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As a guest on the new podcast The Vanity Project, legendary LGBT+ activist Peter Tatchell has discussed forgiving the older generation who might not have got everything right.
“An older generation comes to LGBT+ issues from a very different background, so we have to make some allowances – not a free pass – but a gentle, kind approach, is better than treating them as terrible, bad people,” Tatchell said.
The well-known campaigner also said that whilst the UK is mainly leading the way with LGBT rights, “we are lagging behind on trans issues.” He said, “we need to make it easier for trans people to get their gender recognition certificate. Trans self-ID by statutory declaration, which exists in European countries [and recently past in New Zealand – Ed], seems like the sensible way to go. So, why the delay?”
On the issue of no-platforming bigots, Tatchell says he thinks it is important to debate with those we disagree. Talking about a BBC debate Tatchell did with gender-critical journalist Julie Bindell, Tatchell said, “we went on the programme to debate her and show why she was wrong – we won over the audience and most people after the debate were on the side of trans people.”
Peter Tatchell says there is still work to be done on changing public opinion, stating that “16% of the (UK) public still believe homosexuality is mostly or always wrong – that’s great progress but is still nearly 1 in 5.” He added, “whilst it is a minority, they tend to be very vocal. There is a vocal minority and they are still out to get us.”
On the British Government’s promise to ban Conversion Therapy, Tatchell said, “the Government could take the legislation, lock, stock and barrel from the Australian state of Victoria. They could do it tomorrow. The Government is dithering and delaying. Importantly, it doesn’t work. It’s not just harmful but it also just doesn’t work. It’s a fraud.”
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