Brighton & Hove Green Party councillors have announced, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), that they stand alongside the trans community to fight back against violence
Today marks IDAHOBIT, held every year since 1990 to mark the decision of the World Health Organisation to remove homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. This year, the theme is Together Always: United in Diversity, which captures Brighton & Hove’s thriving LGBTQ+ communities, spaces and cultures living together in the city.
Brighton & Hove Green Party said in a release: “The tide of transphobia is rising, with violence and abuse becoming ever more mainstream. Prominent transphobic speakers have blitzed the press and held events even in Brighton & Hove, and earlier this year Brianna Ghey was murdered in a transphobic attack. This is amid reports from the UN and Council of Europe detailing the extent of the problem across the country.
“Brighton & Hove Green Party is resolute that this is unacceptable and stands in complete solidarity with the trans community. The city’s Green councillors have been consistent on this issue, from reviewing the council’s trans inclusion schools toolkit ensuring that trans and non-binary children can be supported in school, to seeing trans people represented on the council for the first time. Greens councillors pledge that they will continue to do whatever they can, and welcome trans people and trans-led organisations calling on Greens for support.”
Cllr Raphael Hill said: “I am proud that the election of this group of Green councillors has meant that trans people are represented on Brighton & Hove City Council for the first time.
“The fight does not end with representation. Until trans people have adequate access to housing, fair treatment in employment and the right to decide what happens to their own bodies, the struggle continues.”
Cllr Steve Davis, Convenor of the Green Group, added: “Too often, we see politicians mince words on this topic. The likes of Keir Starmer want to appease both transphobes and trans people to win the next General Election, but by doing so use the humanity of trans people as a bargaining chip.
“The Green Party will not compromise on this. Transgender people’s dignity and equality is never up for debate, and we will always look to take every step to ensure this for Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities.”