From the link Newsletter

 

Introduction from the Editor

Dear Link Members,   It is always a great honour to be able to write to you and today I would like to use this opportunity to dedicate my editorial, and this month’s newsletter to our trans and non-binary members. As most of you will no doubt have seen and/or heard, over recent years and months there has been a worrying increase in the amount of abuse and negative discourse surrounding the rights of trans and non-binary people in the UK and around the world, with one of the most recent examples being the exclusion of trans and non-binary people from the UK government’s ban on conversion therapy.

Like many of you, I have seen my trans and non-binary friends subject to the most horrific abuse on social media and elsewhere and have been making efforts to become a better ally in order to support them as well as all trans and non-binary people. We are one LGBTQIA+ community, with both shared and individual experiences and we all deserve to be accepted, to be celebrated and to live our lives without fear. Following publication of our trans statement, in addition, I have found a very informative article on the website of Amnesty International UK, which contains the following advice on how we can all support trans and non-binary people and be a good ally. I wanted to share that with you here:” Respect people’s names Use the name and gender a trans person tells you to use. Don’t ask what their ‘real’ name or gender is – this is disrespectful and distressing.   Gender identity and gender expression are different Gender identity is someone’s personal and intimate sense of their own gender. Gender expression is how they choose to reflect their gender identity in their physical appearance. Don’t make assumptions about someone’s gender based on the way they dress – it may not reflect their gender identity or the appearance usually associated with their gender identity.   Use correct pronouns Some people prefer gender-neutral pronouns such as they/their and ze/zir. If you are unsure which pronoun to use, wait for an appropriate moment and ask. Alternatively, indicate the pronouns you use first – this gives people an opportunity to say theirs too.   Appreciate gender diversity All gender identities are valid and should be supported equally. If someone’s gender is outside of the gender binary or they don’t have a gender identity at all, it simply reflects the diversity of people’s identities.   Support everyone Recognise and respect the lives and experiences of all trans and non-binary people, and understand the oppression they face. This includes supporting trans people of colour, sex workers, and people with disabilities.   Help your friends Going to a gendered bathroom or changing room can be difficult for trans people, especially when they are made to feel like they don’t belong. One practical thing you can do to help your trans friends – if they want you to – is to go inside with them. This ensures they don’t have to face any potential transphobia alone.   Call out transphobia Challenge friends and family members who make transphobic comments. Dealing with toxic, dehumanising attitudes can be extremely draining and distressing for trans people. Support from others can really help.   Listen and learn Learning the appropriate terminology and language can be daunting. If you make a mistake, apologise and learn from the experience. Honest mistakes – as opposed to intentional attempts to invalidate someone’s identity – don’t make you transphobic.   Don’t out anyone It can be dangerous for trans people to be open about their gender identity. Don’t tell anyone about someone’s gender identity without their consent, even if they have come out to their friends, family or wider society.   Educate yourself It’s important to learn more about trans experiences but remember that trans people are not walking encyclopaedias.  Organisations like Stonewall, Mermaids, Gendered Intelligence and GLAAD have lots of resources online.   I wish you all a very pleasant and productive May. Simon Storvik-Green (he/him)