Badges pointing out that you can’t assume someone’s gender identity and the pronouns they use will be available across the city next week.
The badges are part of a campaign to raise awareness of trans and non-binary people to mark Trans Day of Visibility on 31 March.
The badges are being made available to council and partner organisation staff, as well as members of the public who want to take part from Monday 26 March. Wearing the badges is, of course, voluntary.
Members of the public can pick up one of the badges at Jubilee Library, Hove Library, council customer service centres at Bartholomew House and Hove Town Hall, Brighton Town Hall and Hove Town Hall receptions, and the Register Office in Brighton Town Hall.
The initiative follows the city’s Trans Needs Assessment and Trans Equality Scrutiny group which identified the trans and non-binary community as a vulnerable group and highlighted the need to remove the stigma and build relationships. Similar badges were produced for the Trans and Non-Binary Conference held in the city last summer and there was enthusiastic support to roll the idea out across the city.
The campaign has been put together by the council with support and involvement from local LGBT+ community groups, including the Clare Project and Trans Alliance, the council’s LGBT Workers Forum, local NHS trusts, the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex, and Sussex Police.
The following badges will be available:
Councillor Emma Daniel, Chair of the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equality Committee said: “We all define our own gender and we should respect other people’s identities, and rights.
“Now there is more freedom and safety to be ourselves. But there’s still more to do.
“Who a person is may not match what you expect and may not be defined easily. If someone’s pronouns differ from what you assume, it’s for you to adapt and it’s okay to ask.
“We’re proud of being a diverse city, and the council is committed to equality and inclusion for all people including our trans and non-binary residents.
“Read the badge, respect people, it’s that easy.”