As the festive season approaches and schools prepare to break for the end of term, the UK Government has released draft trans guidance for schools and colleges in England, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from all of us here at Manchester Pride. The guidance, allegedly aimed at nurturing a conducive learning environment, seems to fall drastically short of providing the inclusive and supportive space that every young person deserves.

Manchester Pride strongly opposes this Government's persistent efforts to create a hostile environment for trans and non-binary young people. At the core of this dissent lies the fundamental belief that all young people should have the right to an accepting and supportive school environment—a place where they can freely embrace and express their authentic selves without fear or discrimination.

Of particular concern are the provisions within this draft guidance that entail automatically excluding trans pupils from facilities, imposing sport bans, and allowing students to be misgendered. Such measures seem at odds with existing equalities law and fundamentally clash with the principles of inclusivity and respect that are vital for young people to be able to learn.

Rather than aligning with best practices established by inclusive educators across the UK and listening to the voices of trans youth, the Government's guidance has introduced perplexing and harmful directives, adding confusion for schools and jeopardising the safety of young individuals.

It's heartening to note that the overwhelming majority of teachers and parents stand in solidarity, recognising the imperative for safe and supportive spaces for trans pupils. Many are poised to disregard these discriminatory guidelines, which, notably, are non-compulsory at the present time.

It's crucial to reassure our communities that, despite this guidance being issued, no immediate changes will take effect. This remains advisory at this stage. However, the implications and potential impact are concerning. The timing of this guidance's release, strategically placed just before the parliamentary recess and during the festive period, when schools are about to close for the holidays, hasn't gone unnoticed.

In response to this regressive step, Manchester Pride urges immediate action. It's imperative to call upon Members of Parliament to vocally oppose this proposed guidance and rally support for the campaign to establish safe, nurturing environments in schools for all students, irrespective of their gender identity. We encourage our communities to write to their MP to ask them to speak out against the proposed guidance. 

Together, we stand resilient against discrimination, united in our determination to create safer and more accepting spaces for all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity or expression.