Cllr Emma Daniel, Committee Chair Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee, Brighton & Hove City Council said:
“I personally find what Germaine Greer has reportedly said about trans people abhorrent. Brighton & Hove is proud of our trans communities and we’re recognised internationally as a trans friendly city.
“In the last year some of the work we’ve directly commissioned or supported includes the installation of gender neutral toilets across the city, really crucial training for people working in adult social care, children’s services, schools, universities and the health sector. A pilot workshop for parents and carers on LGBT identities is taking place in Varndean and Stringer schools this month; co-ordinated by the council.
“The ‘My Life’ portal was launched in June 2016 which hosts local and national support groups and organisations supporting the trans community and we held the city’s first Trans Conference last year which was well attended and well received; we’re now organising another conference planned for July 2017.
“Despite this and much other work happening across the city, there’s still quite some way to go before all members of the trans community are able to go about their lives in a way in which most of us take for granted.
“The events and speakers organised for International Women’s Day are outside of the council’s jurisdiction, but putting aside my own very strong feelings about transphobia, I support the stance that given the proliferation of extreme views and the exploitative methods being used to extol opinions and beliefs that deny tolerance and prevent acceptance; that it’s now more important than ever to be able hear and consider different ways of thinking; without fear.
“We will always seek out opportunities to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities for our trans communities and I know there’s no other city in the world that stands a better chance of changing Germaine Greer’s mind on trans communities than Brighton & Hove, let’s do this, peacefully; respectfully and intelligently.”