Dear members,
We wanted to reach out to share how appalled we are with the ‘statement’ provided by the University on the Supreme Court judgement statement regarding trans women in the All Staff Newsletter of 1st May.
We are channeling our anger in the first instance by replying to the internal comms mailbox and telling them what we think – please also respond to the email if you have the fire and capacity. We have provided a rough template below, but please let them know your own personal thoughts too!
In the past when people have responded, they’ve been forced to apologise; we hope the same will happen again.
Dear Internal Comms,
I would like to share how shocked and appalled I am at the statement you provided regarding the Supreme Court Judgement statement in the latest all staff newsletter.
You mention being caring and inclusive, yet don’t even mention the word ‘trans’. This is reminiscent of Section 28’s ‘don’t say gay’ campaign. The statement is in no way reassuring to our trans colleagues and students, or our wider queer community.
You have also welcomed ‘respectful debate’ on this topic under the guise of ‘free speech’. Trans identities are not something that can be debated. Existence cannot be debated.
Your inclusion of the EHRC recommendations you are using as guidance is also frightening, especially as these are yet to be discussed in parliament and are currently separate from the law.
Please be assured we will continue to stand with and fight for our intersex, trans and non-binary members.
For a more general update on what we’re doing for our trans colleagues, see the email sent by our LGBTQ+ officers Chris and Theo on the 25th April (subject: ‘UoB Unison – Statement regarding the UK Supreme Court Ruling’).
In rage and solidarity,
Mia (She/Her) Comms Officer
& your branch executive team