On April 12, 2023, former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss delivered the Margaret Thatcher Freedom Lecture at the right-wing think tank, The Heritage Foundation. In her speech, Truss criticized what she called “identity politics”, stating that “what group you are in is more important than the person you are”. She went on to criticize critical race theory, which she believes places more importance on appearance than talent or attributes.
Truss also addressed the topic of gender identity, noting that during her tenure as the UK’s minister for women and equalities, she stopped gender self-identification without a medical certificate. She also cancelled plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act, which would have allowed trans people to obtain legal recognition without a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Truss expressed her belief that there needs to be more opposition to the “orthodoxy” of these beliefs.
The Heritage Foundation, which is known for lobbying against LGBTQ+ rights and rejecting climate science, invited Truss to speak on the themes of free markets and free speech. Truss praised these values and criticized what she called “woke culture”, which she believes is responsible for high taxes.
Truss’s speech has been controversial, with many criticizing her stance on trans rights and her perceived attacks on “woke culture”. However, she has continued to champion her vision of a low-tax economy and has been linked to the anti-LGBTQ+ Heritage Foundation since at least 2019.
Overall, Truss’s speech highlights the ongoing debate surrounding trans rights and the role of identity politics in modern society. While some may agree with her beliefs, others believe that her statements are harmful and reinforce discrimination against marginalized groups.