18 hours ago
Transgender activists and allies call for 'basic human rights' at protest
Crowds of protestors have taken to the streets in Swindon to demand 'basic human rights' for the transgender community.
The protest, which took place on Sunday morning, June 15, comes after a recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court means that transgender women, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates, are not legally recognised as women in the context of the Equality Act.
Transgender activists and allies gathered outside Regent Circus in Swindon from 10.30am to make their stance on the decision clear, in a call for 'basic human rights'.
Max Downey, who was among the protestors, told the Swindon Advertiser: "It should be a basic human right to have access to health care.
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"As a trans man, I have been struggling just to get the basic hormones. I'm now on my second GP and still having the same argument."
Andrea Downey added: "I used to be a GP and so I can say with confidence that it's difficult to find trans-friendly GPs. We need more services that support trans individuals and more support in healthcare."
Ash, Danni and Carmen were also among those who attended the Regent Circus protest dressed in pride colours and wrapped in transgender flags.
Ash told the Adver: "We're here today because we can't let our rights continue to be infringed.
"Whatever happens to the trans community affects everyone. You think it won't happen to you, but once they start taking away human rights, everybody is at risk.
"That's why we have to keep standing up for what's right and living authentically."
Joining crowds of protestors were famous Swindon twins Billy and Louie, who represented Swindon in the final of The Voice UK and have openly supported the Pride movement at various events.
The twins have previously performed at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, the group behind this recent protest.
A spokesperson for Swindon and Wiltshire Pride said: "We have amazing speakers, a trans wall of support in our Pride hub, and we are ready to make our voices heard.
"Now, more than ever, our trans family need our voices to show support, solidarity, and create change.
"We have seen too much in the recent news about our rights being stripped away, for simply existing.
"Pride started as a protest, and that is what we shall be doing. We are using our voices."
