Summary
Stand Up for Trans+ Rights: Join the Mass Lobby of MPs on June 25th! is a crucial event in Westminster aiming to protect trans+ rights in the UK by urging MPs to prevent the EHRC's Interim Update to the Equality Act from becoming law, as it could devastatingly impact trans+ people's lives.
Stand Up for Trans+ Rights: Join the Mass Lobby of MPs on June 25th!
On June 25th, from 1 PM to 4 PM, Westminster will host a crucial “Unite for Trans+ Rights” mass lobby of MPs.
Organised by the Trans Solidarity Alliance, this event aims to demonstrate widespread support for protecting trans+ rights in the UK, educate lawmakers, and urge them to prevent any measures that would make trans+ people’s lives “less free and less safe”.
SIGN UP FOR THE LOBBY HERE
Why Your Voice Matters:
The impetus behind this lobby against the Interim Update to the Equality Act, produced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). If implemented, this guidance could have a “devastating impact” on the daily lives of trans+ people, potentially excluding them from essential spaces like specialist support services, gyms, and even public toilets. This lobby is a direct call to parliamentarians to “step up and speak out NOW” to prevent this draft guidance from becoming law and making the UK a “global outlier on LGBTQIA+ rights”. The time to act is now.
What is a Mass Lobby?
A mass lobby is a powerful and effective way for constituents and UK citizens to engage directly with their elected representatives. It involves arranging meetings with MPs or members of the House of Lords in Parliament on the same day, clearly demonstrating passion for an issue and encouraging concrete action.
How to Participate: A Step-by-Step Guide:
- Register & Contact Your MP: Begin by registering your attendance. Next, email your MP to request a meeting in Westminster Hall on June 25th between 1 PM and 4 PM. Even without an appointment, you should still attend and ‘green card’ your MP, requesting a same-day meeting through Parliamentary staff. This involves filling out a green card with your details and the issue you want to discuss, which will be delivered to your MP’s office. The more participants, the stronger the message.
- Prepare for the Day: Travel & Security: Allow at least 30 minutes for airport-style security at the Cromwell Green entrance. You can request a search by a staff member of your preferred gender, and Trans+ Solidarity Alliance team will be present for support.
- What to Bring (or Not): Water is allowed. However, political slogans (including LGBTQIA+ rights slogans in this context), posters, banners, and flags are banned. Chanting is strictly prohibited inside Westminster Hall and could lead to removal.
- Accessibility & Facilities: Westminster Hall is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. It has a public cafe, all-gender, and accessible toilets.
- What to Say:Â Prepare using detailed briefing notes and Q&A; leaflets will also be available on the day. Personal stories about the draft code’s impact are highly influential. Your story matters. Volunteers can offer advice on persuading politicians, but your personal experience is a powerful tool in this fight.
- On the Day of Arrival & Engagement: Upon arrival at Cromwell Green, state your purpose to security. After security, head to Westminster Hall and check in with the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance Team to track attendance and receive a leaflet. If you have a meeting, follow your MP’s guidance; if not, staff can help you ‘green card’ them. Even if an MP isn’t available, green carding shows your passion, and you can leave a statement.
- Meeting Your MP & Support: When meeting your MP, thank them, confirm their time, convey key messages, and try for a photo. A quiet room with volunteers will be available in Westminster Hall for emotional support. These volunteers are trained to provide a listening ear and can offer advice on how to handle difficult conversations.
- Check Out & Amplify: After your meeting (or if your MP is unavailable), please check out promptly at the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance desk to allow others entry. Visit the team in Parliament Square afterwards to share your experience on social media, ensuring the lobby’s impact is seen beyond Westminster. Your voice matters, and sharing your experience can inspire others to join the cause.
Your participation in this mass lobby is a crucial step to “stand up for trans+ people in the UK”. Register today and read the briefing notes to be fully prepared.
SIGN UP FOR THE LOBBY HERE:
For any questions, contact:Â Â Â info@transsolidarityalliance.com