On Tuesday 14th July – International Non-Binary People’s Day – LCR Pride Foundation facilitated a meeting between local groups supporting Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Variant people in the Liverpool City Region and nine MPs or thier representatives.
MPs Angela Eagle, Dan Carden, Derek Twigg, Ian Byrne, Kim Johnson, Maria Eagle, Mick Whitley and Paula Barker, or their representatives, all listened to presentations from groups and services supporting the affected communities, as well as personal testimonials from individuals about the importance of GRA reform and the impact of transphobia, which has increased since Truss’ divisive comments.
The meeting, which was held under the Chatham House Rule, followed an open letter written by LCR Pride Foundation in April, urgently asking regional MPs to seek clarity on a statement made by Minister Liz Truss, in a speech to the Equalities Select Committee.
In the letter we asked how the points raised had been shaped by the GRA consultation and indeed the factual and statistical evidence that the Government had used to draw these statements up. The letter was co-signed by: Comics Youth, Kop Outs (LFC LGBT+ Fans Group), Liverpool TDOV (Trans Day Of Visibility), Liverpool Trans Pride, Merseyside In-Trust, Pride in Prison And Probation (PiPP), Sahir House, Spirit Level, and YPAS – Young Persons Advisory Service – GYRO and THE Action Youth.
We are working together with all parties to confirm next steps, follow up with MPs who were unable to join the call, and will share updates on our website and social media soon.
