In a recent development, the UK government has created a blacklist comprising over 50 countries, alleging that they make it too easy for people to transition genders, sparking a contentious debate in the LGBTQ+ community. This move has intensified concerns about the treatment of queer migrants seeking refuge in the UK.
A Controversial Blacklist Unveiled
Whitehall sources have disclosed that more than 50 countries and US states have been removed from a list of jurisdictions previously considered to have robust processes for recognizing gender identity. The controversial blacklist includes countries such as Belgium and New Zealand, known for their inclusive policies allowing individuals to self-declare their gender identity without the need for medical diagnosis. Even US states like California, New Jersey, and Maine find themselves on the UK government’s so-called ‘blacklist.’
Challenges Faced by Queer Migrants
For queer migrants from these blacklisted countries, moving to the UK may mean navigating complex British rules for gender recognition. Gender recognition certificates (GRC) obtained in their home countries may not be acknowledged in the UK. Currently, obtaining a GRC in the UK is a protracted process that requires the applicant to be at least 18 years old, having lived in their affirmed gender for two years, and providing substantial evidence, including medical diagnoses.
A Shift in Policy
A government source cited the need to update the list, which hadn’t been revised for more than a decade, as countries worldwide have been relaxing their gender recognition rules. The source stated, “Lots of countries are out of kilter with the UK now, so this is about redressing the balance and making sure that if someone has a gender-recognition certificate, they have gone through the same process as everyone else.”
The Broader Context
This development comes amid a broader debate on LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity issues in the UK. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has vowed to introduce legislation barring trans women from single-sex spaces and restricting under-18s from transitioning. The promise of self-declaration, once made by Theresa May’s Conservative government in 2018, was abandoned under Boris Johnson. Additionally, the UK government has opposed Scottish reforms on gender recognition, citing concerns over the Equality Act of 2010 and the safety of women and girls.
Despite these controversies, it’s worth noting that research indicates that only a small fraction of voters consider trans rights as a determining factor in their vote during general elections. Nevertheless, members of the Conservative party have expressed their intent to make the “trans debate and culture wars” a focal point in the upcoming elections.
This ongoing discussion highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding gender recognition and LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and abroad, with the plight of queer migrants taking center stage in the debate.