GATE provided input to the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI), Victor Madrigal-Borloz, for his Country Visit to the UK, through a submission that highlighted concerns on the impact of anti-gender/anti-rights movements’ opposition to trans and gender diverse communities.
Although the UK has been amongst the best States globally for its Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ+) rights record, the UK’s record on trans and intersex equality is of increasing concern. These concerns include, but are not limited to:
• Significantly larger, more visible and more effective Anti-gender movements in the UK since 2015/2016.
• Fringe groups within feminist and LGB communities and the religious right are very centrally or visibly involved in contesting trans rights.
• Right-wing groups, especially on the UK populist and conservative right, are compelling drivers for this increase and are part of a large right/media coalition that is the most influential block.
• Rollbacks or blocks on trans rights in education, healthcare, LGR, and (potentially) justice and employment.
• The UK’s religious rights have been succeeding in anti-trans litigation.
Combining both traditional and radical actors, anti-gender movements have demonstrated the power to shape policy and set agendas in British politics, media, and culture. GATE research highlighted some of the impacts on Trans and Gender Diverse communities caused by these movements:
- Anti-Gender groups engage in violence or incitement of violence, and cases of mild physical violence towards both cisgender and trans women have increased at protests by some more radical anti-trans protesters
- Escalating anti-gender rhetoric driven by so-called gender-critical groups has also given rise to interest from far-right groups with terrorist links.
- Psycho-emotional stress and/or burnout by staff/volunteers/board as the result of anti-gender opposition was reported as the most significant challenge
- Fewer advocacy opportunities / limited ability to reach decision-makers were the second biggest challenge
- Trans women were removed from participating in gender-appropriate UK sporting activities