A recent survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform has revealed that the United Kingdom ranks among the least supportive countries when it comes to trans rights. The Ipsos LGBT+ Pride 2023 survey, which collected responses from over 22,000 adults across 30 countries, highlighted the mixed views within the British population regarding gender-affirming care and inclusivity.
According to the survey, while a majority of Britons recognize the existence of discrimination faced by trans individuals, their support for gender-affirming care is divided. The study found that less than half (47 percent) of the surveyed population in the UK believe that teens should have access to care such as hormone replacement treatment. In this aspect, the United States (45 percent) and Hungary (36 percent) were the only countries ranked lower.
Furthermore, when asked about insurance companies covering the cost of transitioning, only 36 percent of Britons expressed agreement, placing the UK fourth from the bottom in terms of support. Romania (33 percent), South Korea (28 percent), and Hungary (25 percent) were the only countries with lower levels of support in this regard.
In terms of recognizing gender identities beyond the male/female binary on official documents, just 47 percent of British respondents agreed with the suggestion. Additionally, Great Britain ranked near the bottom when it came to allowing trans individuals to use single-sex spaces aligned with their gender identity, such as public toilets. Only 40 percent of those surveyed agreed with this notion, while 40 percent disagreed, and the remaining respondents were unsure. The United States scored slightly lower, with 40 percent in favor and 45 percent in disagreement.
Despite these concerning figures, the survey highlighted that a majority of people in the UK acknowledged the discrimination faced by the trans community and expressed support for protecting their rights. Approximately 64 percent of respondents believed that trans people experience a fair amount of discrimination, with 77 percent agreeing that they should be protected from discrimination in various areas, including employment, housing, and access to businesses.
The Ipsos survey also shed light on other aspects of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. It revealed that 64 percent of Britons support same-sex couples having equal marriage rights as heterosexual couples. When it comes to adoption, 72 percent of respondents agreed that same-sex couples should have the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, 74 percent of participants believed that same-sex couples are just as capable of successfully raising children, with only 18 percent in disagreement.
These findings arrive following the release of ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map, which ranks European nations based on their LGBTQ+ rights policies. The UK, once a frontrunner in the rankings, has experienced a significant decline, currently holding the 17th position. The report attributed this drop to factors such as anti-trans rhetoric, hostile reporting in mainstream newspapers, trans sports bans, exclusion of trans people from promised legislative action, and the rise of the anti-trans group LGB Alliance.
In conclusion, the Ipsos survey serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by the trans community in the UK, highlighting the need for greater understanding, acceptance, and support to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
Acknowledging Discrimination and Striving for Inclusion
The survey indicated that 64 percent of respondents in the UK recognized the discrimination faced by the trans community. However, the findings also revealed the limited progress in terms of supporting gender-affirming care and inclusive policies.
Divided Views on Gender-Affirming Care and Inclusivity
Less than half (47 percent) of the surveyed Britons believed that teenagers should have access to gender-affirming care, such as hormone replacement treatment. The UK ranked near the bottom, along with the United States (45 percent) and Hungary (36 percent).
Only 47 percent of British respondents agreed to the addition of markers beyond the male/female binary on official documents. Moreover, the UK ranked unfavorably in terms of allowing trans individuals to use single-sex spaces aligned with their gender identity, such as public toilets.
Mixed Support for Same-Sex Rights and Adoption
While a majority (64 percent) of Britons supported same-sex couples having the same right to marry as heterosexual couples, the survey showed that 72 percent agreed that same-sex couples should have equal adoption rights. Similarly, 74 percent believed that same-sex couples are equally capable of successfully raising children.
UK’s Declining Ranking in the Rainbow Map
ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map placed the UK at the 17th position, a significant decline from its previous top-ranking position. The decrease was attributed to factors such as anti-trans rhetoric, hostile reporting, trans sports bans, and the rise of the anti-trans group LGB Alliance.