaningful way, supported by relevant content which is specific to their organisation.
Embracing pronouns and understanding their importance to diversity is another pledge the campaign wants charity leaders to adopt.
Promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion among staff, trustee membership and volunteers is also being called for.
📢We're delighted to let you know that our #StandWithTrans🏳️⚧️ trans inclusion campaign is now LIVE!! More info here: https://t.co/FxnpywCq2b
— CharitySoStraight 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈 (@StraightCharity) July 3, 2023
Please share widely #CharitySoStraight pic.twitter.com/oJC9FHfrRu
Taylor-McKnight added that “contrary to the biased views of some influential transphobic groups with deep pockets” recent polling shows that the average Briton is either supportive or ambivalent towards trans incision.
‘’We can either stand for equality and progress, or we can, of course, choose to say nothing. But if we say nothing, we are leaving space that is being filled with anti-trans hate,” he said.
“We’re calling for all sector leaders to stand with us, and to make a clear commitment stating that the voluntary sector is, and will remain, a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all trans and non-binary people’’.
Charity leaders support
Among charity leaders backing the campaign is The Children’s Society chief executive Mark Russell.
"There’s absolutely no place for transphobia in our society and at The Children’s Society, we believe that all trans and non-binary people should feel safe, loved and valued,” he said.
“We are committed to The Children’s Society being a safe and inclusive space for trans colleagues, and we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity, understanding and acceptance. We will tirelessly fight for the rights of all children regardless of their gender identity.”
Another is Teenage Cancer Trust chief executive Kate Collins.
“We're proud to support Charity So Straight’s #StandWithTrans campaign,” she said.
“We’re committed to being an organisation that strives for equity, and that means ensuring that trans colleagues feel welcome as part of our team, trans young people and members of young people’s friend & family networks who are trans feel safe to be themselves when we support them.
“We’ve put down some foundations, but we know that there is a lot more to be done until we can be confident that we’re an equitable organisation, for the young people we exist to support, their friends and family and our staff.
Centre for Mental Health chief executive Andy Bell added: “It’s vital that our sector stands with trans people at all times, and especially now. It’s fundamental to creating good mental health for all.
“Centre for Mental Health is committed to equality and social justice, and we wholeheartedly support the rights of trans people in all aspects of their lives, which is why we're happy to support this campaign by Charity So Straight.”
A Trans Voices webinar is being staged by the campaign group on Thursday 20 July.
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