Protests for trans+ rights

Trans+ protest in Edinburgh

Activists held vigils and protests around Transgender Day of Remembrance on Wednesday and Thursday of last week.

Over 30 people joined a protest in Edinburgh last Thursday.

Trans+ student Archie said, “Trans+ rights are a class issue—attacks are coming from the top.” She recalled a conversation with NHS workers, saying, “It was very clear how supportive they were for our cause.”

In October, Chalmers Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) announced an indefinite end to all trans affirming surgery referrals for under 25s. Chalmers is one of only four GICs in the whole of Scotland. The decision made by NHS Lothian senior leadership, justified by the transphobic Cass review, will seriously harm young trans people in Scotland.

Student Malach gave a sombre reflection on the situation facing trans people in Britain and the US, but also delivered a message of defiance.

“The modern day gender binary that we have is directly the result of Western imperialism,” he said.

“There have always been people who didn’t fit into this binary. We are here and we have always been here.”

“We have to unite against the larger threat that is transphobia. Transphobia doesn’t just hurt trans people, so regardless of your gender identity you need to fight for trans rights.”

Gina Gwenffrewi, LGBT+ officer of the Edinburgh UCU union branch, delivered a message of solidarity from the trade union movement.

Meanwhile, students rallied at the University of Manchester and then joined a vigil in the city on Wednesday of last week.

Speakers included trans activist Connie, NEU education union member and teacher Conner and Quinn from the Socialist Worker Student Society.

After rallying at the university, protesters chanted and marched to join a vigil called by Manchester Trans+ Pride and other groups.

On the same day, around 80 people joined a vigil in Portsmouth. One activist reports, “We held a minute’s silence followed by speeches, poetry and chants.

“We must continue to look out for each other, to resist the far right and all forms of bigotry and to fight until all are equal and free.”

Reporting in Edinburgh by Alex Thomson-Strong