EHRC update: taking action

So it’s been a few months since the EHRC interim guidance was published, which I blogged about here. In the time since then there’s been a lot of very heated commentary and the Chairwoman of the EHRC, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, has only made things worse, essentially calling an open season for bigots to attack trans people.

Choice moments include saying that trans people using a public bathroom have no right to privacy. She also said that there was no change to the rights of trans people, which given what the guidance sets out is completely dishonest doublethink.

Trying to rush through a two week consultation period is pretty telling by itself, and even the extension to six weeks has been criticised by more than 20 charities and service providers that it’s simply not long enough to produce considered and meaningful responses.

The Good Law Project (among others) is fighting this and has already forced the EHRC to concede that it is not compulsory for employers to provide single sex only toilets despite the guidance. They continue to argue that the EHRC guidance is either wrong in law or breachers human rights, and you can learn more about their campaigning here.

As a counsellor, and as a human being, I find it pretty appalling that trans people just trying to live their lives are under attack like this, and organisations are overwhelmed  with trans people needing help and support with their mental health as a result. I find it extraordinary that someone so obviously bigoted is allowed to continue to chair the EHRC but I think she may be out of that position before too long.

For now, this is where we are, and it’s not over. As a ally you might be asking yourself “what can I do to help?”

There are two main areas where we can direct our energy.

The first is contacting our MPs about the guidance and asking them to take action to support trans people. There are a few suggestions on text you can use here from Scottish Trans.

The second involves more energy and more time, but it’s important. That is to respond to the ridiculously complicated consultation by the closing date of 30 June. Trans Actual have produced an excellent guide to help here.

Organisations you could donate to:

• Scottish Trans: https://www.scottishtrans.org

  
  

• TransActual:   https://transactual.org.uk/who-are-transactual-uk/

  
  

• Mermaids: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

  
  

• LGBT Youth Scotland: https://lgbtyouth.org.uk

  
  

• The Good Law Project: https://goodlawproject.org/campaign/trans-fighting-fund/

  
  
  
  

Trans and LGBT support lines:

• LGBT Health and Wellbeing: 0800 464 7000 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (12 - 9pm), Sundays (1 -6pm)

  
  

• Switchboard National LGBTQIA+ Support line: 0800 0119100

  
  

• Mindline Trans+: 0300 330 5468 (Mon & Fri 8pm - midnight)

If you’d like to work with me on your mental health, get in touch by completing the online form or emailing me directly at mckellarCBT@gmail.com