‘No space for transphobia’ in new left-wing party, says Zarah Sultana
Zarah Sultana has confirmed Your Party’s policies will include trans rights (Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
MP Zarah Sultana has made it clear there was “no space for transphobia” in her new left-wing party, after she and Jeremy Corbyn were criticised for their approach to trans rights.
Sultana and Corbyn, both former Labour MPs who now sit in the House of Commons as independents, launched the new political group, known to some as Your Party, in July. They are two of the six MPs who make up the Independent Alliance. A permanent name is set to be decided in the autumn.
The group describes itself as a “new kind of political party… one that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements, one that builds power in all regions and nations. One that belongs to you”.
More than 800,000 people are said to have signed up to the party’s mailing list by the end of August.
However, Sultana and veteran Islington North MP Corbyn, who have both spoken out about trans rights in the past, have come under fire for seemingly not commenting on what Your Party’s policies regarding transgender people will be. Some believe their silence was an effort to attract gender-critical members in order to bolster wider political appeal.
And earlier this month, a rift seemed to appear when fellow ex-Labour MP and Independent Alliance founder member Adnan Hussain posted online that trans women were “not biologically women”.
After quote-tweeting a social media user who said Your Party should not “parrot the same neoliberal idea of gender ideology”, Hussain added: “I agree, women’s rights and safe spaces should not be encroached upon. Safe third spaces should be an alternative option.”
On Saturday (6 September), following a speaking event in Newcastle, Sultana told The Canary that a commitment to trans rights was a key part of the party’s policies.
“It’s really important that, from the outset, we are loud and proud about the values we have,” she said. “What’s the point if we’re not proudly saying we’re anti-racist, we’re supportive and pro-LGBT, there is no space for transphobia, we will stand in complete defence of migrants’ rights and fight fascists, we are internationalists, we’re pro-workers’ rights?
“Those are our values when we say we are socialists, when we are fighting for left-wing politics, and therefore there shouldn’t be any denying that.
“Trans people have the worst outcomes when it comes to housing, when it comes to health, when we look at suicide rates. If we are going to change society for everyone, we have to centre the most-marginalised people.
“There can’t be any questions about our position on trans rights and we need to make sure that everyone feels safe, everyone feels welcome in shaping this party.”
After the interview, Sultana, who has been the MP for Coventry South since 2019, posted on social media to confirm her support for the community.
“Trans rights are human rights,” she wrote. “Your Party will defend them. No ifs, no buts, and I won’t let anyone get in the way of this fight.
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