Here in Wales the LGBT+ community has continued to flourish and support eachother through difficult situations. With acknowledged dates in the calendar that bring awareness to specific groups, various different members of the community are remembered and celebrated.
One of the most significant weeks in the LGBT+ calendar is Transgender Awareness Week. From November 13-19, the annual week is used to bring awareness transgender and non-binary people.
These individuals have been making great steps forwards to make life better for members of their community. In no particular order, here are some amazing trans and non-binary people making a difference in Wales.
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Emily Bridges
A proud trans athlete, Emily Bridges came out in October 2020 and has continued to be a pioneer for her community. After the Welsh athlete made headlines after her attempt to join the British championship was blocked by her sport’s world governing body, Prime Minister Boris Johnson waded into the row. That led to threats against her, but rather than shy away she used her profile to explain how language can be so damaging, particularly to the trans community. Emily has continued to advocate online for LGBT+ acceptance both on and off the track, winning awards for her openness and positive work.
Shash Appan
Shash has continued to be a vocal ally for her community. She is the co-founder of the voluntary group Trans Aid Cymru, which has helped transgender people in Wales with finances, food and transport. She is a part of the Trans Safety Network, and has been working with the network to monitor organises harm efforts and threats targeting the transgender communities specifically. Shash has lent her voice to helping ensure that conversion therapy is banned for transgender people and spoken to the likes of the BBC and ITV to highlight the need of protesting for a blanket ban on LGBT+ conversion therapy. Recently, Shash accepted the "Charity Of The Year Award" at Trans in the City for Trans Aid Cymru's phenomenal work.
Kay R Dennis
Kay R Dennis has been instrumental in their support and advocacy of transgender and non-binary students during their time as a sabbatical officer, by advising their university council, trustee board, NUS Wales and other stakeholders on the challenges and support networks that LGBT+ people need in order to thrive. They are also heavily involved with the arts sector in Wales and aim to make the arts a more inclusive and welcoming space for all, by working with organisations to develop strategies and training plans. They are an emerging theatre maker, writing about identity and creating work for those who don’t see themselves reflected in the arts.
Kate Hutchinson
Kate Hutchinson advises councils and teaching unions across Wales and England about trans inclusion in education. She sits on the management committee at education charity Schools Out UK and is chair of Pride Wrexham, Trans Officer at Pride Cymru and Trans officer at Chester Pride. In November of last year, she organised a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil outside the Senedd in order to raise visibility and awareness of the need for trans equality. Kate has recently become a trustee for Pride Cymru, whom she's worked with for many years.
Luke Blaidd
Luke Blaidd is a gold mine for LGBT+ history and Welsh-English translation. Working on the first Welsh-English LGBT+ dictionary 'Llyfr Enfys', the project hopes to bring to light the Welsh literature of LGBT+ culture. Recently, Luke has dedicated time to producing LGBT+ focused blogs for Hanes LHDT+ Cymru and contributed to the Trawsnewid Festival 2022, where he spoke on panels and produced an art piece about Welsh LGBT+ terminology.
Reverend Sarah Jones
Reverend Sarah Jones has worked to prove that being LGBT+ and religious can work in harmony. Telling WalesOnline in the past that God "transcends gender" she is currently a priest at St John's Church in Cardiff. She has used her platform to support members of the community, speaking at various vigils across Wales, she continues to call out bias, even her own church, when she thinks decisions are the wrong ones.
Sarah Lynn
Sarah Lynn’s role with Impact (formerly Out and Proud), Cardiff's LGBTQ+ youth group has meant it has not only kept going but grown ensuring there is always a safe space in Cardiff for LGBTQ+ young people. In 2021, they were part of the Samaritans’ efforts to be present at virtual Prides throughout the year, something the person nominator described as "groundbreaking" for the organisation. Now, Head of Equity, diversity and inclusion at Samaritans, Sarah is leading on the organisation's equity, diversity and inclusion work.
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