Open Letter Supporting Trans Rights Signed by Emma Thompson and 70 Other Women

Emma Thompson and 70 other women have signed an open letter supporting transgender women and criticising those attempting to roll back their rights.

The letter was published in Scottish newspaper the Herald following the debate of trans rights that has surrounded the proposed update to the Gender Recognition Act to make it more accessible to transgender people.

“Trans people have played an integral role in every civil rights movement to date; from LGBT equality to women’s causes,” the letter reads.

“Attempts to airbrush trans people from conversations regarding equality and human rights, or to exclude them from advancements for LGBT and women’s rights, have happened before.

“Such efforts may have re-energised, but they are nothing new, and we say as a collective of women: they are not representative of us. We support trans rights.

“We believe that national conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence are necessary, however these conversations should not in any way attempt to roll back the rights that trans people already have in Scotland, nor spread misinformation.

“Outlets and commentators have an ethical responsibility to consider the impact of their reportage, analysis and commentary particularly on the mental health of trans young people. Recently, data from Stonewall Scotland revealed that over half of trans people considered ending their lives last year.

“Trans people continue to face unlawful discrimination and violence. Routine misinformation and sensationalism is contributing to a cultural climate where this is legitimised. This has to stop.”

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBT professionals, LGBT Graduates, LGBT professional network, LGBT professional events, LGBT networking events, LGBT Recruitment, LGBT Friendly organisations, LGBT Friendly companies, LGBT jobs