Video Killed the Trade Union Spart

Thursday I took part in my first ever video conference.

The meeting was Unisons Trans Caucus, which in a nutshell is the core of Transgendered Unsion activists opportunity to tackle those equality matters, that matter the most to us.

I did my bit from the basement of Unison’s Birmingham offices. When I say Basement, it is a well appointed meeting room, but it still had that characteristic muffled ambience and lack of natural light.

The meeting was to discuss the upcoming Parliamentary Equality Bill  in relation to Transgendered discrimination. I was a bit early so I sat and placed with the video camera, to try and get my best look on screen. After a bit I decided I looked best if I just sat underneath the table, but I guess hiding from view somewhat negates the point of a video conference. I then decided I ought to familiarise myself with the matter at hand, as typically I had failed to read the Bill in depth. All too soon the screen flashed up an incoming call. Guess I would just have to wing it, for a change! It took a little time to get used to this method on holding a meeting. The inevitable short delays meant it was important to try not to talk over each other, else we all just ended up saying sorry and excuse me to each other repeatedly.

Being serious for a moment (at last !) The new Bill is an improvement but it typically does not go far enough.

There is not any improvement for the protection of children in schools from bullying and harassment related to gender identity, either their own or a relative.

There are also some worrying exceptions contained in the guidance around provision of services. Such as it may be reasonable to exclude a trans woman from a communal changing room in a shop if certain considerations are made by the proprietor. This is irrespective as to whether the woman has completed transition and has undergone GRS (Gender reassignment Surgery). Now there is nothing that would horrify me more than using a communal room to try clothes on, but as a woman I want that right. Any exceptions in legislation that set me apart from other women, lessen me by a degree each time, so unreasonable exceptions such of this are damaging. I see no need for this sort of exception and think it could be the slippery slope, thin end wedge type thing.

Anyway we had an excellent debate and found a sensible focus for our future campaigning.