Deborah Allan

2020 has, without doubt, been one of the most testing experiences many of us have faced in our lifetimes. Unfortunately, the voices of the marginalised are often drowned out at a time when they need to be heard the most. While the virus has had a devastating impact globally, statistics have shown that coronavirus has disproportionately affected minority and disadvantaged groups including the LGBTQ+ community.

For example, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to suffer from poor mental health; LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience domestic abuse (including being quarantined with queer-phobic families with lack of access to discreet support); and, in the case of some trans and non-binary people, their HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has been suspended or cancelled, along with surgeries and long-awaited appointments with healthcare professionals. 

This year’s theme is “Body, Mind and Spirit” – a theme that is likely to strike a chord with many of us. Amid the chaos of the past year, there has been plenty of time and opportunity for quiet self-reflection and introspection. This theme challenges us to consider the intersectionality of our multi-dimensional identities and the balance we all seek to find.

It is our collective responsibility to give a platform to LGBTQ+ voices and to ensure that each and every letter is represented and not forgotten. History Month is about opening up a dialogue both with and within the LGBTQ+ community and having challenging conversations that drive us to open our minds and hearts. At a time when trans people are experiencing waves of hostile legislation, negative political rhetoric and mental and physical violence, we wanted to share our platform with two of our trans sisters, Geri and Sarah. 

Geri

Geri, a service officer at Virgin Money UK, is an outspoken advocate of trans rights and is well known in Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ circles. Sarah, senior service desk analyst at the Scottish Qualifications Authority, is in the process of her journey and is a role model paving the way for her trans family to follow. We recently caught up to discuss LGBT History Month and the challenges faced by the trans community. 

This year’s LGBT History Month theme is “Body, Mind and Spirit” – what about this theme resonates with you?

Sarah: “I think this theme sends a strong message about how all three of these concepts are important to keep in balance. Focus is too often placed on the health of our bodies and we can fail to look after our mind and spirit.  As trans people, we want our body to align with our mind and spirit in order to live our true lives.” 

Geri: “The theme is a powerful one – all three must be in balance. This can often be a difficult feat whilst transitioning.”        

You have both shared with me that you have been subject to people’s pre-conceptions of trans people and trans identities – what is the main message that you want to share with people about what it means to be trans?

Sarah

Sarah: “I just want people to realise that we are just the same as them and that being trans does not make us special in any way. We are your brothers, sisters, colleagues, children and friends. We are not trying to take anyone’s rights away, we just want to have the same, equal rights as anybody else. Show respect and be kind to people.”

Geri: “Trans people are no different from anyone else: I’m a daughter, sister, aunty and my partner’s girlfriend. We want the same respect as anyone else. We just want to live in peace and quiet, the same as everybody else.”

Cis people have a responsibility to be active allies to trans and non-binary people, what is your advice to those who are ready to take up the mantle?

Sarah: “The big thing for me is education. I would ask that people seek out and read the articles that convey the struggle that trans people are going through. As someone who is happy to answer questions, I don’t mind having open conversations. However, consider whether the questions you are asking are of a higher level of intimacy than questions you would ask a person who is not transgender. If so, then it is unlikely to be respectful or appropriate. In the last few years, society has regressed in terms of how the trans community is perceived, so reading articles that do not have bias or an agenda is important.”

Geri: “Speak to trans people. Listen to us, I’ll answer questions (but not inappropriate ones concerning my anatomy – that’s just rude!). There are a lot of good places on the web that will tell you everything you need to know. One very important thing to remember is being trans isn’t a choice.”   

We are extremely grateful to Geri and Sarah for speaking candidly and openly with us about a subject that is so inherently personal. 

We hope that people use LGBT History Month as an opportunity to learn more about the adversity members of the LGBTQ+ community still face and to support the community, whether through speaking up as active allies, contributing to fundraising efforts (please click here to learn more about LGBT Youth Scotland’s Purple Friday campaign) or consuming content produced by queer artists (such as music, books, films and podcasts). By taking small, positive steps, we can create a more inclusive world.

As the Dalai Lama said: “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!”

Deborah Allan, a solicitor in Shepherd and Wedderburn’s corporate team and the firm’s “Bi Role Model”.