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Briony Williamson

International Non-Binary People’s Day

13th July 2022 by Briony Williamson

Today we mark International Non-Binary People’s Day

by sharing some thoughts from the Consortium Team 

 

Ray (they/them) National LGBT+ Partnership Stakeholder Officer:

“To all people who are nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, bigender, genderfluid or have any other gender identity that lies outside the gender binary, in solidarity and celebration:

I’ve identified as non-binary since I was 16, and since then I’ve used lots of different words to understand and express myself, each as true as the last. I currently describe myself as genderqueer and trans-masculine.

As well as enduring invisibility and invalidation, I’ve experienced the joy, creativity, and freedom of non-binary existence. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing lots of fantastic non-binary people and I’ve witnessed an incredible constellation of embodiments, expressions, and ways of being.

I want to appreciate our diversity, authenticity, courage, joy, open-ness, and the imagination that we can apply to our identities, ways of being and the world around us.

I want to recognise the self-knowledge that we have as non-binary people, however much our identities are in flux, whether and wherever we decide to come out, and however we choose to present.

I want to acknowledge the erasure, invalidation, questioning and violence that comes at us in many different ways, and the courage inherent in our existence.

I want to say that we are not just valid; we are valuable, vital and whole!”

 

Camillea (they/them) Racial Justice Engagement Officer:

“I love everything about my presentation being ‘femme-presenting’ – which gives me such a proud sense of JOY and comfort. Being this way hasn’t always been easy, especially in a society that solely focuses on binary factors. Just over a year ago, I identified and shared with others that I am ‘non-binary.’ due to this, it has been challenging, to say the least, not being recognised as I don’t fit into the ‘gender norms’. I have become resilient by treating myself to tender moments of joy, care, and comfort.“

 

Leo (he/they) Communications Officer:

“I discovered I was non-binary when I was about 18 years old. I’d struggled with my gender identity for many years up until that point and I remember scrolling through Tumblr at the time, going through LGBTQIA+ blogs to see if anyone felt the way I did. I came across a post about someone who identified as non-binary and I would say this was my ‘light-bulb moment’. It was like someone had switched on the light to who I was in that moment and the feeling was indescribable; I finally had been given the words to something that I had never had the language for. Like many other non-binary people, my pronouns have changed and evolved over the years.  I used to only use they/them pronouns, then I changed to he/him and now I use he/they. I describe myself as non-binary trans masculine, but over time the way I feel about these labels may change. For me, there is no one way to be non-binary; your presentation, pronouns and how you perceive your gender can change over time and the most important thing is doing what feels right to you. 

The joy I find from being a non-binary person is the feeling of being at home with myself and within my community… it’s where I feel the most safe and comfortable. Non-binary people can express and present themselves in whatever way we choose, and I think that it’s so beautiful to be surround by so many diverse people. I know that however I feel or however I change my presentation, I am always valid in my non-binary identity and have a place in this community.”

 

Here are some resources from our members:

AKT NB media resource list

Stonewall Top Tips for NB Allyship

Filed Under: Blog

Research into experiences of conversion practices in minoritised communities

6th July 2022 by Briony Williamson

Circular3 is a management consultancy working on improving ethnic minority representation and participation in the development of legislation, public policy and service design.

They have been working to try and ensure the voices of LGBTQIA+ people from ethnic and religious minority communities are captured and heard in the development of the proposed ban on Conversion ‘Therapy’ in England and Scotland.

Research commissioned by the UK Government so far, shows that ethnic minority people are more than twice as likely as white people to have been offered conversion ‘therapy’. The National LGBT Survey 2017, which had responses from over 108,000 LGBT people in the UK, found that Black/African/Caribbean/black British (13%) and Asian/Asian British (14%) respondents, and respondents belonging to an ‘other’ ethnic group (15%), were more likely than white (7%) respondents to have undergone or been offered conversion therapy.[1] The incidence was higher amongst transgender respondents from ethnic and religious minorities.

Despite this data, no research has been done, so far to understand the depth, breath and impact of Conversion Practices (CP) in these communities. The work that has been done (including the National LGBT survey), has not successfully included representative data from different ethnic or religious minority communities.

Circular3 are trying to correct this by undertaking research to understand and give voice to people within ethnic and religious minority communities to understand what form CP takes in ethnic and religious minority communities, understand what needs to be in the CP bans to ensure equal protection, other policies need from government to help end CP in ethnic and religious minority communities, how to provide culturally appropriate safe alternatives to CP.

