By creating inclusive environments and addressing misinformation, we can stand against harmful rhetoric and create a more compassionate world for everyone.
Trans and non-binary people in the UK are currently facing a notable rise in trans-exclusionary and politically divisive narratives both online and in print media. The 2021 census reported there were 262,000 trans people, equivalent to 0.5% of the population. Despite this comparatively small number, there has been a marked increase in negative coverage of the trans and gender fluid experience – oftentimes with a debate about trans people’s human rights being masqueraded as a ‘genuine concern’ for cisgender people.
In reality, very few people see debates about trans issues as a pressing issue:
While there is a steady stream of stories about trans issues in the mainstream press, most people do not see the debate about trans issues or gender equality as one of the major issues affecting the country. In polling in April 2022 just 2% of the public identified the debate about trans issues as one of the top issues facing the country, compared with 64% who identified cost of living.
“There is a strong sense of acceptance and compassion. ‘Live and let live’ was a common sentiment across all our conversations. People are quick to highlight how brave someone must be to transition, pointing to both the difficulties of the process and the stigma they face from doing so. This includes even the more socially conservative segments and those who are generally less sympathetic to progressive causes. This lack of any overt prejudice aligns with the findings from the 2019 British Social Attitudes survey, which found 82 per cent of Britons said they had no prejudice towards transgender people, compared to just 16 per cent who said they did. Britons and Gender Identity Navigating Common Ground and Division report, More In Common
What can you do?
- Encourage colleagues to use gender inclusive language
- Normalise sharing individual pronouns (and if comfortable- add yours to e-signatures) he/him, he/they etc
- In data collection, allow participants the opportunity to self-identify (open-text boxes for pronouns) – ask, don’t assume if unsure. Understand this may change depending on settings and circumstances.
- Recognise that gender expression is a part of wider identity, and can be layered with (and impacted by) religious identity, racial background, financial background etc.
- Signposting – what resources are available
- Acknowledge if you make a mistake, correct yourself, and move on
- Incorporate non-binary voices into campaigns and conversations – however, avoid embracing one ‘token’ voice, focussing on ‘coming out’ stories, or allowing inappropriate probing into the personal lives of non-binary subjects and a hyper-focus on the negative aspects of non-binary lived experiences.
- Engage in wider discussions around trans affirmative care; gender inclusive bathrooms; decolonizing curriculums etc
At Magpie, we’ve been working with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership to develop the Check In With Pride campaign. Good mental health is an ongoing journey for many people, but for LGBTQ+ people that journey can be more challenging. Check-in with Pride aims to foster a more inclusive and compassionate environment, and better support our LGBTQ+ friends, family, work mates, neighbours and chosen families.
Together we can normalise conversations about mental health, and in doing so support more people who are struggling. You can find more information on how to check-in with someone, details of free suicide prevention training, and links to support services at CheckInWithPride.co.uk
This article was originally a talk as part of our creative retreat series, 24 Ideas for 2024. If you’d like to attend the final ‘24 Ideas for 2024’ event in October please email hello@wearemagpie.com to register your interest.