City of Edinburgh Leader Cammy Day today (20 April 2023) hosted a roundtable discussion with representatives of the Trans Community in Edinburgh.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Day said:
Edinburgh has always been a welcoming and inclusive city – and we’re rightly proud of our thriving LGBTQ+ community.
Social acceptance of those who identify as LGBTQ+ has, thankfully, increased over recent decades, but discrimination is sadly all too common. An attack on anyone because of their sexual
orientation or transgender identity, or their race, religion or disability is abhorrent. On behalf of the whole Council, I repeat my call for tolerance, understanding and respect right across our city.While we’ve undoubtedly made progress since Section 28 was repealed 20 years ago, parts of the community sadly still come under attack and it’s more important than ever to demonstrate our Capital city’s support – as I’ve done many times over as Council Leader.
We are proud to be a LGBTQ+ friendly Council with guidance on supporting Transgender Colleagues who may have undergone, be in the process of, or about to undertake the process of transition. There is always more that we can be doing, that’s why I was delighted to welcome – and host - today’s meeting representatives of the Trans community where we discussed the actions that we can take to uphold their rights and continue to support them in whatever way we can.
Our discussions today and further discussions and engagement will inform a report into how council services can be more inclusive of trans people. I look forward to sharing this report with the group and continuing our dialogue to making our services as inclusive as possible for everyone in the city.