After being found guilty of killing the 16-year-old trans woman in a deliberate attack back in February 2023, Brianna Ghey’s killers were given life sentences in jail on February 2. Less than a week later, Rishi Sunak, who was accompanied by Esther Ghey’s family, stood in the House of Commons and made fun of transgender people. Conservative MPs responded to the joke with blatant laughter, demonstrating the depths of transphobia in contemporary UK politics.
Ghey’s father has demanded an apology from Sunak, calling his remarks “absolutely dehumanizing,” in response to the pun, which appeared to center on a Labour plan U-turn on self-ID for trans people. At the time, Keir Starmer also reprimanded the UK prime minister, saying, “Of all the weeks to state that, when Brianna’s mother is in the room.” Shame. Sunak has refused to apologize, however, and claims it is “sad and wrong” to link his anti-trans joke to Ghey’s case (as if such rhetoric hasn’t helped create the toxic environment that puts trans people in danger in the first place), despite being publicly questioned by several politicians and journalists.
Given the Labour president’s poor track record on trans rights, many have noted that Starmer simply expresses surface-level sympathy. “This hardly fools ourselves,” MSP Nicola Sturgeon wrote in the midst of the argument. “Keir Starmer included, would not have batted an eyelid if Brianna had not been present today.” It could be simple to lose trust in a time when trans people can feel safe and accepted given the widespread stigmatization that permeates both sexes of UK politics.
There is still some hope, though. To speak with some of the thousands of participants and learn advice on how to be a great supporter to the transgender community, Dazed sent avant-garde singer and performance artist Brooke Candy to attend the city’s first-ever trans pride march in 2019. These discussions are still important and motivating nowadays as they always have been. Check out the major attractions below.
“Spend some time learning about the experiences of transgender people and how you can help them rather than asking them to teach you about themselves. We have Google,” protester Jamie told Candy, “and we are in the world of the internet.” Instead of putting that emotional strain on transgender people, it is best to take some time out of your day and conduct your own research if you want to know all the ways we are struggling and how you can assist us.
Tom, another activist, concurred, saying that “it is not the role of minorities to provide you with all the information you require to be a supporter.” Tom added that it’s crucial to look for writings by transgender and gay people “so you know the source is true.”
One important thing to do in order to be an ally is to listen to what trans individuals have to say and raise their voices above your own. Very often, allies are forced to question their names with people who have no knowledge of their expertise. “Look at you, Piers Morgan,” said Voices4 London trustee Joe. “The media in the UK is so transphobic, and (trans issues aren’t) being discussed in a way that actually helps us, so we should support trans people and give them the voice they deserve.”
“Lock up and pay attention to what people are telling you,” commanded Triv Tetra. “If you don’t know what you’re saying, avoid speaking loudly about a lot of topics.” Despite imbecile trolls trying to shout them down, public figures like writer Shon Faye, ContraPoints, and activist and designer Munroe Bergdorf have carved out important spaces for their voices.
Tom told Candy, “Depending on your level of privilege and the room you’re in, it might be better to make space for others than to take up space of your own.” You can demonstrate unity simply by being there. There are occasionally other persons whose voices need to be amplified more than others, such as trans people of color.
Tom said, “It’s not the duty of minorities to provide you with all the information you require to be an ally.”
Donating to charities, grassroots groups, or crowdfunders for trans people’s transition surgery is a simple way to demonstrate your allegiance. Singer Andrea Di Giovanni said, “Even the smallest payment may produce a lot of change.” “Go to these areas, talk to people, and ask questions,” urged Marcher Adumi, emphasizing the significance of funding gay areas.
Actor Religious Baddie continued, “Put your money where your mouth is.” “We’re not just here at Pride; we stay here every day for 12 months out of the year, and we should be represented.”
Being an ally requires familiarity with the organizations and resources that provide much-needed support to trans people, not only in the sense that you can contribute to these organizations, but also in order to be able to provide guidance on where your trans friend may turn in times of need.
According to marcher Jamie, “Mermaids is a beautiful charity around trans youth, and they have really great details about things like non-binary identities.” A group of parents whose children didn’t fit gender norms founded Mermaids UK in 1995. The organization calls for better medical and social services and strategies for the identification of gender dysphoria in younger people. Another important organization to be aware of is Spectra, which offers counseling services, comprehensive sexual wellbeing exams, and a mentoring program. According to Spiritual Baddie, they specialize in physical and emotional health with trans people.
Lucia Blake, the environmentalist team’s founder and transgender pride activist, told Candy, “If you live in London, we run a DIY activists system called Transmissions.” “We hold weekly sessions, we provide clothing to transgender people, and we have access to healthcare.” Transmissions also calls for better representation on the runways around the world, having previously held an equitable fashion display outside LFW headquarters and hosting a different Fashion Week after-party. Blake also emphasized the value of “keeping up with trans issues,” which can be accomplished by following individuals like transgender performance artist and Dazed100 student Travis Alabanza, as well as the well-known LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.
Tom suggested some LGBTQ+ sites that allies should be aware of in addition to highlighting Voices4 – “they’re a truly incredible grassroots organization.” A social submitting site called “Them is amazing” posts a lot about gay rights. Additionally, Queerty is a really good source. Other websites include Advocate and PinkNews.
Trans people are frequently left alone when they are harassed in public, despite the fact that this may sound like something you’re sure to do. “Say something if you see someone harassing a trans person while riding public transportation,” advised Di Giovanni. “For our mental health, even the smallest thing (in support) would make us feel like someone cares about us,” the author writes.
Marcher Blake echoed this sentiment: “Call them out if you see someone making fun of or laughing at a trans person!” Simply put them in their place by making them feel humiliated and acting like, “Bullying isn’t cool actually.” The creator of Transmissions also emphasized the significance of “raising your children to be accepting and educating them on transgender issues.”
Being an ally is equivalent to being a friend. Asking transgender individuals how their day was, finding out if something is bothering them, and just being there are all appropriate ways to treat them as you would any other friends. “What do you need right now?” is the question that is always pleasant to hear,” Jamie remarked to Candy. “I need a cuddle, I need to be able to talk about what’s going on, sometimes I just have to take my shoes off because they stupidly hurt,” the saying goes. It might just be that, but it could even provide emotional support.
“Don’t be a cunt,” marcher Farah summed up. “Like people for who they are, not for the shoes, jerk, or mouth they rock. We adore pussies, but we detest tossers.”
