SAYiT Trans Allyship TDoR 2023

A video about trans allyship produced for Sheffield's Trans Day of Remembrance event, 20th November 2023.

Visit our website to find out more about our training offer, including LGBTQ+ Allyship and Trans Awareness: https://www.sayit.org.uk/training

Transcript:

Trans rights are human rights.

When we think about the trans community, who do we think of? Do we think of our neighbour whose cat we look after whenever they're on holiday? Our work colleague whose laughter fills the office whenever they're on the phone? Perhaps we think of our son whose kindness makes us proud every day; our sister whose enthusiasm for the seaside knows no bounds.

We cannot remember those we have lost without remembering those who are with us, whose lives are so intricately intertwined with ours that we cannot imagine a day without them: fellow humans whose rights are being eroded, whose lives are being ignored; humans who the press abuse for clickbait, who politicians see as an easy target.

Trans rights are human rights, and we all have a duty to protect rights that were fought so hard for. To become true allies to people who we love, who we care for, who we cherish and support, we must ensure that society allows trans people to enact their rights; ensure that all trans people know that they have allies amongst us, challenging abusers, questioning motives, and shining a light on all those who denigrate and deny.

Trans rights are human rights. We must stand by our trans family and - as the haters recede to the darkest corners - see how our family flourishes, prospers, and grows, to embrace their lives to be exactly who they are, and - in doing so - allow a little of their light, their spark, to illuminate our world.