Stand together against transphobia

Unite delegate Lesley Mansell gave a powerful contribution in support of a motion on the Supreme Court ruling and support for trans and non-binary people at TUC Congress on Tuesday (September 9).

Lesley called the motion a ?declaration of solidarity, courage, and commitment to justice?.

?Let us be clear: trans rights are human rights,? she said. ?Every trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse person deserves to live and work free from harassment, exclusion, and fear.?

Lesley slammed the recent Supreme Court ruling, which, she said, ?contradicts European human rights precedent and emboldens those who seek to erase trans lives from public life?.

?We?ve seen the consequences,? Lesley went on to say. ?A surge in transphobic hate, weaponised by the far-right for political gain. This is not just an attack on trans people?it?s an attack on all of us.?

Lesley went on to criticise the EHRC chair, when they said the right to privacy isn?t relevant to the Supreme Court decision. She called this ?not just legally flawed, but ethically bankrupt?.

?The interim guidance is exclusionary, rushed, and threatens workplace protections for countless workers. It?s a threat to the very essence of trade unionism,? Lesley added.

She laid out an action plan to tackle transphobia at work, which should include mandatory training on trans inclusion, pronoun respect, and anti-discrimination; zero tolerance for harassment, with clear reporting and accountability; inclusive facilities and transition support and flexible HR processes; representation and consultation, with trans and non-binary workers shaping policy; visible leadership, with senior staff affirming support and modelling inclusive behaviour; and regular audits to ensure policies are effective and workers feel safe, seen, and supported

 ?Unions must move forward?not defensively, but boldly?with a Social Model of LGBT+ equality that uplifts our entire community,? Lesley emphasised. ?We will not be silent. We will not be complicit. We will not be cowed.

?This is our moment. Let us stand together?not just for trans and non-binary workers, but for the values that define us all: equality, solidarity and justice.?

Lesley recalled voting on TUC Congress motions 25 years ago in support of lesbian and gay rights, as she connected the struggle then to the struggle for trans and non-binary rights now.

?Let history remember that when trans lives were under attack, trade unionists stood tall,? she said.

The motion was carried.

By Hajera Blagg

Photo by Mark Thomas