News / trans rights
Protest against transphobia to take place in Bristol
People from across Bristol will protest against transphobia as part of a day of national action.
Starting at midday on Saturday, July 18 on College Green, protesters will call for trans people to be able live their lives without being subjected to discrimination and abuse.
The protest, which is one of many taking place across the UK, is in response to fears that the Government will not go forward with plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act (GRA), which would allow people to change their legal gender by “self-identifying” as male or female.
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Reforms to the GRA would let transgender people to change their birth certificate without a medical diagnosis.
However, the Sunday Times have reported that these plans will not go ahead, despite 70 per cent of responses to a recent consultation of the GRA being in favour of self-identification.
Instead, UK Government intends to scrap the GRA reform and roll back the hard-won rights of trans and non-binary people.
The Government is also allegedly planning to introduce a law that will restrict the rights of trans women to use women’s facilities, such as public toilets, changing rooms and refuges.
Protesters are calling for trans people to live safely and in peace. Photo: Jack Joseph
“We are protesting this unworkable, unfair and dangerous plan, which would have a huge impact on the safety, dignity and wellbeing of trans people,” says the team at Trans Pride South West, who are helping to organise the event.
“Trans people have the right to live their lives without being subjected to discrimination and abuse.”
The protest will be peaceful, with organisers asking people to bring a bottle of water, stay two metres apart and wear face coverings. The protest will be marshalled to assist with social distancing and for reasons of safety.
Protests in Plymouth and Southampton will also take place on July 18, with protests in London and Manchester being held earlier in July.
Main photo: Emily Lloyd
Read more: Lack of Government reform will have ‘detrimental impact’ on Bristol’s trans community
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