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Ask the UK’s four national sporting bodies to take a stand for trans-inclusion

In recent weeks, various international sporting bodies have announced policies effectively banning trans women from competing in international elite competition, and we hear that more may be poised to follow suit.  We think a blanket exclusion is unfair, unfounded and discriminatory, and we’re calling on the UK’s four sporting bodies to oppose trans-exclusionary approaches, and support sporting bodies to start from a point of inclusion.  If you agree with us, add your name to our open letter.  Dear Sport England, Sport Scotland, Sport Wales and Sport NI,  In recent weeks, various international sporting bodies such as Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), FINA…

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Pride Tales Tonie: Educate children about the importance of acceptance this pride month

Pride month is in full swing, but it’s not a time just for adults. Pride month is a great opportunity to educate, inform and inspire children to learn about the LGBT+ community, and this year tonies® is doing that through one of their storytelling boxes. The Pride Tales offers a wonderful introduction to the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity. tonies® carefully curated the collection to gently educate and inform children about the importance of acceptance without judgement. The Tonie takes the shape of an adorable Pride rainbow and is narrated by Strictly Come Dancing star, Johannes Radebe. Johannes’ offers…

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My residential story

From service user to role model, 20-year-old moss (they/he) reflects on how important our residential weekends have been on their journey As I traveled to my first residential in an anxious state, navigating through London with my mum by my side, I wondered whether I would fit in. I was unsure of who I was going to meet or how I would be able to talk to so many people I had only just met. I went with little expectation and a lot of nervous feelings. Meeting my family What I didn’t know was that these people were my family….

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Let kids swim: Mermaids’ statement on FINA guidance

We are incredibly disappointed that swimming has become the third international sport to decide to exclude trans people from elite competition, a decision that is already being felt at a grassroots level. Mermaids’ Verity Smith (He/Him) looks at what’s going on, and how it impacts the people we support. What’s happening? On Sunday 19 June, the International Swimming Federation (FINA), swimming’s world governing body, effectively banned trans women from competing in elite women’s races.  This new guidance says that trans women can only compete if they can prove they have “not experienced male puberty” before the age of 12 (Pink…

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Keep Trans In The Ban: What happened at the Westminster Hall debate

Mermaids’ Head of Policy & Research Kai O’Doherty attended a debate on trans-inclusion in a ban on conversion practices this week. Missed it? Here’s what happened – and what might happen next.  What happened? Yesterday (13 June 2022), MPs filled Westminster Hall to debate a public-backed petition calling for the UK Government to reverse its decision to exclude trans and non-binary people from a ban on conversion practices.  It’s been a long road to get to where we are now, with many twists and turns, which you can read about here. After witnessing previous Parliament debates which have descended into…

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Drag Race star River Medway and Mermaids collaborate on a Queen’s Speech with a difference

To mark the State Opening of Parliament 2022, we teamed up with Drag Race royalty River Medway for a Queen’s Speech with a difference! And our Queen has one message for Boris Johnson and his Government: #KeepTransInTheBan. River, who appeared on season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, says: “There are many misconceptions about support for trans youth, which is why now more than ever it is more important to continue to use our voices to educate and make a change. “The dangers and long term effects of conversion practices are far worse and more damaging than any support young…

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The State Opening of Parliament: Why it matters

On Tuesday 10 May, the State Opening of Parliament takes place, and we’ll be watching to find out if the Government plans to keep its promise and ban conversion practices after years of delays. But why is the Queen involved? Who on earth is Black Rod? And what happens if the Government don’t #KeepTransInTheBan? Read on to find out more.  What is the State Opening of Parliament?  The State Opening of Parliament, also known as the Queen’s Speech, is a ceremonial event marking the start of the parliamentary year.  An extravagant affair, it usually begins with a procession from Buckingham…

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Banning Conversion Therapy and Single-Sex Space Guidance explained live

Three of #TeamMermaids sat down on Instagram to talk about some of the most recent trans news stories that have taken place over the past couple of weeks. They talked about the ban on conversion ‘therapy’ and the EHRC’s Same-Sex Guidelines.  The chat talks about what has happened, what we are doing to support trans youth and their families, what you can do to help and most importantly some advice on what you can do to keep yourself safe. The chat was youth-focused and great for trans youth, parents, carers and professionals. Watch here: View this post on Instagram A…

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What’s going on with the Ban on Conversion Therapy?

Conversion ‘therapy’ or practices are any kind of treatment or psychological therapy that aims to suppress, “cure” or change sexual orientation and/or gender identity. For example, gay to straight, transgender to cisgender.

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