OutStories Bristol wants to make it clear that we support trans people. Following a transphobic comment made by an audience member during a Q&A at the OutStories LGBT+ History Month event at MShed in February, we want to make it absolutely clear that OutStories as an organisation sees trans women as women, trans men as men, and nonbinary people as nonbinary.
We would like to apologise for not addressing this comment when it was made, as we are aware that leaving the comment unchallenged during the event caused distress to a number of audience members.
Going forward we will make sure that our events include an introduction that makes it clear that we are here to represent, celebrate, interrogate and explore the histories of all LGBTQ+ people in and around Bristol, and with the due respect that they deserve. Should transphobia be witnessed at future events, we will ensure it is challenged as soon as possible.