• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Who Are We
  • What We Do
  • Member Directory
  • Join Us
  • News
  • Dashboard
  • Grants
  • Training
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Login
  • Who Are We
  • What We Do
Consortium

Consortium

for stronger lgbt+ communities

  • Our Members
  • Join Us

Briony Williamson

LGBT+ sector responds to the EHRC guidance on single sex service provision

5th April 2022 by Briony Williamson

Yesterday, April 4th, the EHRC produced a new guide ‘for service providers (anyone who provides goods, facilities or services to the public) who are looking to establish and operate a separate or single-sex service’.

The new guide is advisory, it does not override the EHRCs own existing Statutory Code of Practice and organisations are not required to follow it.

The guidance has received criticism both from the LGBT+ sector and beyond. Issues highlighted included the terminology and language used being inconsistent with legislation, examples that seemingly focus on legitimising blanket exclusion, and the reliance on specialist trans-inclusive support services which does not reflect the reality of local service provision.

A number of our member organisations reacted to the report on social media and/or published responses to the guidance. We have linked to these below. If you have produced a response you would like us to include here please email [email protected]

Mermaids have produced this guide for trans young people navigating their rights in relation to single-sex spaces.

The EHRC's guidance relies heavily on the existence of trans-inclusive local services, particularly for trans victims of abuse and violence. This approach fails to acknowledge the current inadequate levels of trans-inclusive or LGBT+ specialist service provision in the UK.

(1/3) https://t.co/lO2RMMMdKT

— Galop (@GalopUK) April 4, 2022

We are extremely disappointed in the @EHRC's latest recommendations for separate and single-sex service providers.

Read our statement in full here, or on our website: https://t.co/72CWiDjjCq#NoLGBWithoutTheT 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/ojHiiDhVHf

— LGBT Foundation (@LGBTfdn) April 5, 2022

We, like many, are troubled by the recent publication from the @EHRC regarding same-sex services and spaces. View our response here:https://t.co/xtqFlmn96j

— Live Through This 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@LTTcancer) April 5, 2022

Our statement on the EHRC’s guidance on single-sex spaces: https://t.co/ic1T4bzUVS

The guidance provides a number of worrying examples of instances where trans people could be barred from single-sex spaces. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/WwGgeFZvHl

— Mermaids (@Mermaids_Gender) April 5, 2022

Our statement on the EHRC Guidance on single-sex spaces

“At this time, we urge gyms and sports and fitness clubs to renew their stated commitments and values as they pertain to LGBTIQ+ inclusion”

Read more >>> https://t.co/tCnv9z0Qa4 pic.twitter.com/jW7Ghxb26G

— Pride Sports (@PrideSportsUK) April 5, 2022

Why is EHRC trending, and what does this new guidance mean?

/Thread/🧵https://t.co/6wTumd3JlO

— QueerAF (@WeAreQueerAF) April 5, 2022

The EHRC have today published new guidance on single-sex services. The guidance is overwhelmingly focused on how single-sex services might or could exclude trans people from using them. (1/16)

— Scottish Trans (@ScottishTrans) April 4, 2022

Initial views: factually inaccurate in part, portrays trans women as perpetrators and reads like a “how to exclude trans people” guidebook. Statement to follow, in the meantime read this: https://t.co/bWabe19pk1

— Trans Actual (@TransActualUK) April 4, 2022

Our statement re the @EHRC guidance on separate & single-sex spaces. Discriminatory, bigoted, contradicts its own Statutory Guidance & unlikely to survive a Judicial Review. We urge organisations to continue to rely on Statutory Guidance in this area. https://t.co/Yhm2OlbIuu

— Trans Legal Project (@TransLegalProj) April 4, 2022

Filed Under: Community

Consortium Blog: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

21st March 2022 by Briony Williamson

Pink background with a circle of hands with different skintones surrounding the progress pride flag. Underneath black text reads 'International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21st 2022'

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st 2022 

Written by Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer Camillea (they/them) and Equity Fund Project Officer Leyla (she/her) 

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination? 

Organised by the United Nations and originating in South Africa, this day commemorates those who lost their lives in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960, and those affected by racial discrimination across the globe. This day is often overlooked, but we can all address our biases and privileges year round! 

The UN 2022 campaign aims to: 

  • Highlight the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination. 
  • Reaffirm the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space. 
  • Recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face. 

Over the weekend, protests protests took place in three UK cities: Glasgow, London and Cardiff.

What can the LGBT+ sector do to support the elimination of racial discrimination? 

  • Racial discrimination can be found everywhere and it should not be left up to those affected to educate others about it. Take responsibility for educating yourself. 
  • Understand intersectionality. It’s important to recognise someone who is LGBT+, and also facing racial discrimination, experiences multiple and simultaneous oppressions.  
  • LGBT+ groups can support their members by listening and creating space for conversations around racial discrimination that are safe and centre those affected.

 

Available funding  

If you are an LGBT+ organisation working with communities that face racial discrimination, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities (we use this language as broadly as possible and are actively working to better represent the affected diverse communities) you could be eligible for funding.  

The LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund launched at the start of February was co-produced with community organisations, consultations and previous grant giving data to gather information on which areas of our LGBT+ communities need additional support and funds. 5 Key areas were identified as:  D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people, LGBTQI+ Women, older people, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities and Trans and Non-Binary people. 

This Fund was created to contribute towards Equity within the LGBT+ sector and the communities that need explicit and specific support. Find out more about the Equity Fund here: LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund. 

 

Links to videos and more information 

Information on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: 

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination origins video explanation 

International day for the elimination of racial discrimination video text explanation 

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination 

United Nations anti racism day blog 

LGBT Foundation #IDAR2018 video 

Allyship resources: 

Allyship resource Nova Reid 

Challenging racism in the LGBT community Stonewall  

15 things LGBTQ people of colour want you to know Stonewall Scotland 

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race Reni Eddo-Lodge 

Inclusion and representation video Two Two’s 

Member resources: 

Equity and inclusion resources  

Diversity Series – Including LGBT+ People of Colour video 

Wellbeing resource page  

Filed Under: Blog

LGBT+ sector responds to the Cass Review Interim Report

11th March 2022 by Briony Williamson

Yesterday, March 10th, The Cass Review, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, submitted an interim report to NHS England, setting out work to date, what has been learnt so far and the approach going forward. The report does not set out final recommendations at this stage.

The report has received a mixed response both from the LGBT+ sector and beyond. A number of our member organisations reacted to the report on social media and published responses to the interim report. We have linked to these responses below. If you have produced a response you would like us to include here please email [email protected]

LGBT Foundation statement on The Cass Report

Gendered Intelligence press statement

“Children and young people with gender incongruence or dysphoria must receive the same standards of clinical care, assessment and treatment as every other child or young person accessing health services.” https://t.co/6y4y0DLZ2w

— Trans Actual (@TransActualUK) March 10, 2022

The #CassReview have released their interim report.

This report is extensive and will be subject to a wide range of interpretations.

The key focus is that the current service is no longer fit for purpose and that fundamental changes must be made to provide proper care.

1/4

— Gendered Intelligence (@Genderintell) March 10, 2022

The interim report from @TheCassReview has been published today. It clearly recognises that the current NHSE model is not sustainable considering the delay in access to treatment. (1/4)

— Mermaids (@Mermaids_Gender) March 10, 2022

🚨 Update on trans healthcare 🚨

The #CassReview interim report is out today. This independent review of gender identity services for children & young people confirms the need to overhaul the current system.🧵

— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) March 10, 2022

CASS Review: GIRES welcomes the review by Dr Hilary Cass and broadly supports her findings. We look forward to continuing to support and help her inquiry to a final conclusion. https://t.co/j9KXi0F0a9 pic.twitter.com/N2qeoWA0c5

— GIRES (@GIRESUK) March 10, 2022

Filed Under: Community

The importance of looking after yourself during the festive period

22nd December 2021 by Briony Williamson

A post from Camillea Johnson (they/them), Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer.

Dear friends,

The Team at Consortium recognise that this can be a difficult time as we are fast approaching the festive period and New Year! Due to this, we want people to know that you are not alone. Take good care of yourself during these times. We recognise that it may not be easy for some to experience, especially if surrounded by homophobic or transphobic family members/housemates. It can be equally challenging during these unprecedented times with Coronavirus. However, where possible, please take the time out to ensure your mental health and wellbeing needs are being met.

Below are some thoughts on self-care written by our Equity Fund Project Officer, Leyla Helvaci (she/ her):

Festive Period Self-Care Tips

December can be a great time to relax and reflect on the past year, but it can also be an upsetting time for some. The last year has been incredibly difficult, so we have collected some self-care tips that may be helpful when you need to take a moment for yourself.

Self-care is an excellent way to support and improve your wellbeing. Still, we recognise that it may not work for everyone and is incredibly personal. You know yourself best and whatever you do to take care of yourself and feel safe or get through tough times is enough.

  • Putting your needs first- whatever they look like, prioritise yourself. This could include taking regular breaks away from family or choosing to remove yourself from uncomfortable/ unsafe situations.
  • Getting fresh air- going outside or just opening a nearby window. A change in environment and temperature can be refreshing.
  • Collective care – lean on your communities for support and help each other. Meet up or do a group call for a quiz or maybe do a pet show and tell!

 

Links and resources:

Young trans man shares simple but effective Christmas self-care tips (pinknews.co.uk)

LGBT Foundation – An LGBTQ+ Guide to Surviving Christmas Alone

LGBTQ+ Christmas/Holidays Self Care Survival Guide – YouTube

Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth – The Trevor Project

 

The Consortium team wish you all a safe and prosperous festive holiday and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year, 2022!

 

Filed Under: Blog

Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Organisations
Company Number: 3534603
Charity Number: 1105502
Registered Address: Zone 5, Wrentham Business Centre, Prospect Park, Exeter, EX4 6NA

Website by StuartMedia
© 2022 Consortium. All Rights Reserved.
Team Portal

Terms & Conditions