Sparkle on Trans Rights: “The Ability to Express Our Individual Identity Is an Inalienable Human Right”

Sparkle is a national charity dedicated to supporting the lives of transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming people. myGwork reached out to Sparkle to discuss the work they do, and their advice for workplaces that want to be more inclusive of diverse gender identities.

Could you tell us a little bit about your charity and the work that you do?

Sparkle – The National Transgender Charity’s main activity is organizing the annual Sparkle Weekend in Manchester, and 2023 will be our 18th year. The event started as a small social gathering organized by and for the local trans community, and has since grown and grown – and is now the world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity.

Sparkle became a registered charity in 2011, so a few years before larger organizations like Stonewall and the LGBT Foundation became trans-inclusive. The event has given us a massive platform from which we’re able to engage with businesses and third-sector organizations and create a positive impact for their trans, non-binary and gender expansive stakeholders. As Vice Chair, my role is to support my Chair of Trustees Vicki Mulligan, help amplify trans voices across every section of the community, and work with the corporate partners who support our activities.

What advice do you have for those who want to support LGBTQ+ rights?

I think most people support or want to support their LGBTQ+ siblings and, from the responses to the Gender Recognition Act consultation, we know that anti-trans groups and individuals are just an extremely vocal minority.

My advice for anyone who considers themselves an ally or wants to become one is to listen to LGBTQ+ people and ignore 99% of what’s written in the media. Challenge homophobia, transphobia and other forms of bigotry, not just in the workplace but everyday life if you feel able. In terms of supporting trans equality – remember that the ability to express our individual identity is an inalienable human right. Why should you have that right and trans and gender diverse people shouldn’t?

What are the challenges you face at work?

Sparkle is entirely led by volunteers, with most of us having other jobs and responsibilities in addition to our roles with the charity. The real challenge is exploring how we can collaborate with corporate partners and potentially other charities to address the barriers trans people face when accessing healthcare, employment, housing, and all the other things some of us with more privilege take for granted.

I also work as a doorman in Manchester’s Gay Village. The venue I work at is incredibly welcoming and diverse, but we do have an issue with people from outside the LGBTQ+ community who aren’t able to respect the space. LGBTQ+ venues are an invaluable community resource, especially for younger people and those from marginalized minorities. If you’re invited into that space, then you have to show respect to everyone else in it.

How can the workplace be more supportive of LGBTQ+ employees?

I think a more important question is how can a workplace develop and promote a culture of equality and inclusion? Mutual respect is the foundation of that, I think, but also by recognizing and celebrating difference. Marking Black History Month, LGBT History Month, Trans Awareness Week, and religious festivals throughout the year. Amplifying the voices of employees from marginalized communities. Making sure that there’s a seat at the table for everyone and, once again, listening to them. It’s not an overnight job, but the end result is a happy, productive workforce who feel valued.

What is your next course of action as a charity to improve the life of LGBTQ+ individuals?

Sparkle is a member of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition, and we’re also a partner in the Transforming Futures project, which is now offering grants to grassroots trans organizations and initiatives.

Following my work with TotalJobs on trans experiences in the workplace, I’m now exploring how we can educate SMEs on supporting trans and gender diverse employees, and residential landlords and housing associations on gender diversity. My colleagues and I will also begin organizing the 2023 Sparkle Weekend in the New Year.

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