‘The inequality is stark’: Councillors to investigate healthcare barriers facing transgender and non-binary people in Hackney

Cllr Clare Potter. Photograph: Julia Gregory

A health watchdog will look at the medical barriers facing transgender and non-binary people as part of Hackney’s commitment to make the borough safe for all.

The council’s Health in Hackney scrutiny committee pledged to investigate during a debate in which it was stressed that human rights are “the bedrock of our society”.

A motion brought by Labour’s Clare Potter and Green leader Zoë Garbett stated: “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary.”

It aims to ensure that Hackney is a “safe, welcoming and and inclusive borough for everyone, no matter their gender identity or gender expression”.

Cllr Potter said: “We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution diversity brings.”

Residents in Hackney held a vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl found murdered in a park in Cheshire last month.

Hate crime against trans people has quadrupled over the last five years, said Cllr Potter.

Cllr Garbett seconds the motion. Photograph: Julia Gregory

The motion called for council staff to receive more training and “to consider important gestures that make it clear transgender and non-binary people are welcome.”

They are urged to use correct pronouns and call out transphobia.

The motion also asks that the needs of transgender and non-binary people at high risk of homelessness are considered in the council’s rough sleeping strategy.

The Town Hall will mark International Trans Day of Visibility on 31 March.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Garbett said: “The inequality faced by trans people is stark, with 57 per cent avoiding going to the doctor when unwell and disabled trans people more likely than trans people without disabilities to experience delays to healthcare – unacceptable inequalities caused by a combination of structural causes as well as stigma.”

She added: “In Hackney we are making a clear statement that we will do everything we can to make inclusive safe spaces.

“We must make sure we are listening to people’s experiences and do we all we can to address barriers which continue to stop trans people to fully participate in society and live full and healthy lives.”

Mayor Philip Glanville said: “We know that hate, prejudice, ignorance is rife around these issues.

“It matters because one per cent of Hackney’s residents are trans and we have the highest number of non-binary people in the UK.”

Cllr Carole Williams said the motion also ensures Hackney Council as an employer respects the identities of its staff.

Cllr Ben Hayhurst, chair of the Health in Hackney scrutiny committee, pledged to look at people’s experiences.

He cited a 2018 national survey which found that 40 per cent of trans people had a negative experience accessing healthcare. Twenty-one per cent said their specific needs had been ignored or not taken into account, and 18 per cent had avoided treatment for fear of a negative reaction.