Hastings Pride - Chair Natasha Scott's Political Statement
Today, trans people in our country have seen decisions taken by the last government only now bearing the fruits of their labour. It should also be stated that they would not have achieved their transgender exclusionary goals were it not for the current government.
Baroness Falkner was installed as the chair of the EHRC by then Minister for Women and Equalities Liz Truss (Conservative). Baroness Falkner was put in this position because of her want to exclude trans people from society. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-65694666
Baroness Falkner’s tenure was extended by the current governments Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson (Labour), in November 2024 for another 12 months.
On the back of the Supreme Court’s ruling around single sex spaces the leadership at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has seen this as a green light to exclude transgender people from society.
I would have liked to add at the end of that sentence….’and leading everyday normal lives.’
The reality for many trans people is that we will never get to lead everyday normal lives, but with compassion and inclusivity at the heart of our society, then we can find happiness. Once we do find that compassion and sense of inclusion then one day in the future, a future for the generations to come, we will be able to lead everyday normal lives, free from hate and discrimination. Sadly, that day is not today!
The guidance states that trans people cannot use single sex spaces which align with who we are, but that we have to use facilities which align with the gender prescribed to us by a doctor when we were born. Oh, and the guidance also adds that there maybe times when even then we can’t use those facilities either.
The Good Law project has already raised concerns about the ruling by the supreme court and the guidance from the EHRC certainly seems to conflict with the Equality Act 2010 and also seems to contravene the European Convention on Human Rights.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The UK Supreme Court’s ruling on transgender rights and single-sex spaces is being implemented by various businesses and government bodies, with some already taking action and others still reviewing their policies.
This is happening to people like me because of the last governments actions and because of this government’s actions and inaction. It seems that while our community is being thrown under the political bus politicians and their political parties still want to use our wider community for political gain. I understand why other prides have made their decision to ban political parties because I am fed up with hearing empty words of support where action or inaction shows me the opposite.
I really do not wish for any politician or political party to come to Hastings Pride who do not support transgender people and who are not willing to declare and show their support for the transgender community.
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Natasha Scott
Chair Hastings Pride
