Queer Labour MP Nadia Whittome blasts her party’s ‘archaic’ views on trans rights
Labour MP Nadia Whittome has criticised her party’s view on trans rights, saying she is “appalled” by recent developments (Ollie Millington/Getty Images)
Labour MP Nadia Whittome has criticised her party's view on trans rights, saying she is "appalled" by recent developments (Ollie Millington/Getty Images)
Queer Labour MP Nadia Whittome has criticised her party’s views on trans rights, stating she is “appalled” by the ban on puberty blockers and the government’s response to the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.
The 28-year-old politician, who has long been a fierce champion for trans rights, spoke in an interview about Labour’s stance on the trans community, criticising efforts to “marginalise and scapegoat trans people”.
“At the current rate the government is going, our legacy will be continuing the rollbacks of trans rights that began with the Conservatives,” Whittome told The Independent, adding that it is in stark contrast to the previous Labour government from 1997 to 2010, which has a “record it can be proud of on LGBT+ rights”.
The MP explained that while she’s “really proud that this government’s pledged to half violence against women and girls”, she strongly disagrees with the current attacks on trans women, which she says are “rooted in very archaic and misogynistic ideology”.
“If we’re continuing to marginalise and scapegoat trans people, especially trans women, as a threat to other women, that means we’re not focusing on the real problem – men who are violent,” she explained. “The number of male violence offences of stalking, harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence have grown by 37 per cent in the past five years. Trans people, particularly trans women, are far, far more likely to be victims.”
Nadia Whittome explained that she would not be leaving Labour over her beliefs, and that instead she would push for change from within the party.
“I want to see the government finally delivering a trans inclusive conversion therapy ban, to improve access to fertility treatment for lesbian couples, who in most parts of the country are having to self fund at least six cycles before they’re eligible for IVF treatment on the NHS,” she said.
“I want us to be tackling the housing crisis, low pay and workers rights, because members of our community are disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness. These are things that would improve everyone’s lives.”
The Labour party has been criticised in recent months for its actions towards the LGBTQ+ community, specifically impacting trans people. Health secretary Wes Streeting implemented a ban on puberty blockers for trans youth in July last year, while the Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman in the country’s Equality Act 2010 does not include trans women.
In addition, Keir Starmer has stated that he no longer believes trans women are women.
In June, hundreds of trans people and allies turned out in Westminster to protest the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) draft guidance on single-sex spaces, which essentially suggested a full ban on trans people accessing any gendered bathrooms, with musician Kate Nash explaining that the proposals would be “devastating to trans lives”.
“It’s time for all of us to stand up in the UK and across the world against anti-trans hate and division,” she said. “Trans people need protection, rights and healthcare from the UK government. Trans people are not a threat but are people living their lives like you and me.”
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