Fresh research into gender identity shows widespread support for trans inclusion in public services.
An online survey, undertaken by the City of London Corporation, received over 21,000 responses. The majority of respondents agreed that trans people should be able to access services relating to their gender identity, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
The public consultation was carried out as part of the City Corporation’s ongoing work to make sure its services, both within and outside the Square Mile, are inclusive.
The survey, which sought to capture the views of those who use the local authority’s services, particularly City residents, workers and visitors, was open from 25 July to 14 September 2018.
Across all respondents 70%, were in favour of trans inclusion generally.
Some 81% of respondents agreed that a person may come to feel their gender is different from that assigned to them at birth, while 74% agreed that in these circumstances, they should be accepted by society in their stated gender identity.
The majority, 68%, agreed that trans people should be able to access services that match their gender identity, and 67% thought that, where access to services or facilities are restricted by gender, those restrictions should relate to the user’s gender identity.
Edward Lord, chair of the establishment committee, which leads on the City Corporation’s workforce and inclusion policies, said: “These results show that the overwhelming majority of people want to ensure public services do not discriminate against trans people.
“We all have a responsibility to respect all communities and ensure that equality and basic human rights are upheld.
“Our vision is to build and support a strong, sustainable and cohesive society in the Capital and beyond.
“We aspire to be a leader in equality and inclusion, serving a wide range of communities including Londoners, UK and international visitors, City residents and workers, businesses and our own staff.
“We will use this survey to inform our own policy on gender identity to help make sure our own services and workplaces are fully inclusive.”
