Campaign to support young trans people

As a national charity supporting and advocating for trans young people across the UK, this is just one example of the kind of feedback we get, everyday, from our service users at Mermaids.

It is an exceptionally difficult time to be young and trans in the UK today. Trans young people are being forced to contend with an agonising five+ year waiting list to access their first appointment at the gender identity clinic; anticipated school guidance for trans students threatens to stifle young people’s gender expression and rob them of their autonomy; and transphobic hate crime is up by 11 per cent this year compared with last, all of which is exacerbated by a Conservative government intent on weaponising trans rights to score political points.

Now, more than ever, is it an important time to intentionally create spaces to have conversations around gender diversity, dispel unhelpful myths and empower individuals with the right tools to support, in the ways that they can, the trans people in their circles and the cause as a whole - and the workplace is a great place to start. 

Throughout November, Mermaids, a national charity supporting trans young people, is launching Raise a Mug, a campaign intended to kickstart positive conversations around inclusion within the workplace, whilst simultaneously contributing vital funds to an organisation on the frontline campaigning for the rights of trans youth. We are asking work colleagues to demonstrate their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion at work by signing up to our campaign; getting together, grabbing a cuppa and a slice of cake, and Raise(ing) a Mug to Mermaids.

Once signed up, the fundraising department of your organisation will get a free digital pack which includes sweepstake posters, cake toppers, zoom backgrounds, event posters and bunting, and we’re also doing a discount on Mermaids Pride mugs should you want to stock up the office kitchen (or your own). There will be a chance to enter your bakes into a Mermaids bake-off competition, with some of our staff and talent judging some of the best baked goods, and the chance to win a special Mermaids goodie bag. All donations will be collected via QR codes.

We want to create a positive, non-judgmental and educational environment where colleagues feel comfortable to reflect on gender diversity, share their own thoughts and be wholly enriched by the experience. Which is why, alongside all the fun-stuff, we are providing resources on how to begin conversations around gender, and we also encourage companies who take part in Raise a Mug to sign up to one of our CPD accredited training packages, so the entire organisation can feel empowered with knowledge going forward. 

Bex Shorunke is a PR and media engagement manager at Mermaids.