Today on Transgender Day of Remembrance we stand beside the families, friends and loved ones of all the people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. We reach out in solidarity to respect and honour those lives, taken away for simply living in their own identity.
It is inconceivable that in 2022 crimes against transgender and non-binary people have risen again. There was a 56% increase in transgender hate crime reported to the police in the year ending March 2022. Up from 2,799 to 4,355 reported crimes. Police reporting specifically on this type of crime has improved which may be responsible for some of the increase we can see, however there is also wide agreement that police figures will be an underestimate because people often do not report these incidents to the police.
Trans and non-binary people are targeted, marginalised, and discriminated against disproportionately throughout our society and almost half of trans and non-binary people report being bullied or harassed at work. Unions, reps, and members have an essential part to play in tackling transphobia and ensuring that we all have safe workplaces free from discrimination of any type.
Anti-trans news reporting and social media activity has also increased. If you look online at social media or at the news, you might be forgiven for thinking everyone agrees with this anti-trans sentiment, but nothing could be further from the truth. What is portrayed does not represent reality, it paints a distorted picture of the way the average person feels. Research shows that most of the general public are supportive and accepting of trans and non-binary people.
Today we speak to our transgender and non-binary members and say to you that we will continue to champion you, to support you and to protect you. We will continue to be your ally, to campaign and lobby on your behalf so your rights are recognised and protected.
Resources:
- Coming out at work guidance
- LGBT+ at work guidance
- Being a good trans ally
- Gender pronouns guidance
- Time off work for trans healthcare
Sexual orientation discrimination and gender reassignment discrimination are both illegal in the UK. They are listed as protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. They arise when someone is unfairly disadvantaged for reasons related to their sexual orientation or because of being trans.
If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024