A Conservative politician has come out as transgender, making him the UK’s first openly trans member of parliament.
Jamie Wallis, MP for Bridgend and Porthcawl, said he had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and wanted to transition.
In a statement posted online on Wednesday morning the MP said he was not sure how to proceed, but wanted to make the situation public.
“I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be. I’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I’ve felt this way since I was a very young child,” Wallis said.
“I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud.”
Mr Wallis added: “I have never lived my truth and I’m not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone.”
In a follow-up statement the MP said that for now he would continue to use he/him pronouns and “continue to present as I always have”.
Wallis added he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by a previous attempt to blackmail him about his gender, and an incident of rape, which had left him “not OK”.
The MP won praise from across the political spectrum for show “bravery” in talking about his situation.
Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, said: “Well done Jamie Wallis for speaking out and your brave statement. We stand with you.” Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy added: “An incredibly brave and dignified statement from Jamie Wallis. This sends a powerful message to the whole of the Commons and the whole of the country.”
Liberal Democrat Layla Moran said: “Sending loads of support, Jamie. I hope you’ll be overwhelmed by love for taking the plunge and revealing your truth.” While SNP frontbencher Stewart McDonald said: “The step you have taken in sharing this with us all is one of exceptional courage, and the next steps won’t be alone. All power to you, Jamie.”
Boris Johnson – who the night before had cracked a joke about trans people at a dinner of Conservative MPs – said: “Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you Jamie Wallis for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others.
“The Conservative Party I lead will always give you, and everyone else, the love and support you need to be yourself.”
