We are who we say we are: The fight for trans recognition

Megan Butt

Comment Writer

The recent passing of the Gender Recognition Bill by Scotland’s government is a major step forward for the progression of trans rights, consequently stirring up much controversy in both the public and political eye. The bill’s main intent is to improve the process whereby trans individuals can receive gender recognition certificates (GRC). GRCs allow trans people to have their gender identity legally acknowledged, to some extent, providing them with the simple right to self-identify.

However, since the original Gender Recognition Act was implemented in 2004, this legislation is naturally outdated, making these certificates incredibly difficult to obtain. gender for two or more years. Such amendments made to the act show consideration for the harsh reality that many trans people cannot safely live as their “acquired” gender and may not have access to gender dysphoria diagnoses. Additionally, many trans people do not even experience gender dysphoria, since being trans isn’t necessarily defined by a specific physical transition in terms of one’s sex. Therefore, enacting this bill is extremely important for the health and wellbeing of many trans people across the country.

The Gender Recognition Bill implements changes to the act by lowering the requirement age from 18 to 16, removing the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and lived experience in one’s “acquired”

Nevertheless, this undemanding right to be seen for who one is has been called into question by many, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak stated that whilst decisions were made about the bill, he was taking into consideration the “concerns for women and children’s safety” and how the bill could potentially threaten this. If Sunak wholeheartedly cared about wellbeing and safety, he would understand that passing this bill would protect women and kids; trans women and trans kids. He would also treat immigrants with less hostility and more compassion. He might even consider wearing his seatbelt from time to time. Ultimately, many people justify their transphobia under the guise of concern for women and children, as if the controversy over this very bill does not go to show that trans people are the most at risk. First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, supported the bill based on the understanding trans people already face so much adversity, insisting she will not apologise for attempting to improve the quality of trans peoples’ lives.

It seems many people assume that as a result of this bill, trans people will dominate all public spaces, despite trans people making up less than 3% of the UK’s population. It is not trans people the government nor the public should be concerned about in this case, it is those who could potentially abuse bills such as this in order to cause harm to others. The matter of whether someone can assault or harm another person is not hindered nor helped by someone acquiring a GRC. For trans rights to progress, the trans existence must be depoliticized. Cis peoples’ intentions aren’t met with scepticism based on their identity, so why is this the case for trans people? Why is it always assumed trans people are predators, instead of victims themselves?