Trans Awareness Week: Liberal Democrats reaffirm support for trans rights
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The Liberal Democrats have used Trans Awareness Week to restate their commitment to equality for trans and non-binary people, highlighting what they describe as persistent barriers to healthcare, safety and legal recognition in the UK. The party points to figures suggesting that between 62 and 73% of trans people have experienced harassment or violence because of their identity, while official data shows reported hate crimes against trans individuals have almost doubled in the past five years. Access to NHS gender-affirming care remains slow, with waiting times for specialist services often stretching into years.
In a statement, the party said that no one should have to fight so hard to be treated with dignity and respect. At the same time, it acknowledged that the wider conversation around gender identity and law reform has become increasingly contentious, with strong views on all sides.
This Trans Awareness Week, we stand proudly alongside trans and non-binary people across the UK
The Liberal Democrats were instrumental in repealing Section 28, the law introduced by the Conservatives that prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities, thanks to a clause moved by current leader Ed Davey. Former MP Lynne Featherstone played a key role in legalising same-sex marriage, while John Leech secured pardons for those criminalised under historic anti-gay laws. Party representatives say that this record underpins their current stance on trans equality.
Earlier this year, the party adopted a policy paper titled Free to Be Who You Are, which sets out proposals aimed at improving equality and access to services. These include reducing waiting times for gender-identity services, reforming the gender recognition process to remove medical report requirements and recognise non-binary identities in law, banning conversion therapy, and strengthening protections against discrimination in workplaces, schools, and public services. The paper also calls for a new LGBTQ+ Action Plan to coordinate government efforts.
“This Trans Awareness Week, we stand proudly alongside trans and non-binary people across the UK - celebrating their strength, creativity and courage, while recognising how far Britain still has to go,” the statement concluded.
