Photo credit: www.theguardian.com

New Leadership at Stonewall: A Pledge for Inclusive Change

The newly appointed leader of Stonewall, Simon Blake, has emphasized a commitment to advocate for a comprehensive ban on conversion practices affecting all members of the LGBTQ+ community. He has expressed concerns that any advancements made through Labour’s proposed legislation could be leveraged by those intent on undermining LGBTQ+ rights globally.

With the UK government anticipated to unveil draft legislation this spring, Blake has articulated the importance of ensuring that the bill encompasses all forms of practices aimed at altering an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. “It’s crucial that a conversion practices bill covers all practices designed to try to change or correct somebody’s sexual or gender identity,” he asserted.

In his first extensive interview since assuming the position, Blake remarked that this bill signifies a pivotal moment for collaboration among the government, Stonewall, and the broader LGBTQ+ community. This initiative aligns with Labour’s commitment, articulated in their manifesto, to implement a thorough trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. This development follows a period of contentious relations with the prior Conservative administration, which saw Liz Truss, then the equalities minister, encouraging government departments to withdraw from Stonewall’s inclusion programs and stalling efforts to implement a ban due to debates over the exclusion of trans individuals and concerns related to a potential loophole of “informed consent.”

Blake expressed that Stonewall would need to navigate the legislative process strategically to preserve initial commitments, predicting that those opposing the ban would downplay the prevalence of conversion practices. According to new research from the charity, to be published on Friday, alarming statistics reveal that 17% of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK have faced physical assault, while 10% have endured “exorcism” practices and 12% have been victims of “corrective rape” or sexual assault aimed at altering their sexual orientation or gender identity. While some of these actions are already illegal, advocates argue that an overarching ban on conversion practices would not only bolster legal recourse for victims but also deter future incidents.

However, some detractors of an inclusive ban raise concerns that it could hinder parents from having essential discussions with gender-questioning children. Others, including Hilary Cass, the physician who assessed gender identity services for minors, caution that such legislation might limit medical professionals’ capacity to take a more cautious approach toward transitioning. Nevertheless, Blake countered these worries by highlighting evidence from other nations that have successfully enacted similar bans without negative repercussions.

“Parents should engage in exploratory discussions with their children. What we are addressing here are conversion practices that assert ‘you are bad, you are wrong, you need to change,’” Blake stated. “We must clearly differentiate between healthcare for young people and conversion practices; these issues should not be conflated.”

He posited that the proposed legislation might serve as a focal point for broader opposition to progressive reforms. “This is a flagship policy amid a global wave of attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and we are witnessing misinformation campaigns and divisive rhetoric from those opposing LGBTQ+ rights,” he remarked.

In spite of anticipated resistance, Blake underlined that the proposed ban is “only one piece of the puzzle.” He emphasized the need for the UK to reclaim its status as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights on the world stage, backed by a government dedicated to this cause.

Reflecting on sentiments shared by screenwriter Russell T Davies regarding increased fears among the LGBTQ+ community since the election of Donald Trump, Blake noted a pervasive atmosphere of fear. “People feel apprehensive. It’s easy to dismiss this as a situation confined to countries like the US, Italy, or Spain. Yet, there are voices here in the UK expressing that it feels different, it feels less welcoming,” he observed.

Blake takes the helm of Stonewall following a tumultuous chapter in the organization’s history, characterized by significant scrutiny regarding its approach to trans rights, with accusations from critics within and outside the LGBTQ+ community that it has sought to stifle debate. Matthew Parris, one of the organization’s co-founders, previously admonished Stonewall for adopting an “extremist stance.”

“Stonewall’s trans-inclusive policy established in 2015 was essential. However, there has been a notable gap between the ‘public narrative’ and the ‘practical reality’,” Blake articulated. He emphasized that while public discourse has become increasingly polarized, Stonewall has remained steadfast in its mission to support all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Blake acknowledged the importance of amplifying trans-led organizations and collaborating rather than monopolizing efforts to promote these initiatives. He recognized the evident divisions surrounding this issue and noted that Stonewall has historically navigated differing viewpoints effectively, as demonstrated during the campaign for equal marriage.

Yet, critics have pointed to the organization’s previous unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue, citing earlier policies that discouraged debate on trans rights and comments made by former executive Nancy Kelley that compared differing views on gender to antisemitism.

Moving forward, Blake expressed a desire to foster a culture of dialogue: “I have heard those concerns, but to make progress, we must engage in continuous conversations with those who may agree or disagree with us,” he remarked. “The current discourse surrounding various aspects of the LGBTQ+ rights agenda often feels like a zero-sum game, which is unproductive. I aspire to conversations where we actively listen to each other, seek understanding, and find ways for everyone to coexist with dignity and respect.”

Source
www.theguardian.com