By Joanne Lockwood (she/her), founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, and a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist who also promotes transgender awareness to organisations.
What I want as a human being is generally the same as most people – an opportunity to live and enjoy the freedoms of my life within the bounds of the constructs we have created as a society.
The fact that I am a trans woman really has no bearing on that fundamental human right. When I am asked how we can support trans people or be an ally I simply reply, “treat us with dignity and respect”, and “validate our experiences as humans”.
It’s toxic out there right now
We are living through a time in the UK where it is still socially acceptable to debate trans people’s right to exist and thrive in our homes, workplaces and in society. It would be ok if this debate was in the fringes but it’s not. This is occurring front and centre in the lives of anyone who is trans, non-binary or gender diverse.
Our politicians are using us as a point-scoring ball to chuck around in debates, and our recent Prime Ministers (there have been a few) are often quoted speaking about trans people as if we are a problem to be resolved and debated. The chair of the EHRC (Equality and Human Right Commission) has openly spoken about how the Equality Act and Gender Recognition Acts must be reviewed to ensure our right to exist freely is curtailed. The mainstream media publish articles about us on a daily basis, so each day there is something new to defend or avoid.
What does Inclusion and Diversity Mean?
So what does Inclusion and Diversity mean to a trans person? It is simply being able to live in a society where there is psychological safety, where there is a belief that we are heard and represented at all levels by the state, a society where we are not painted negatively or being accused of being a threat to anyone.
Right now, it is Trans Awareness Week (#TransAwarenessWeek), 13th to the 19th of November. This is punctuated on the 20th of November with Trans Day of Remembrance (#TDOR) a moment to reflect on the trans people who have lost their lives in the past and in history through violence, suicide or being excluded. These #hashtag days serve as a reminder and also as a focal point to continue to amplify those challenges being faced in the communities.
What can you do?
I believe what the trans, non-binary and gender-diverse communities need right now are allies. Anyone can stand up and support. You can provide support and safe spaces and you can amplify the challenges that we as trans people are facing today, educate others, and bust the myths and misinformation that are prevalent everywhere.
We don’t need rainbow flags or celebrations as much as we need positive and affirmative action to bring us back into the mainstream part of society, so we are able to thrive, not merely survive.
Trans, non-binary and gender diverse people are more likely to experience negative mental health, be homeless and live in poverty without their families. I, like others, want a chance to challenge these facts and change the trajectory and outcomes positively.
The results of equality, diversity, inclusion, justice, belongingness are positive people experiences (#PositivePeopleExperiences) and that is all I am asking for and I think that is all we would like as a community, just like everyone else. Am I asking too much of you?
