Seventy-two LGBT organisations from all over Scotland have today [Sun Jan 26th] united to emphasise their support for trans equality in an open letter to MSPs. The organisations also declare their support for the reform of gender recognition law in Scotland.
The open letter states, “We are resolute and united in support of trans equality and human rights, as we have always been, and today reaffirm our support for trans people and equality. We stand for LGBT equality alongside equality for all other groups – there is no real equality unless it is equality for all.”
Amongst the organisations to sign are LGBT sports groups, pride event organisers, national organisations, and local support groups, across the length and breadth of Scotland.
The letter says “The LGBT community in Scotland, and our allies, have worked together for a better Scotland, changing this country for the better for all its people and challenging sexual orientation and gender reassignment discrimination. In this journey we have learned that as an LGBT community we are stronger when we are united.”
It continues “Recently, we have been concerned by attempts by some to isolate the trans community from the wider LGBT community; this goes against everything we stand for.”
On reform of gender recognition, the letter states “We stand in support of a reformed Gender Recognition Act that enables trans people to more smoothly change their birth certificates to match their lives and other identity documents.”
The signatories also support the Scottish Government’s current plans for LGBT inclusion in the 2021 national Census.
Dr Rebecca Crowther, Policy Coordinator at the Equality Network, said: “We know that an overwhelming majority of the LGBT community support trans equality. The LGBT groups and organisations that have signed this letter prove just that. It is vital that the LGBT community and allies continue to stand together to ensure that Scotland continues to be a progressive and inclusive country for all and that this is reflected in policy and legislation.”
Stuart Duffy, Founder, Pink Saltire, said: “This unprecedented demonstration of support and solidarity from LGBT organisations right across Scotland sends a clear message that we will not be divided on this issue. Trans and non-binary people have been, and continue to be, absolutely critical in the fight for LGBT equality and we will not abandon them or deny their existence as others would – we stand shoulder to shoulder and resolute in our support.”
The full text of the letter follows:
We are LGBT groups, and organisations working for LGBT equality, from all over Scotland.
The LGBT community in Scotland, and our allies, have worked together for a better Scotland, changing this country for the better of all its people and challenging sexual orientation and gender reassignment discrimination. In this journey we have learned that as an LGBT community we are stronger when we are united.
In all our progress in working towards our shared goal of equality for all, we have proudly recognised and valued the range of needs and priorities within our diverse community.
Recently, we have been concerned by attempts by some to isolate the trans community from the wider LGBT community; this goes against everything we stand for.
Trans people are the women, men, and non-binary people that they say they are.
We are resolute and united in support of trans equality and human rights, as we have always been, and today reaffirm our support for trans people and equality.
We stand for LGBT equality alongside equality for all other groups – there is no real equality unless it is equality for all.
We stand for full inclusion in the census. People must be allowed to record their own sexual orientation, even if they use less common terms. Trans people must be allowed to record the sex in which they live.
We stand in support of a reformed Gender Recognition Act that enables trans people to more smoothly change their birth certificates to match their lives and other identity documents.
Signed:
Aberdeen LGBTQ+ Forum
Amazing Gracies
Auld Reekie Roller Derby
Ayrshire LGBT+ Education Network
Ayrshire LGBTQ
Ayrshire Pride
Bute LGBT+
Bute Pride
Caledonian Thebans RFC
Colinton Squashers
ConnexONS Fife
Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Plus
Dundee Frontrunners
Dundee Pride
Dundee University LGBT+ Society
Dunoon Pride
Edinburgh Frontrunners
Edinburgh Racqueteers
Edinburgh STRIDE
Edinburgh University Staff Pride Network
Equality Network
Four Pillars
Free Pride Glasgow
Glasgow Alphas RFC
Grampian Pride
Hebridean Pride
Highland LGBT Forum
Highland Pride
Hiv Scotland
HotScots FC
LEAP Sports Scotland
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
LGBT Unity
LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT+ Conservatives
LGBT+ Labour Scotland
Moray LGBT
NetworQ Orkney
Oban Pride
Orkney Pride
Out for Independence
Out On Sundays
PCS Proud
Perth Parrots Floorball Club
Perthshire Pride
Pink Saltire
Pride East Kilbride
Pride Edinburgh
Pride Glasgow
Pride in the Borders
Pride Proms Project
Pride Saltire – East Lothian
Queer Ephemera
Queer Napier
Rainbow Glasgaroos
Rainbow Greens
Saltire Thistle FC
Scene Alba Magazine
Scene Radio
Scottish Borders LGBT Equality
Scottish LGBTI Police Association
Sisters Scotland
SQIFF
Stirling University LGBTQ+ Society
Stonewall Scotland
SX Health
Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland
Time For Inclusive Education
Vale Pride
Waverley Care
West Lothian Pride
Winter Pride Scotland