The vigil for Lucy Meadows that took place outside the Daily Fail HQ was a wonderful show of solidarity between people of all genders and sexualities, protesting for a common cause. Although is it awful and tragic what has happened, I did have to smile to myself at the sight of Trans visibility.
Over the years there has been growing support for LGB people but support for T people seems to be lagging behind. I imagine that a lot of this is down to a lack of understanding of and exposure to trans individuals, but I do feel that sensationalism in the press has not helped. Transgender people do not get an easy time in the press and that was highlighted when Richard Littlejohn wrote his highly offensive piece in that awful rag. As many people believe what they read in the ‘newspapers’ (I use that word very loosely) that leads to further misunderstanding of what it is to be Trans and the whole process that is gone through.
Personally I am accepting of all people from all walks of life. I couldn’t care less whether someone is black, white, gay, straight, bi, transgender, or anything else. My circle of friends is incredibly diverse and I also employ somebody who is trans. I see beyond sexuality and gender identity, and focus on personality and values that the person has. Someone’s constitution is far more important and interesting than whether someone likes men or women, or identifies as male or female. It’s a shame that people such as Mr Littlejohn and certain sections of the media in general are not so enlightened.
I feel that the Lucy Meadows situation along with the recent Julie Burchill ruckus has seen a turning point in trans activism. The community is becoming more vocal and visible, and being brought to the forefront of the news. I think that’s fantastic and is long overdue.
Transgender people I know have been scared to be so visible with who they are through fear of persecution, but I sincerely hope that this recent wave of activism and increased visibility leads to the empowerment of Transgender people up and down the country, and that they feel able to be more open about who they are.
Obviously, things are not going to change overnight but the ball is now rolling. The vigil for Lucy Meadows showed that there is a sense of community and solidarity between Transgender people, but also that it extends to a wider community of enlightened human beings who do not accept the poor treatment of a minority. It’s that wider community that I am proud to be a part of.
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Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you'd like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.