A Message From Our Founder
I’ve so much to say yet no idea where to begin…
Following the recent UK Supreme Court ruling that reduces the definition of “woman” to “cisgender woman,” effectively robbing trans women such as myself of what little protections we had and places us at even greater risk, of course, I will be issuing a statement on behalf of my organisation to properly respond. We’re especially concerned about what this could mean for the trans communities of the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.
However, I feel compelled to speak candidly right now about how this has affected me personally.
I don’t like to put my own struggles as a trans woman-of-colour front and centre but I also reocognise that it can help to illustrate how these wide-reaching decisions affect people like me.
That said, for those who aren’t aware, the last year or so of my life has been exceedingly challenging for me. I’ve recently settled down in the UK following a string of illegal evictions during my time in Ireland, resulting in homelessness, financial insecurity, mental illness and suicidal ideation, to say the least. I’d been relying on what few protections there are here for trans women who are struggling to find employment and housing—which is already an all too common narrative for us across the globe—and overnight, those protections may have swiftly gone up in smoke.
What does this mean for trans women in the UK seeking a GP, gender-affirming care or healthcare in general, especially ones who have recently immigrated to the country?
What does this mean for trans women seeking shelter or safe spaces that are inclusive, supportive and welcoming?
What does this mean for trans women seeking employment with the looming threats of harassment and transphobia?
I set out on a journey to provide a voice and visibility to my community some 10 years ago, beginning with a small TEDx Talk that quickly led to the formation of my nation’s first ever LGBTQIA+ non-profit organisation. I’ve always done all I could to be there for my queer people and allies alike.
But right now, honestly, I need them to be there for me.
Right now, I’m doing all I can to get back on my feet and back to work. And I am painfully aware that this ruling is not only going to further impede that arduous process but put countless others in the trans community across the UK at significant risk as well. Furthermore, organisations like mine that should serve as beacons of strength during these difficult times, in particular those led by trans women, likewise face the risk of crumbling down entirely as we scramble to seek out safeguards for our personal safety.
Simply put, the weight has become too much for me to bear. I’m afraid. I’m confused. And I worry that I’m about to be met with even greater challenges ahead.