Wednesday 17-05-2023 - 10:30

Drag queens shouldn’t be around kids… Transgender people are a danger to cisgender people… Bisexual people should pick a side and stop being greedy… Sounds shocking, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. Plain and simple.

Unfortunately, we are beginning to hear views and opinions like these spouted in the media and coming from our government more and more on a week-to-week basis, almost like we have stepped back in time fifty years, especially regarding our trans population. However, what we have to remind ourselves is today, one in four British people is close to a trans person – attacks on trans rights are attacks on our friends, family and neighbours.

Our Trans and Non-binary officer Kai Lambert has shared his thoughts on the importance of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: 

 

“International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, while a mouthful, is a deeply important day for the queer community, now more than ever. As it marks the date in 1990 that the World Health Organization's declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder, there’s been backlash about trans people being included in this day. 

But the purpose of IDAHOBIT is not only to celebrate progress made in equality, but also to look at how far we still have to go and in the case of trans people that’s needed now more than ever. When Jack asked me to write a little bit for this blog post, speaking about my experiences, there’s a million things I could've said about me but also relevant to trans people across the UK. Hate crimes against transgender people increased 56% in just a year. The government is attacking rights in every way they can. Trans people face extreme rejection from their friends, family, co-workers, anyone they come across.  

This year the theme of IDAHOBIT is “Together always: united in diversity.” Solidarity between the LGBTQ+ community and allies speaking up, and not keeping quiet about issues like this is the only way progress can be made”

To echo what Kai touched on, the world as it currently stands, can be an extremely dangerous place for transgender people. Most recently, the Scottish parliament passed a gender recognition reform bill which would have made them the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system for people who wish to change their gender. BUT Westminster decided to use the “nuclear option” of blocking the bill from going to royal assent. Our trans and non-binary peers deserve to feel respected and supported, not made to feel illegal or ostracised. As one of the amazing protestors held up on their placards “trans bodies are NOT a political playground”. 

Now let's talk about all things drag. Where do I even start? Pantomimes have been a strong British tradition dating all the way back to the 18th century, more often than not involving men in drag as the focal ‘Dame’ character. So can someone please explain to me why now, all of a sudden, we are starting to be told that drag queens are unsuitable to be around children?? This reeks of hypocrisy to the very core and I cannot even begin to explain the fury I feel when these talented performers are being torn down for being authentically themselves and simply trying to make a living. This comes as drag has moved majorly into the mainstream, with the rising popularity of the Drag Race franchise around the world, especially here in the UK. It’s almost like people are saying “do it behind closed doors, but when it's in my face, no thanks!”

Rant over…

Except, this isn’t a rant, its frustration! There is also still a massive issue within society for other groups within the LGBTQ+ community. I just feel like I need to say that this blog almost feels like I am just moving from one issue to the next, but in all honesty if I didn’t, I really would not be able to fit in everything I wanted to say. 

 

For bisexual people, speaking from experience, your identity can often get lost. For example, if you are seen to be in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, people often just assume you are straight, vice versa with people assuming you are gay if you are seen with someone of the same sex. Bi-erasure is a serious issue and constantly being put into a box you don’t fit or feel comfortable in can be an onerous time to live through. Also, re: some of your friends saying bisexuality is like “half straight”: not cool! It is completely up to you whether you take the time to educate these friends on misconceptions surrounding bisexuality or not, but you really should not feel obliged to have to. You just need to make sure you are surrounding yourself with love and people who understand and respect your identity wholly.

 

We must come together and let our LGBTQ+ community know that we support and are here for them, in a world which is increasingly becoming a more tentative place for them to be a part of, not knowing where or who by, they are accepted.

 

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are seeking help or even just someone to talk to, there are some fantastic charities and organisations which are there to provide bespoke support, such as The Proud Trust, Mermaids and Biresource. The work which they are doing is just phenomenal and please do not hesitate to reach out to them or even Edge Hill’s own wellbeing service if you feel like you need that extra support.