Inaugural Trans Awareness Black Tie Dinner
About the event
The night, put on by the Hertfordshire Transgender Steering Group, was designed to raise funds for the transgender community, as well as awareness of the issues facing the community.
The event was also held in memory of Synestra De Courcy, who sadly died waiting for gender reassignment treatment.
It was an amazing night with everyone in great spirits. There was some delicious food, a silent auction, a live band, and magic. After the meal there were two short talks, one from Laura Russell, Head of Policy at Stonewwall, who started with a list of harrowing facts about the lives and experiences of transgender people before talking about Stonewall’s commitment to work with, and support for the community. After her Susie Green, Chief Executive Officer of Mermaids opened with a short video talking head from her daughter. Extremely powerful and giving real insight into the prejudice a young person growing up and trying to be themsleves can face, Susie then explained her daughter is the reason and inspiration for her to have challenged her preconceptions about trans people, and to have become such a strong voice and campaigner.
In Summary
These events always have a bitter sweet feel to them. It’s wonderful to celebrate the advances that have happened in trans rights and awareness, and empowering to see so many members of the community and allies coming out to celebrate who they are, but they also remind us just how far we all still have to go. One of the facts Laura confronted us with is that 1 in 8 Trans people are attached at work, either by a member of the public or even a colleague. When over 80% of trans people have contemplated suicide, and 48% have attempted it, it’s clear that we still have a long way to go. Healthwatch Hertfordshire have always been a keen advocate of Trans Health Equality, and in addition a proud ally. Amanda De Courcy, and the whole team, did an amazing job.
