Liberate: Five things we'd change about Guernsey - Bailiwick Express News Guernsey

They are gearing up for Channel Islands Pride this weekend so we thought we would find out what five things they would like to change about Guernsey.

1) Birth certificates – Same Sex Couples

Currently same sex couples cannot both be named on their children’s birth certificates despite going through an identical procedure to a straight couple, and we would like to see this change. To give you an example; if two couples, one straight and one gay had identical methods of assisted reproduction because one partner could not provide sperm or an egg for whatever reason, then only one couple would be named with both parents on the birth certificate. This is unfair and outdated policy. The States have promised to update this law to be inclusive of a modern society and same sex couples.

Pictured: Birth certificates should be updated, according to Liberate

2) States Funding for Third/Charity Sector

The third/charity sector in Guernsey do a lot of work with the States, from consultation work to running services, which the States would have to offer if the charities didn’t exist. It’s fantastic that we have such a direct dialogue and connection to our government, however we need their support in a financial way to sustain the work that we do. A lot of charities spend a huge chunk of their time trying to raise funds to keep themselves afloat which takes away from the important core work that they do. We would really like to see the States help charities financially in return for all the work that they help the States with. Many charities are involved in multiple States work streams that take up a huge amount of time, and it’s not sustainable to keep offering this service for free.

Pictured: Should the States be giving more money to the third sector?

3) Meeting the needs of the older LGBTQ+ community

Loneliness is a big problem in the community as a whole but especially the older community, and it is even more of an issue in this generation of LGBTQ older people. Many older LGBTQ people do not have children or families of their own and are left isolated as they grow older. We would love to see a ‘buddy scheme’ introduced where people team up with someone in need of some company to make sure they have that connection to the wider world. We would also love to see a dedicated LGBTQ retirement home in Guernsey in the future, where all the residents would feel safe, welcomed and understood, and most importantly, free to be open about who they are. Being LGBTQ+ is about more than your sex life or whether you are in a relationship or not. It shapes the way you experience your life. Ageist assumptions can mean anyone with grey hair is assumed not to have a sexuality at all. Yet when people age and are in need of sensitive individualised care and support, this aspect of their identity can be crucial to ensuring they feel safe and understood. Simple things make a difference – being aware, using inclusive language, not making assumptions.

Pictured: Liberate wants more support for the older LGBTQ community

4) Accessibility

We’d love to see the island become more accessible and friendly for people with disabilities. Although the Island has improved greatly over the last few years with regards to new builds and refurbishments of old buildings. Most of this seems to be predominantly within St.Peter Port and the main tourist areas. Simple things such as more lowered kerbs and information signs in Braille at an accessible height would improve the quality for anyone with a disability.

Pictured: A braille sign like the kind Liberate suggests

5) Discrimination Legislation

We would change the dialogue around the rights and protections of the Trans community. We are about to head in to island wide discussions around the new discrimination legislation. It would be so refreshing if we could go into this conversation with respect being at the forefront of peoples’ minds. This legislation will exist to protect the most vulnerable members of society. We would like to ask everyone to think before they pass comment on someone’s identity, or human rights, especially when it does not infringe on their own rights or freedoms. If you don’t know or understand about a community, we implore you to educate yourself first, and get to know the LGBTQ community and then enter the conversation in a productive manner. Name calling and scaremongering should be a thing of the past. Today’s Transphobia is resonant of the racism and homophobia of the past and we would like to see it in the past, where it belongs, for good.