This research and advocacy are important because: of the mental health and wellbeing impact of CP; the social and racial justice importance of effective representation of ethnic minority communities in developing legislation that will disproportionately affect their communities; And a queer history and heritage issue, to avoid erasure and document the experiences of ethnic minority LGBTQIA+ people.

Circular3 would like to connect with grassroots organisations that work with ethnic and religious minority LGBTQIA+ people, to assist us in ensuring all parts of our communities are reached and given a chance to participate. They would like to hear from you if your organisation works in any ethnic or religious minority communities. Please get in touch with Patrick Ogunmuyiwa on 07956889782 or [email protected]

[1] Mike Freer: House of Commons – Written Answers – Women and Equalities Monday 28 March 2022

Filed Under: Community

Consortium attends The Mayor of London’s Pride Reception

4th July 2022 by Briony Williamson

Last week, Consortium Team members joined the Mayor of London’s Pride Reception at the new City Hall in East London.

The Reception was in association with EuroPride, and featured veterans and allies of the UK’s Gay Liberation Front (GLF), marking the anniversary of London’s first pride march and protest in 1972.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (he/him) said in his speech: ‘Such an honour to once again host my annual Pride Reception at City Hall—celebrating 50 years of #Pride and 30 years since the inaugural @EuroPride in London. London is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with LGBTIQ+ communities around the world.’

[from left to right] Chris French (he/him); Shaan Knan (he/him) Trans Organisations Network Officer; Chair of Trustees, Paul Robert (he/him) Chief Executive in front of London City Hall.

Paul Roberts (Consortium CEO) said:

‘Events like the Mayor’s Pride reception are important opportunities to meet up with orgs we aim to support every day of the year. This year, more than ever given the pandemic, it was wonderful to spend time chatting to people in real life and hear about their priorities. Am excited to get out to more events over the year and catch up with as many members as possible. It is so important for us to hear first hand where support is most needed.’

Shaan Knan (TON Officer) added:

‘It was fantastic to celebrate The London Pride launch with some of our London member groups. Also, I’ve had some really important conversations with London Authority stakeholders in view of bringing forth actions around our LGBTIQA+ Action Plan for London and last year’s City Hall event about ‘making London the most trans-inclusice City by 2025.’

 

Consortium’s Shaan with Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall, proudly waving Valentino Vecchietti’s intersex-inclusive Pride flag.

 

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaking at the Reception

 

Shaan Knan (he/him) with Caroline Russell (she/her), Member of the London Assembly, Green Party.

 

Filed Under: Blog

Consortium responds to the EHRC guidance on single sex service provision

19th May 2022 by Briony Williamson

On 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’. As the umbrella body for LGBT+ Voluntary and Community Organisations across the UK, we wish to make clear our concerns regarding that document and the negative impacts it is already having on our communities.

We wish to remind and reassure our communities that the recommendations within that document are advisory, not statutory. It does not replace the EHRCs own existing Statutory Code of Practice. and organisations are not required to follow it. This document does not change the application of The Equality Act as it currently stands, particularly in relation to the access of single-sex spaces and services. Attempts to implement the recommendations in the guidance may violate the Equality Act itself, as well as existing case law. 

The language and scenarios used throughout the document assume that organisations want to exclude trans people from their services, breaking the fundamental assumption of inclusion that underpins the Equality Act. Courts have consistently found the Equality Act to state that any exclusion of trans people must be considered on a case-by-case basis, must be considered as a last resort, and must be in service of a legitimate aim. Discriminatory prejudice does not qualify as a legitimate aim.

We have been concerned for some time about the EHRC’s phrasing around and framing of trans people and we continue to monitor the situation. We are concerned by various Cabinet Ministers’ apparent support of this document and the potential impact this may have upon services and policy within the NHS, schools and the police. We would like to remind all bodies of the document’s potential conflicts with the Equality Act.

It is important that transgender, non-binary and other gender diverse people are able to access services in their communities. We have a legally protected right to access sanitary facilities, crisis services, healthcare and other single-sex spaces without fear of discrimination.

We expect providers of these and other services to uphold high standards of inclusion and we commit to challenging them when we see this is not being done.

Steph’s Place have published this response to the guidance, written by Robin Moira White, Old Square Chambers.

 

What follows is from our original news item at the time the guidance was published in April 2022:

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.

Mermaids 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

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

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