TUC calls for end to discrimination against transgender people

Cheryl Pidgeon

The TUC is calling for an end to discrimination against

transgender people on Transgender Day of Remembrance tomorrow

(Saturday).



Around the world more than 200 transgender people have been murdered since January 2008, simply for being different. Transgender Day of Remembrance – the 12th international global day of tribute – will commemorate trans people who have been the victims of violent crimes, and aims to bring their stories to public attention.



In Britain, trans people face violent physical attacks, alongside prejudice and discrimination in communities and at work, yet the subject is largely ignored and there is an absence of concern about such attacks, the TUC believes.



The TUC has worked with transgender union members and the trans community to campaign for protection from discrimination, and welcomes a new service which allows trans people who are victims of crime to report it in confidence at www.tcrime.net



The service will be valuable in assembling data on attacks on transgender people in the UK and will put more pressure on government to take the issue seriously, says the TUC.



TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Discrimination and hatred are part of the daily lives of far too many trans people in Britain, and employers need to make sure all their employees are working in environments free from transphobia, violence and prejudice.
“If Britain is to be a truly equal and inclusive society we need to understand the issues facing trans people, and develop practical steps to end discrimination in our workplaces and beyond.”