Transgender politicians

Labour have announced to great fanfare here, here, and here, that they are fielding the first ever trans candidate in British parliamentary elections, which of course, just isn’t true. 

You can find a more truthful history of trans candidates in the UK written by someone who has researched the subject and  shows her working! 

It's also sad that Emily herself hasn't corrected this untruth on her own website. 

So while I'm pleased that Labour has selected a trans woman to stand for parliament, I am not pleased by the two articles yesterday in the Evening Standard and the Pink News both repeating the lie that she is the first, which seems to have been repeated across the media today. 

As a transgender Green I want the Green Party to be recognised for their achievement in selecting two trans candidates before Labour selected one! 

And I want trans women from previous elections to be recognised for their achievements too.  The Liberal Democrats and the SNP should both be applauded for fielding trans candidates as long ago as 2005 and 1992. 

I would never pretend to be the first trans candidate for political gain. I recognise that I owe a debt to those going before me and I'm more than happy to take 5th place as a trans person and 4th place as a trans woman.

The true achievement this time has been Charlie Kiss standing. The first trans man as far as we know, ever to stand, who was selected back in 2013.

Charlie Kiss, PPC for Islington South & Finsbury

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Introduction

My name is Stella Gardiner and I have been selected as the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Bexleyheath and Crayford.
I have been a Green Party member since 1993.  Before that I was in the Labour Party but left as the party drifted ever rightwards.
In my younger years I was active in CND, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, & Earth First. I took part in protests designed to raise awareness about environmental issues such as traffic reduction,destruction of habitat, climate change and nuclear power.

I now work as an environmentalist and deal with sustainability issues on a weekly basis. I’m particularly passionate about transport, wildlife, trans rights, & women’s rights.

Most recently I’ve been active in Bexley Cycling Campaign and various LGBT organisations, including my workplace network, and my union LGBT network.

I am transgendered, and also on the autistic spectrum. As such I believe in equality for all and that we should all have equal access to opportunities in society, including good housing, jobs, fair pay, education and representation in politics.
I believe my personal experiences, that of being transgendered and autistic give me a particular insight into the struggles that face disadvantaged people. 

Stella Gardiner