This account is no longer in use. The Equality Network is a leading Scottish LGBTI equality and human rights charity.
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ALT Text of first third of letter: Scapegoating a minority Guy Stenhouse ("Only Kemi Badenoch can save the UK", The Herald, January 11) writes that "a considerable amount of evidence and common sense" supports the view that trans people are and remain the sex/gender they were assigned at birth. In the spirit of the good natured debate that Mr Stenhouse praises, he is mistaken. In reality (and despite the Nazis' attempt to destroy the early research in the infamous Bebelplatz book burning), there is over a century of clear scientific evidence of the existence of trans people and the reality of their gender identity.
ALT Text of second third of letter: As for common sense, a few decades ago, it was common sense that gay people like me were mentally ill - after all, humans evolved to reproduce, didn't we? Common sense can be mistaken, especially about relatively emerging issues. Mr Stenhouse claims that a majority of the population quietly share his views on trans people. In fact, YouGov found in 2022 that 55% of people in the UK support trans people's right to identify as a different sex to that registered at birth, while only 25% oppose it. Amongst those who actually know a trans person, more than 70% are in support.
ALT Text of final third of letter: Pollsters More in Common find this week that trans issues are in the top three concerns for just 2% of UK voters (probably trans people and their friends). They find that the cost of living and the NHS are overwhelmingly people's main concerns. People are not scunnered with politicians because the law recognises trans people. We see the richest getting richer while the rest of us find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Public services seem less and less sufficiently resourced. Contrary to his suggestion that he might, Mr Stenhouse will of course not have a hate crime incident recorded for his views. But it is a pity that he is giving support to one of the oldest lines in the book of those who want power but have no better answer - scapegoat a minority. Tim Hopkins, Edinburgh
ALT An image of a large group of smiling people, they are holding up signs that say ‘I support Equal Marriage’, in the front of the picture are people holding big banners that say ‘Scotland backs Equal Marriage’. Below this is text which reads ‘Over the past 10 years we have faced a lot together, and our fight is far from over. Those protesting against LGBTI+ Equality and Human Rights will not win. Together we’ll make sure of that. #TogetherWeveGotThis #EqualMarriageAt10’. At the bottom of the graphic is the Equality Network logo and text which reads: ‘Let’s keep creating change – together: equality-network.org/donate’
ALT Image is a nonbinary flag with the words ‘Non-Binary Action Plan, update’ across it.
ALT Graphic that reads 'Gender Affirming Clothes and Gift Swap! Come along and swap your unloved or preloved gifts and clothes for something more your style! 6th January 6:30-8pm at SHRUB Coop 22 Bread St. Edinburgh'. There is an illustration of a clothes rail with rainbow coloured clothes hanging on it.
ALT A picture of a person from behind, they are holding a sign that says 'I Support Equal Marriage'. They have a rainbow pride flag tied around them and its raining. Next to the picture is text that reads 'So much has changed since we won with the Equal Marriage Campaign 10 years ago. Remember - we have weathered many storms, and together we will do it again! #EqualMarriageAt10 #TogetherWeveGotThis'
ALT Graphic of a handprint that is coloured to look like the progress pride flag. There is text which reads 'LGBTIA+ rights are human rights #HumanRightsDay'. In the bottom left corner is the Equality Network logo.