Delivering fairness and support to the trans community in Brighton and Hove
Pic: Transgender Pride flag
Pioneering measures to help make Brighton & Hove a better place for trans people to live, work and socialise in the city were agreed today (Thursday 2nd May).
The project, run by the council’s apolitical ‘scrutiny’ department, aimed to highlight the challenges and inequalities facing trans people in Brighton & Hove. The cross-party panel took evidence from local community groups and national experts on the topic before developing proposals.
They found that a combination of short-term and longer-term changes could break down historic barriers, and make sure that trans people are able to access services and get the support they need.
For example, the ‘City Services’ department has now added the title ‘Mx’ as an option for a title for people wishing to use it. Awareness training for councillors, council staff and health service workers will assist trans people gain access to necessary services. The Community Safety Team will be improving the monitoring of transphobic hate crime.
Councillor Phelim MacCafferty, chair cross-party Trans Equality Scrutiny Panel said:
“Our trans community is one of the most marginalised groups in Brighton and Hove, and ignorance about the trans community suffocates meaningful discussion about their needs. I’m proud to have proposed and chaired the cross-party panel that worked on addressing this.
“There has been inadequate awareness of the lives of trans people for too long, and not enough has been done to help our trans residents access services.
“But these proposals, and ongoing engagement with the trans community will change this. We have a fantastic opportunity to do some truly groundbreaking work and go forward hand in hand with the trans community for a fairer future.”
Notes:
*A full list of recommendations and responses can be viewed as part of the Policy & Resources Committee meeting agenda here: http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=689&MId=4090.
For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670