Jersey artists have come together to release a powerful video encouraging States Members to vote against plans to revoke the island’s current trans inclusion guidance in schools.
The clips – which feature poets, musicians, actors and other creatives with links to Jersey – call on politicians to reject a proposition lodged by Sir Deputy Philip Bailhache that would replace existing guidance with a document endorsed by the Jersey branch of the Women’s Rights Network.
The proposition – which a panel of politicians focused on diversity and inclusion described as “exclusionary” – is due to be debated during the States sitting beginning on Tuesday 10 March.
The Education Minister has already stated his opposition to the proposals, raising “serious concerns” about the safeguarding implications.
Writer and director John Walton, who directed the video, explained that he first learned about Deputy Bailhache’s proposition when the parent of a trans child reached out to him.
“I was shocked,” he said. “There’s been so much progress for the LGBTQIA+ community in Jersey, and this just felt like a step back into darkness.
“As soon as Adam and I spoke, we knew that a simple expression of concern or online petition wasn’t enough. We needed to offer an alternative vision – one rooted in compassion, kindness, and trust in our young people.
“A reminder of everything that is best in the island, and of the strong, diverse community of Jersey-folk who believe in supporting trans communities, rather than erasing them.
“Having so many artists lend their voices has been wonderful, and we’ve already many incredible responses to the video.
“But most important of all has been hearing back from those most affected by the proposition, and learning how much the video has meant to them.”
Writer and singer Adam Perchard, who wrote the poem read aloud in the video, said they had been feeling “shocked and worried” by the proposal to revoke trans guidance in schools.
“When John Walton reached out to me suggesting we could get some of Jersey’s artists together to speak out about it, I jumped at the chance,” they explained.
“The Jersey I know is such a warm, inclusive place, and I really wanted to reflect that in the poem I wrote. I knew a lot of other artists felt the same way, but when we sent out some gentle feelers I was overwhelmed by the positive response we got.
“Artists reached out to other artists – and soon Jersey creators working across the world were messaging us offering to take part. I think it says so many wonderful things about our island – what a special, caring place it can be, and also what a lot of brilliant, vibrant creatives it has produced.”
A reminder of everything that is best in the island, and of the strong, diverse community of Jersey-folk who believe in supporting trans communities, rather than erasing them
John Walton
Adam added: “I really hope the video reassures people that looking after our tiny, vulnerable trans community is nothing to be scared of – they have always been here, and caring for one another has always been a part of who we are as an island.
“We have a history of standing firm in the face of oppression. Jersey beans have always looked out for each other! Let’s celebrate that, stand together, and keep our island a place of kindness, tolerance, and safety.”