Over the last week we have seen a number of concerning reports that the Government may be reviewing their previous commitment to advancing trans rights in the UK, particularly around dropping promised reforms to the Gender Recognition Act. Some reports alarmingly also raise the prospect of changes to the existing rights to trans people to access certain services or public spaces. We are urgently seeking clarity from the Government about the details of these plans and urging them to stick to their promise to reform the GRA to make it more straightforward to get legal recognition of your gender.

If these reports are found to be true, this represents another blow at an already challenging time for trans and non-binary communities. Many people are feeling understandably worried and frightened for what the future may hold.

We want to reassure you that LGBT Foundation is still, and always will be, here if you need us. Know that you are not alone, and we will continue to stand alongside you in the fight for a fair and equal society. If you need to speak to someone call us - 0345 3 30 30 30. At the other end of the phone, you'll find someone who cares about you who is ready to listen.

As these discussions become increasingly polarised, we are concerned that the voices of many trans allies, are being erased in an attempt to create a narrative about the voices of (cisgender) women versus the voices of trans people. We know that this is not the case and we must work collectively to empower and end discrimination and abuse of all women and trans people.

We know that there are many people, from all walks of life, who are absolutely supportive of trans and non-binary people, who do not see trans rights in opposition to women’s rights, who accept and welcome their trans friends, families and colleagues, and who are strong and vocal allies.

That is why we asked our friends and supporters to share their messages of support. We welcomed messages from everyone but particularly sought after responses from those whose voices are being erased, such as cisgender women and trans men. We received an outpouring of love and solidarity, including this message:

“To all my trans and non-binary friends, going forward my support for you will only get louder and I promise to listen more closely to what you need from me as a cisgender ally. By openly being your authentic trans or non-binary self, you enhance the world by filling it with more beautiful, courageous people. You have my support now and always.”

We want these messages to be heard loud and clear so trans and non-binary communities know just how much support they have. We are still seeking more responses, you can add your own here.

There are a number of ways you can take action on this vital and urgent issue:

• Write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Women and Equalities to support trans equality. You can do this via Gendered Intelligence’s email tool to contact the Prime Minister, and email [email protected] to contact the Minister for Women and Equalities.
• Write to your employer asking for them to assert their commitment to trans equality and to write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Women and Equalities stating their position.
• Write to your MP and ask them to challenge the proposals directly, using the Gendered Intelligence email template as a basis for your letter

To trans and non-binary people, whilst the present may be very upsetting and we may not know what the future may hold, we want to remind you that you are not alone. We love you and we will always be here if you need us. The arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice.