Merseyside-based queer and trans women have said the journey to equality “isn’t finished”.
In light of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, the ECHO asked LBTQ+ women what they wanted others to know as the world comes together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The event, which is celebrated globally on March 8, sees a number of missions to help forge a gender-equal world. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity and despite changing the theme annually, the core mission remains the same - celebrate women’s achievements, increase visibility and call out inequality.
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Having started more than a century ago, the day continues to be of great importance to women across the globe, including those who are lesbian, bisexual, queer and trans.
Erika Tranfield, originally from Heswall, wanted to take the day to highlight to others how barriers for LBTQ+ families are slowly coming down - albeit at a slow pace.
The microbiology scientist told the ECHO: “As a gay woman I am very proud to have a beautiful family and blessed to be a mummy of two little girls. This IWD my message is you can do anything you set your heart on. Even to achieve that dream of having a family when so many would have considered impossible not so long ago, this is now possible - go ahead and live your dreams and be the parent you always imagined being.”
Adrianne Elson, originally from the Wirral, also wanted to emphasise how trans parents are still parents regardless of others' opinions on the community and with this should come some level of respect.
The railway depot operative said: “I want people to know that personally, I have gone from being open and honest about transgender to hiding it. I rarely go out in the evenings now because I feel that I can no longer use public lavatories and I spend most of my time at work or at home. As a transgender parent, I'm fearful for my children's safety in public spaces, I feel that we have been caught up in the political crossfire of the left and right, as they jockey for position and care little for us as a community."
Assigned female at-birth drag queen Kiki Pain has worked to break boundaries in Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. The 23-year-old who now lives in Everton is surrounded not only by male counterparts in the city but in the industry as a whole. With this in mind, she recognises there is more to be done with this IWD.
The singer said: “IWD to me is something still heavily needed. Being a woman working a job that is mainly alongside men, the day gives me an opportunity to celebrate how I’ve managed to break a stereotype and hopefully gives others the chance to do the same.
“Even though I have worked hard to break boundaries, sometimes it can feel like there is no discrimination in day-to-day life, but just because you don’t feel it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate the day. There are so many of our sisters in underprivileged countries that still need our help for gender equality.”
Performer Rowena Gander is using the day as an opportunity to reflect on how she has come with not only her sexuality but her work.
The 33-year-old from Wavertree said: “As an out lesbian for 17 years, and as someone whose work negotiates themes of sexuality, power, and objectification in women, I can tell you my biggest achievement is that I am now fully visible in my artistic performance work. I didn’t always feel confident enough to be so visible.
“IWD is important to me because it encourages women to reflect on and celebrate their own and other women's accomplishments and achievements. As a woman who has much ambition and many more goals to achieve, I find it very inspiring to see women on top.”
Whereas digital user researcher Jacqui De La Maziere views the day as an opportunity to look forward to see what else needs to be done for equality.
The lesbian Navy veteran from Anfield added: “Laws don’t guarantee equality, they allow for enforcement and there is still a long way to go to ensure society is truly inclusive. In an era where women are still paid less than a man for doing the same job, it's important women have a day to get together and recognise the journey isn't finished.”
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