Scotland to host biggest push for Trans and Intersex rights
By Sam Rigby
Scotland will host its inaugural conference for trans and intersex rights later this week.
The Scottish Transgender Alliance has organised the event, which will take place in Edinburgh from Friday (October 31) until Sunday (November 2).
The event will call for support from the Scottish government and public service providers to combat the disturbing levels of discrimination directed at transgender and intersex people in society.
While there has been monumental progress in gay rights in Scotland, the human rights of transgender and intersex are still not protected by law.
Nathan Gale, Scottish Transgender Alliance Policy Officer for the Equality Network, said: “Scotland likes to pride itself on our ambition to create a fair and equal society for everyone, but the rights of transgender and intersex people are too often left behind.
“In 2014, equality under the law should be a minimum standard for all citizens but for trans and intersex people we still haven’t achieved it. We also have much further to go to ensure that people no longer experience prejudice and discrimination in their day-to-day lives.
“We cannot truly say that Scotland stands for equality while trans and intersex people are still unable to access basic services that meet their needs, or even walk down the street without fear of getting abused. That’s why we are holding this conference and calling on the Scottish Government and public bodies to take action.”
It is reported that 98% of transgender people in Scotland has been the victim of verbal or physical abuse as a result of their gender status.
Cate Lauder, a transgender woman from Edinburgh, commented: “As a trans woman you learn to put up with abuse on a daily basis. I have lost count of how many times people have shouted offensive comments, given me dirty looks, or laughed at me in the street. I’ve even been groped on a few occasions and asked about my genitals by complete strangers.
“I like to think of myself as a confident person, but it can be really humiliating and sometimes you get scared that it could turn violent. No one should have to put up with that.”
Over 150 activists will attend this weekend’s conference – click here for more details about the event.