In light of recent events, it would seem a good time for the trans* communities to try to recognise some of the work done to champion trans rights over the last few years.
The rules are simple. Nominations are open for any politician elected to public office, who people feel have made a positive difference to the lives of trans people, covering the whole period of the equal marriage consultation and subsequent legislation. Initially, nominations were to be restricted to allies only as otherwise it could end up being divisive, but after discussion on twitter nominations will be allowed for anyone. Unless someone else feels like coming out, this is a very short list.
Nominations will be open until 5pm on Friday, 1st November and can be made by commenting below, via twitter (@zoeimogen) or EMail (zoe@complicity.co.uk). Nominations may be anonymous – please indicate if this is the case – and you may nominate more than one person. “Trans” in this context is as people self-identify.
Shortly after nominations close, the final result will be decided by public vote. You can not vote yet.
Below is a list of the nominations as received so far.
 Baroness BarkerOpenly lesbian, spoke in defence of trans rights during the passage of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill through the House of Lords. |
 Hugh Bayley MPMember of Parliament for York Central |
 Cllr Sarah Brown“The Cambridge Councillor is the only out transgender politician in Britain. Representing the Liberal Democrats for the Petersfield Ward, Brown has been made the Executive Councillor for Community Well-Being this year. A member of the LGBT and Liberal Democrats Executive, she is also an advocate for equal marriage.†– Independent on Sunday Pink List |
 Michael Cashman MEP “…who said “We have to start saying Trans before we say LGB” at Work Place Pride this year, particularly relevant in light of @pinknews awards” – @natachakennedy “Founder of Stonewall, an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society and a Patron of The Food Chain, a London-based HIV charity.†– Wikipedia |
 Lynne Featherstone MP Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green, Former Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Equalities “The Lib Dem MP launched the consultation by the UK government on introducing equal marriage and was the first politician to take part in the Out4Marriage campaign.†– Independent on Sunday Pink List |
| Mike Freer MP “Mike Freer, the Conservative MP for Margaret Thatcher’s old seat, Golders Green and East Finchley, made one of the more moving speeches in the debate. He said that he was proud of his civil partnership, but wanted to be married like other people: “Many argue that we should be content with our civil partnership – after all it affords all of the same legal protections as marriage – but I ask my married colleagues, did you get married for legal protections it afforded you?†He concluded: “I’m not asking for special treatment, I am simply asking for equal treatment.— – Independent on Sunday Pink List |
| Baroness Gould Chair of the Parliamentary Forum on Gender Identity. Spoke very effectively in defence of trans rights during the passage of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill through the House of Lords. |
| Kate Green MP Member of Parliament for Stretford and Urmston, Shadow Minister of State for Equalities |
 Julian Huppert MP Member of Parliament for Cambridge “Can’t remember any other politician speaking so forcefully on issues affecting T* people” – @annajayne “…for good work re marriage plus support shown to on-binary people” – @jennie_kermode “…for the non-binary stuff, but also for just general “getting” of the topic” – @loyaultemelie |
Caroline Lucas MP Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion |
Kerry McCarthy MP Member of Parliament for Bristol East, Shadow Foreign Office Minister |