Stonewall, the lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity has launched a ground-breaking Trans Allies Programme to support trans people at work and in wider society. The programme is unveiled on the day Stonewall reveals that more than half of people (51%) believe more should be done to tackle discrimination against trans people.
New research from NfP Synergy for Stonewall also shows significant support from British people for trans equality. Almost two-thirds (65%) are concerned by the abuse and physical violence faced by trans people. And, despite a recent increase in negative headlines about trans people more than half (53 %) would feel comfortable if a friend told them they were trans.
The new Trans Allies Programme will give non-trans people a better understanding of the impact of transphobia, tools and language to tackle anti-trans discrimination and how to ‘come out' in support of trans people everywhere. The programme has been created by trans and non-trans Stonewall staff and will be delivered by both trans and non-trans facilitators. It will be open to any individual from any industry in any role who is committed to trans equality.
A coalition of prominent public, private, and civil society organisations have ‘come out for trans equality' as programme launch partners. They are the first organisations to deliver this innovative one-day programme for their own staff. By pledging their support, each of the launch partners are working towards bringing positive change in workplaces and communities for all trans and non-binary people.
The trans allies programme launch partners are: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Barclays, Cheshire Fire & Rescue, Cheshire Constabulary, EY, The House of Commons, Linklaters, Lloyds Banking Group, National Assembly for Wales, Intellectual Property Office, P&G, Riverside Housing, and York St John University.
Loic Tassel, President, Procter & Gamble Europe, and Executive Sponsor for GABLE, said: ‘I can think of no better purpose than playing our part in creating a more inclusive world for all people - including the LGBT community. Eight years ago, we added gender identity and expression to our non-discrimination policies, reinforcing fair treatment for everyone.'
‘As we understand people can only reach their highest potential when they can work in an environment that values and respects who they are, it is our responsibility to recruit and activate cisgender allies for trans employees. Joining our partner, Stonewall, to bring to life the Trans Allies Programme is thus an important step in our journey to build a truly inclusive workplace.'
Jennifer Crook, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, House of Commons said: ‘The House of Commons is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and to wholly supporting LGBT equality. Following on from achieving 23rd place in Stonewall's Top 100, we are looking forward to launching the Trans Allies Programme to empower individuals to create a more inclusive culture for LGBT people in the workplace.'
As well as delivering one trans allies programme in-house, EY are sponsoring an additional three trans allies and two LGBT role model programmes that are open to the public. The LGBT role model programme helps LGBT people feel comfortable at work and offers advice on creating inclusive environments for everyone.
The commitment to improving trans inclusion from these organisations comes at a time when trans and non-binary people face alarming levels of discrimination at work and in society.
Earlier this year Stonewall released research that showed half of trans people (51%) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse. Moreover, one in eight trans employees (12%) have been physically attacked by colleagues or customers in the past year.
Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall's Director of Empowerment Programmes, said: ‘We're proud to have such a diverse range of organisations helping to launch our Trans Allies Programme. Their commitment journey to getting trans inclusion right is an extremely promising sign that a positive future is possible.'
‘We know trans and non-binary people face high levels of abuse and discrimination in their day-to-day lives. Half of trans and non-binary people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. One in eight trans employees (12%) have been physically attacked by a colleague or customer in the last year. But the sheer diversity of our launch partners show there is a wealth of support for trans people at the most senior levels of British industrial and cultural life. With that kind of commitment and hard work we can create workplaces - and a world - where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are accepted without exception.'
Bex Stinson, Stonewall's Head of Trans Inclusion, said: ‘We know there is strong support from British people for trans equality. Over half of British people (51%) believe more should be done to tackle discrimination against trans people. However, many individuals may feel uncertain about what they themselves can do to or say to support trans people.'
‘A lack of confidence can often provoke a fear of making mistakes, and prevents many people from being visible allies to trans people - whether that's in the workplace, in the local community or online. Our Trans Allies Programme is here to help people better understand the issues trans people face, and offer them a way to learn more about how to step up as an effective trans ally.'
