British PM speaks out against transphobia in support of TDoR.
Yesterday the British prime minister Gordon Brown stood shoulder to shoulder with the trans community to mark Transgender day of Remembrance.
In a first for a British Prime minister, Gordon Brown has made a statement describing violence and harassment against trans people as “utterly unacceptable”.
He made the comments to mark the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance, which recognises trans people worldwide who have died as a result of prejudice and hate.
In a statement given to PinkNews.co.uk, Brown said:
“Today is a chance for all of us to reflect on how far we have come and what is left to do in the battle for equality.
“The Gender Recognition Act is just one of a range of measures introduced by this government to deliver fairness on LGBT rights.
“But the level of violence, harassment and discrimination still faced by the trans community is utterly unacceptable and I am committed to doing all that we can, through the recent Hate Crime Action plan and the forthcoming Equalities Bill, to deliver true equality.
“Defeating hate will take not just policies but pride, so please accept my thanks for your courage in speaking out against bigotry wherever it is found.”
Deputy minister for women and equalities, Maria Eagle, also released a statement.
Eagle, who is the twin sister of lesbian minister for pensions Angela Eagle, said:
“Today the government joins the transgender community in remembering those trans people who have died as a consequence of intolerance and prejudice.
“No one should suffer threats or violence because of their gender identity. The government is committed to fighting hate crime, promoting equality and tackling discrimination and bigotry in all its guises.
“That’s why we have recently launched the Cross-Government Hate Crime Action Plan which sets out how we plan to tackle hate crime and improve support for victims.”
Britain has been plagued by a spate of homophobic and transphobic murders and attacks in the last three months. A gay man in his 60’s was attacked and murdered in Trafalgar square, London, by teenagers. A trans woman Andrea Waddell was strangled to death in her apartment in Brighton, Sussex. While 29 years old trans woman Destiny Lauren, was attacked in her flat in Kentish Town, London. She died the next day in hospital.
While its no victory given the recent murders, it is a move in the right direction when political leaders start speaking out against homophobia and transphobia.
As one of the people who has been lobbying government for the past three months for official recognition of TDoR. Gordon Brown has today made me feel proud of this government probably for the first time as a trans person.
Original message from Abi Christopher here…