Londoners came together to express their grief and solidarity at public vigils following the murder of sixteen-year-old schoolgirl Brianna Ghey last month.
International Transgender Day of Visibility will take place on 31 March 2023. The London Assembly condemns the marginalisation, victimisation and inequality experienced by trans and gender diverse people living in London, and the rest of the UK.
It is therefore today calling on the Mayor to make a statement on International Transgender Day of Visibility that acknowledges the struggles facing trans Londoners and commits to making trans and gender diverse Londoners’ lives more equal.
Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion said:
“For many Londoners, Brianna Ghey’s murder was a shocking translation of hateful words into lethal action and is an extreme illustration of the hate directed at trans people in the UK.
“I’m glad the Assembly that represents ALL Londoners, has taken this chance to stand up, and express our solidarity with transgender and gender diverse people in our city and across the UK, who continue to face legislative attacks on their human rights as well as horrific violence.
“Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility, recognising trans and gender diverse people everywhere and helping others learn more about being trans is so needed as we resist rising hate and misinformation.”
Emma Best AM, who seconded the motion said:
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is a moment for us to celebrate the trans community and recognise the huge contributions they make to London.
“The murder of sixteen-year-old schoolgirl Brianna Ghey was a shocking reminder of the threats and barriers many trans people still face today, despite the significant progress that society has made in recent years.
“I am pleased the London Assembly has voted to stand with the trans community and recognise this important day.
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes that the 31 March 2023 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, and condemns the marginalisation, victimisation and inequality experienced by trans and gender diverse people living in London, and the rest of the UK.
The murder of sixteen-year-old schoolgirl Brianna Ghey last month affected the London trans community deeply. Public vigils were held outside the Department of Education and in Soho Square in February, where people came from across London to express their grief and solidarity. For many Londoners, Brianna’s murder illustrated the hate facing trans people in the UK and the precarity of their lives.
This Assembly stands in full solidarity with the trans community, in London and beyond, in its struggle for safety and equality in all aspects of their lives.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to make a statement on International Transgender Day of Visibility that:
- Acknowledges the struggles facing trans Londoners; and
- Commits to making trans and gender diverse Londoners’ lives more equal.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Emma Bowden on 07849 303 897. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.