Usdaw’s message of solidarity at a Labour for Trans Rights rally

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary and TULO chair said: “I am immensely proud to stand alongside Labour for Trans Rights, in solidarity with our trans members and trans workers and communities everywhere. I want to thank Labour for Trans Rights for the work that they do, which is so important, now more than ever, and I know I speak for all the eleven affiliated unions in saying this.

“We know the law as it currently stands, including the EHRC Code of Practice, will hurt trans and non-binary people. We are absolutely clear that all trans identities should be respected, as if the law could ever tell you who you are. It’s heartbreaking to see the rights we thought were won, rolled back. It’s horrendous to see trans people being pushed out of public spaces and services. Including, I am sad to say, Labour Party Women’s Conference, where trans women had for decades previously been welcome.

“These decisions will make the lives of trans and non-binary people even harder than they already are. They will make it harder for them to live their lives with dignity and in safety. The Supreme Court judgement arrived at a time when LGBT+ rights and freedoms were already under threat. Across Europe, the far right is weaponising LGBT+ rights, sowing division and sending hate crimes soaring. On social media, anti-LGBT+ hate and disinformation has surged and we all know that words are not just words. They often have violent, real-life consequences.

“It’s unacceptable for anyone to have to live in fear and it’s unacceptable for people’s privacy and dignity to be taken away from them. In the trade union movement, we know that unity is strength. We will be there to support our trans members and to call out hate and discrimination wherever we find it. But unions are not just there to defend individual trans members, vital as that work is.

“We must go much further. We must show active and collective solidarity to all trans and non-binary people. We must use our collective strength in the workplace, but we must use it politically too. Because the Government can act to restore trans rights in law. It must act, and all the unions affiliated to the Labour Party will be leading from the front to demand it does just that by listening to, and working with, trans and non-binary people.

“We must make sure our trans members know we are there for them. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by the Supreme Court ruling and the EHRC guidance and so once again I say to our trans members, and trans workers everywhere: The law cannot tell you who you are, and you will have our solidarity for ever.”