Labour is passing through stormy waters at the moment, while cynicism is taking hold broadly in politics. That presents challenges for Labour and our wider democracy, not least in reflecting the communities we serve. Failing to look like diverse Britain reinforces ‘out of touch’ politics.
In order to become more relevant to modern Britain, Labour needs to ‘come out’ by becoming more inclusive. Labour needs to build confidence by embracing difference, as this will enable political authenticity far better than peddling dogma.
With 14 (six per cent) of Labour members of parliament identifying as gay, lesbian or bisexual and none with transgender experience, there is still much to be done, according to research conducted by Olivia Bailey for the Fabian Society. The findings reveal that LGBT Labour evidence shows that nine out of 10 LGBT councillors are men and just two are of trans experience.
Labour has a proud record in advancing LGBT rights. However, relying on this by drifting into complacency would undermine much of that social progress. At the core of those hard fought-for rights was participation, and that is why we need LGBT people leading the challenge to Tory austerity, defending public services and speaking up for our role in a reformed Europe. Our difference does not invalidate our views or minimise our stake in education or health. Indeed, many of us have children and use the National Health Service too.
Having sought to change attitudes and practices and then fail to put our own house in order would be incomprehensible. Yet it would not be unique to fail to match the rhetoric with pragmatic measures that secures tangible change. Indeed, we are at risk of taking a backward step with so much abuse and intolerance swirling around Labour at present. It does not feel the same safe space to ‘come out’ as I experienced just a few years ago.
The Fabian Society research exposes significant evidence of inappropriate scrutiny of candidates’ private lives and physical appearance in selection processes. Language can be critical here with the dog whistle used as a political ploy to promote ‘family credentials’ and a ‘straight choice’ to the cost of many who are not supposedly fit for that purpose. Even among the well-intentioned perceptions of risk prevail as they seek out ‘the ideal candidate’. This unconscious bias says more about their lack of confidence than the electability of LGBT people.
Having been longlisted for the recent Tooting by-election, my parting remarks to the solemn NEC panel dealt with the ‘risk factor’ head on. I recognised their nervousness over a potential media storm by shortlisting a disabled trans candidate. In contrasting their dilemma with Sadiq Khan’s experience of slurs about links to Islamic extremism, I argued that Labour is at its best when fighting injustice and embracing diversity. Whether Sadiq would have got the Labour nomination if these smears had been circulating before his selection is a moot point. In any case, voters are more enlightened than Labour might think – so if we trust them more, they might just start trusting Labour again.
A year after selection in Sutton and Cheam, I ‘came out’ because of the constant threat of media exposure. In an ideal world my background would have remained private. Concerned about potential negativity and the impact on my family, I concluded that taking control of my life by talking about it would best set a positive tone and help me break free from the fear and doubts.
On reflection, ‘coming out’ has enabled me to add value to the issues for change that I campaign on, as my personal journey has both synergy and resonance with what I articulate. It has been an empowering experience for me and hopefully inspired people to take a path to their liberation.
Trans people may not be ‘the ideal candidate’, but we know something about transformation, being resilient and fighting prejudice. Surely these ‘assets of difference’ can be deployed in advancing Labour’s ‘common endeavour.’
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Emily Brothers was parliamentary candidate for Sutton and Cheam in 2015 and London assembly candidate in 2016. She was Labour’s first transgender candidate for Westminster or devolved assembly. She tweets at @EBrothersLabour
You can read ‘The Ideal Candidate’ by Olivia Bailey here
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