Leaders of several charities have voiced support for a campaign to support trans people in the sector, which officially launched today.
Chief executives of charities including the Children’s Society and Teenage Cancer Trust have backed the campaign, which invites sector leaders to pledge their “absolute commitment to supporting the rights of our trans, non-binary, and gender diverse communities”.
Kevin Taylor-McKnight, founder of campaign group Charity So Straight, announced the #StandWithTrans initiative last month.
Speaking ahead of today’s launch, he said: “We staunchly advocate that trans lives matter and charity sector bosses can play a vital role in moulding a Britain free from discrimination, prejudice, and hate.”
He invited charity leaders to visit the campaign’s website and attend a webinar on 20 July.
‘Charities have a pivotal role to play’
Andy Bell, CEO of Centre for Mental Health said: “Charities have a pivotal role to play in supporting social justice, inclusion and equality for everyone. It’s vital that our sector stands with trans people at all times, and especially now. It’s fundamental to creating good mental health for all.”
Kay Hallsworth, CEO of Gosport Voluntary Action, said: “So many people in our community have spent years hidden away and afraid to be themselves, as LGBTQ+ or trans, because they didn’t know where they could find help and support or feel included.
“As a CEO in the voluntary sector, I want people to know that our organisation and our services are inclusive of everyone and always will be, and I'm delighted to say that I wholeheartedly #StandWithTrans.”
‘We’re committed to doing more’
Mark Russell, CEO of the Children’s Society, said: “We are committed to the Children’s Society being a safe and inclusive space for trans colleagues, and we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity, understanding and acceptance.
“We will tirelessly fight for the rights of all children regardless of their gender identity. In the face of fear and prejudice, we believe love and acceptance will always prevail and we are committed to making this a reality for young people everywhere.”
Kate Collins, CEO of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: ‘We’re committed to being an organisation that strives for equity, and that means ensuring that trans colleagues feel welcome as part of our team, trans young people and members of young people’s friend and family networks who are trans feel safe to be themselves when we support them.
“We’ve put down some foundations, but we know that there is a lot more to be done until we can be confident that we’re an equitable organisation, for the young people we exist to support, their friends and family and our staff. However, we’ve made progress – I’m proud of how far we have come, and we’re committed to doing more.”
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