Solidarity with Trans, Intersex and Non-Binary People Statement 

As part of Arika’s beliefs and in conjunction with both our public and Local organising programmes we want to extend solidarity to Trans, Intersex and Non-Binary people via the following statement. Those most directly affected by a specific oppression are those best placed to develop methods to overcome it. Trans, non-binary and intersex movement in the UK and globally has suggested a variety of approaches to bring about an end to prejudice and violence against them. To further these approaches, we first advocate for:

• Recognition that the social categories of Trans, non-binary and intersex people are both complex and evolving ones and yet simultaneously anchored in very specific historical struggles and identities
• Recognition that other social categories of people are in a variety of complex interrelationships with trans, non-binary and intersex desire and identities
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are subject to high rates of physical violence based upon their identities
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are subject to sexual violence based upon their identities
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are subject to a greater amount of physical violence and control from state agencies based upon their identities
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are systemically disenfranchised from societal power
• Recognition that intimate relationships and shared sexuality between trans, non-binary and intersex people are societally devalued
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are – as an overall social grouping – comparatively economically devalued and impoverished
• Recognition that trans, non-binary and intersex people are consistently depicted in transphobic and demeaning ways – including disrespectful attitudes towards intersex and non-binary people – via mediums of public communication (e.g. film, advertising, visual art, TV & radio broadcasting etc.)
• Recognition that public healthcare frequently does not take the range of specific needs of trans, non-binary and intersex people into account or respect their bodily autonomy
• Recognition that patriarchy does not necessarily prevent trans, non-binary and intersex people from having agency or abusing power over others and that whilst the greatest suffering is experienced by those who are directly oppressed, the oppressor too is damaged
• Recognition that patriarchy places untenable and contradictory demands upon trans, non-binary and intersex people which contributes to a culture of internalised oppression and self-harm
• Recognition that the direct and lateral communication by trans, non-binary and intersex people on the above areas of concern and many other matters is consistently invisibilised and actively eradicated from public view
• Recognition that a vast expanse of culture, wisdom, art, joy, science and liberating insight has been generated by trans, non-binary and intersex people
• Recognition that these achievements are sometimes subject to cultural appropriation and commercial exploitation by more dominant social groups

We recognise that the following reforms would reduce suffering and save lives:

• Enforcement and/or development of legislation that aims to prevent discrimination, hate speech and physical attacks against trans, non-binary and intersex people
• Due diligence and investment of resources in investigating crimes against trans, non-binary and intersex people
• An immediate end to the prison industrial complex to be replaced with more humane ways of collectively preventing acts of violence and abuse of power
• A process of affirmative action to ensure an equitable involvement of trans, non-binary and intersex people in societal decision making and cultural processes and educational and employment opportunities
• Affirmative action that involves the support of autonomous organisations/projects/culture/other provisions by and for trans, non-binary and intersex people
• Active solidarity from other all other social groups for trans, non-binary and intersex people
• Provision of a universal basic income
• Provision of suitable, safe, healthy accommodation on a universal basis
• An end to workplace expectations that entail working anti-social and/or long hours
• Access to free universal healthcare of a high standard with an inbuilt commitment to the support of trans, non-binary and intersex people’s bodily autonomy
• Such healthcare provision would include access to desired surgeries, medications and freedom from non-consensual surgeries and medications
• A societal wide commitment to reproductive justice (that is inclusive of the needs of trans people of all genders, non-binary people and intersex people)
• Exemplary training created in consultation with trans, non-binary and intersex people to ensure that all medical staff undergo thorough awareness training in conjunction with a robust independent complaints procedure to ensure trans, non-binary and intersex people feel safe to access medical services
• With regards the ongoing proposed reforms to gender recognition, we support self-ID for trans, non-binary and intersex people, acknowledging that the current processes for obtaining gender recognition are overly complex, prolonged and demeaning
• Formal recognition of non-binary identities alongside well thought out provision of services and spaces for non-binary people

The above listed reforms are both critical and yet inherently limited in nature. We are clear that for full liberation of trans, non-binary and intersex people to come about change on a profound, revolutionary, level is necessary. For such changes to occur would entail the end of patriarchy, capitalism and white supremacy. This would involve collective re-organisation of society on a mass level and equitable redistribution of resources and decision-making powers.

The process of struggling for these changes – both long term and immediate – is complex and takes place in challenging circumstances. We recognise that trans, non-binary and intersex people are best placed to develop effective strategies and guiding visions around the eradication of their oppression. Our intent is always to be especially mindful of the approaches and ideas recommended by trans, non-binary and intersex people. However, the process of ending multiple forms of oppression against trans, non-binary and intersex people and creating a society based on principals of respect for people of all genders is inherently a matter of collective responsibility, to which we can all directly contribute.