Peter Tatchell was the first guest on The Vanity Project, a brand new conversational podcast launched by London songstress, Vanity von Glow, launched this morning.
In the podcast, Vanity discussed forgiving the older generation who might not have got everything right – she said “we find the compassion to forgive our parents, who may not have had a good track record if they had been MPs, it seems like that is something we should integrate in to the healing that goes on after a campaign.” Tatchell responds, “An older generation comes to LGBT+ issues from a very different background, so we have to make some allowances – not a free pass – but a gently, kind approach, is better than treating them as terrible, bad people.”
The well-known LGBT activist and campaigner also said that whilst the UK is mainly leading the way with LGBT rights, “we are lagging behind on trans issues.” He said “we need to make it easier for trans people to get their gender recognition certificate. Trans self-ID by statutory declaration, which exists in our European countries, seems like the sensible way to go. So, why the delay?”
In the episode they discuss the Netflix Documentary, Hating Peter Tatchell, which was produced by Elton John and David Furnish, and the juxtaposition of him being seen as a hate-figure by many who disagreed with him, and a hero for those that support his efforts.
On the issue of no-platforming bigots, Tatchell says he thinks it is important to debate those we disagree. Talking about a BBC debate with gender-critical journalist Julie Bindell, Tatchell said “we went on the programme to debate her and show why she was wrong – we won over the audience and most people after the debate were on the side of trans people.”
Peter Tatchell says there is still work to be done on changing public opinion, stating that “16% of the public still believe homosexuality is mostly or always wrong – that’s great progress but is still nearly 1 in 5.” He added, “whilst it is a minority, they tend to be very vocal. There is a vocal minority and they are still out to get us.”
On the Government’s promise to ban Conversion Therapy, Tatchell said “The Government could take the legislation, lock, stock and barrel from the Australian state of Victoria. They could do it tomorrow. The Government is dithering and delaying. Importantly, it doesn’t work. It’s not just harmful but it also just doesn’t work. It’s a fraud.”
Each week the podcast will feature a detailed interview with an interesting voice from the world of activism, entertainment and politics. Vanity will be joined by a friend from the world of cabaret to discuss the interview in the segment “Queen’s Corner.” This week, Vanity is joined by TV star, DJ and fashion icon, Lady Lloyd.
Talking about the podcast, Vanity von Glow said: “I am delighted to be able to spend an hour each week talking to some of my own personal heroes – very interesting people who have a lot to say. Listening to these great voices has been a pleasure, and I invite you to go a little bit deeper with me during this series.”
The Vanity Project Podcast here: open.spotify.com/show/1MEoz0m4C…
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