A group of passionate Greater Manchester-based LGBT+ advocates aged 12 to 18, visited 10 Downing Street earlier this month. The group went to welcome the new Prime Minister and his government into their new roles, while encouraging them to listen to LGBT+ young people.
The visit, which was organised by the Greater Manchester-based LGBT+ youth charity, The Proud Trust, saw young people from the community express their worries about the current state of LGBT+ rights, especially the rights of trans people.
Letters from the young people from Greater Manchester addressed issues such as discrimination, mental health challenges and the need for comprehensive legal protections.
In her letter to the government, Orla, a 17-year-old trans girl, is calling for the Government to spend time with people within the LGBT+ community to get a true understanding of how policies impact young people.
“Ultimately, our voices need to be heard and the MPs that are making life-changing decisions on our behalf need to have a better understanding of us and how these decisions affect us…you should meet trans youth and work with them so you can better represent them. In fact, I think you should arrange to meet trans/queer young people, and the youth workers at The Proud Trust in Manchester.”
The visit to 10 Downing Street is part of the wider work The Proud Trust does across the country to support those in the LGBT+ community.
In another letter presented to the Prime Minister, Keegan, a year eight trans young person, expressed how he would like to see the new Government do more to protect young people saying: “I have experienced bullying and harassment due to my identity, and I know others who have also experienced this, so I think if people had a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, it could stop many problems within the community.”
Echoing a similar message is Kate, a 16-year-old questioning girl, who is calling on 10 Downing Street to create safe spaces for those within the community, saying: “In the past, me and some of my friends have experienced a lot of criticism in school, which I believe should be a safe space for everyone to be who they are without the fear of being bullied. In my high school, they had an after-school club which took place once a week for LGBTQ students, but even then, other students would stay just to make fun of the LQBTQ students.”
The local young people involved in the momentous visit believe that their efforts will not only bring attention to these pressing issues but also encourage others to join the movement for equality.
The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ youth charity which empowers young people nationwide to be proud of who they are, while also delivering youth work and one-to-one support across Greater Manchester. The charity also runs The Rainbow Flag Award national training and inclusion programme for schools, Proud Connections Live Chat, and manages Manchester’s LGBT+ Centre, The Proud Place.
Commenting on the visit, Susie Cuthill, Proud Trust CEO, said: “We hope that the new government will be committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of all citizens, including LGBT+ young people. Ensuring equal rights, protection from discrimination, a supportive school environment, and access to vital healthcare are just a few areas where the new Prime Minister’s leadership can make a profound difference.
“By working together and fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued and empowered to contribute to our nation’s success.”
