Statement from Kezia Dugdale and Ayla Holdom
In my first interview as incoming Chair of Stonewall, I was asked a question about JK Rowling. In answering, I should have been absolutely unequivocal that I would never condone behaviour from anyone that seeks to or causes harm to anyone in our community. That is a red line for me and should be for all of us. I understand the interview has caused worry, anger and upset and I am truly sorry about that.
In a world that is increasingly polarised and in which trans people have been under continuous attack for the last decade or more, I was excited to be appointed Chair of Stonewall. I applied for the role because Stonewall works for the whole LGBTQ+ community. I would not have applied or have wanted to lead a charity that was not inclusive of the whole community because my feminism is and has always been trans inclusive.
As a Member of the Scottish Parliament I worked with many of the LGBTQ+ charities in Scotland. I campaigned for and represented members of the trans community who found themselves repeatedly fighting for the most basic dignity, access to healthcare and the right to live peaceful and fulfilling lives as their true selves. I voted and campaigned for self-ID in the Scottish Parliament and have repeatedly put on record over many years the importance of protecting trans rights.
Trans inclusion is at the heart of Stonewall’s strategy, published last year. That will not change. My term as Chair starts in September. Over the coming months, along with the current Chair Ayla Holdom, the CEO Simon Blake and the rest of the team I look forward to having conversations with as many of you as I can. Together, we want to seek new ways to make progress and push for equality, building on progressive dialogue and starting – always – from a place of inclusion.
Please know I won’t rest until everyone across the whole LGBTQ+ community has equal rights.
Much to ponder.
