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Replace the terms 'Girls and Boys/ Ladies and Gentleman' to improve wellbeingThere are significant numbers of people, who feel strongly about these issues - are you one of them? Replacing these terms would signify a move forward in a progressive society that seeks to value people. 'Labelling' is a social construct and as such can be de/reconstructed. Those responsible for providing a service, compulsory or non-compulsory, to the general public can lead the way in replacing these terms from audio and written materials to move closer to a society that embraces equality and diversity in a meaningful way. The positive message that this action could effect links to equality, diversity, mental health, resilience and wellbeing. All of these factors can contribute to flourishing linked not only to the emotional and psychological benefit of the country and as importantly the economic health of a nation. A flourishing nation is a rich nation. The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 sets out this stall. The overt and subconscious messages that permeate society around gender, limit the aspirations of those who absorb and internalise them. Language plays a powerful role in the development of identity and self belief. This call to action requests a simple and clear mandate, to catalyse cultural change and be part of the solution rather than the problem. Wales leads the way on many progressive issues; let this be one of them. Be part of that change.81 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Kelly McCarthy
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Reinstate the 8 Human Rights workers sacked by e-mailIn February 2017 after months of negotiations trying to avoid compulsory redundancies triggered by deep budget cuts, EHRC management sent e-mails to 8 workers work addresses informing them they were being made redundant whilst they were taking part in a lawful one day protest strike. The EHRC still has over 47 equivalent vacancies these displaced workers could easily fill, but has so far refused to do so. What is so shocking is this employer also happens to be the UK's UN recognised guardian of our Human Rights! With Brexit uncertainty and challenges to Human Rights law being suggested, we need a strengthened fully resourced EHRC to defend the most vulnerable from discrimination and attack.234 of 300 SignaturesCreated by Richard Edwards
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Extend equal marriage to all areas of the UK nowCurrently same sex marriage is not allowed in Northern Ireland. This is because, despite laws being passed in the UK that grant same-sex marriages, the Northern Irish assembly (because of the now infamous DUP) has blocked any such proposal there. This means that LGBT UK citizens are being treated as 2nd class citizens in a part of the UK, we need to address this quickly and with certainty, as this is intolerable. It will also have further reaching consequences as a change in law in Northern Ireland will strengthen our position when campaigning with other countries when they deny their citizens equal LGBT rights.19,780 of 20,000 SignaturesCreated by Pauline Bacon
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Condemn Donald Trump for pulling out of Paris climate agreementThis is an international problem, which met with an international solution - and Britain must join the international condemnation of America's terrible, selfish decision. We do not want to live in a world dominated by bullies. We do not want to live in a Britain too scared to do anything America doesn't want. We demand leadership that makes us proud to be British. If Theresa May cannot condemn America's decision to condemn our planet, will she ever stand up for anything? British people stand up for others, and we stand up for what we believe in. We do not want a Prime Minister who licks the boots of the American president. Theresa May must show strong leadership and sign the international letter condemning Donald Trump and his abandonment of the Paris agreement.9,439 of 10,000 SignaturesCreated by The Big Deal
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Jump towards EqualityGirls are not allowed the same choices in competition clothing as boys. It's important that access to sport should be open to all; regardless of gender, appearance, or any factor that is not performance related. We believe our children should be able to jump, compete and enjoy the sport they love on an even footing with the boys they train with. Don't you? Our two daughters have been coached in trampolining for seven years. They are now both competing at regional level; and we love the club, their coaches and the community around this joyful sport. However, in talking with parents and carers while we watch our children jump, we have become concerned by a clearly discriminatory rule from British Gymnastics. *The British Gymnastics Rules* At the moment, boys and men can chose to cover their legs for competing in Trampolining, according to British Gymnastics rules. They can wear gym trousers or shorts. Women and girls are only allowed to wear a “skin tight” leotard or unitard. The regulations go on to say - “Long tights may be worn (must be skin tight and be the same colour as the leotard).” What this means is that boys can (and mostly do) wear looser clothing. Girls cannot wear leggings or wear shorts, and this lack of choice has a range of implications that do not impact boys. *Impact on girls* If a female child does not want to expose their legs or lower body to view, they cannot compete. If a child is concerned about sanitary products being visible, secure, and/or leakage during her period, she is very unlikely to compete. Worse still, girls are often told by coaches not to wear underwear during competition; as if any other clothing becomes visible, points are deducted by judges. It is not unusual for children to be told to shave leg and/or pubic hair by judges. Children have been told that they are too fat/thin by coaches and judges. Girls are routinely being judged on their appearance, not by their ability. Children are made more vulnerable to safeguarding concerns - especially where language like ‘skin tight’ has no obvious justification except to make children aware of perceptions that are not age-appropriate. There is no reason for this difference in dress code, especially in reference to the specific condition of clothes being ‘skin tight’. It is not that girls 'should' cover their legs but, if they want to, they should be able to do as their male peers can. There is no performance advantage for girls in dressing as the rules dictate - and no one claims there are. It is purely 'just how it's been'. However, we think it is time for a change. *Why the focus on girls, not women?* Our focus is on children, though we seek to change the rules for the benefit of all those who compete. While adults can make an informed choice about how they present themselves, children are more vulnerable, and organisations like British Gymnastics should be leading the way, not staying stuck in the 1970s. However, as men fill 70% of the Board of British Gymnastics, all but four are white, none are LBGT, and none are from Hindu, Sikh or Muslim faith groups (based on the most recent, 2013, data) perhaps we should not be too surprised; as this profile is likely matched across clubs and regional organisations across the country. These people cannot be expected to speak for the millions of young girls inspired by Bryony Page, our silver medallist at the Rio Olympics. It is parents who must pressure for change, so that the rules of this sport allow excellence to be fostered in boys and girls from all communities. Of course, we are not suggesting that girls cannot wear leotards or that boys and girls should be forced to wear the same thing. Nor are we suggesting that this small rule change will stop sexism, cultural oppression or the sexualisation of childhood. This petition applies to Trampolining - but the principles involved apply to a broader range of sports and activities that children are involved in. Any rules that discriminate should be changed - to protect all our children and allow them to reach for their potential. Thank you for your support210 of 300 SignaturesCreated by Eylan Ezekiel
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Make Binders Readily Available on the NHSThe trans community have suffered a lot over generations, and one of the issues is the price and accessibility of binders. Binders are usually sourced online at a high price rate because of the shipping and manufacturing, as well as most of them being made in America. This makes it significantly difficult for working class or unemployed trans men to find a cheaper alternative for their wellbeing. Binders are sold on Amazon and Ebay at lower prices, however in my experience, they are not very reliable and well made. I believe that as a gender non-conforming individual who uses binders myself, we should not have to pay for something that helps us feel more comfortable and helps with d***horia. Waiting lists for surgery for the trans community is very long and can take up to a certain amount of years. Surely, there should be a free service that helps until the surgery is finalised. Some trans people choose not to have surgery and that is completely their choice, but they should have access to good quality, free binders on the NHS that they can use everyday and feel themselves. If they can fund sexual health, then they can fund mental health. I believe that giving this opportunity to the trans and non-binary community will promote intersectionality, benefit mental health, and may even save lives.21 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Victor Foot
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Make Pearson change transgender certificate policy.Requesting a GRC or doctor's letter is in breach of the Equality Act 2010. "By changing their name trans people automatically have the protected characteristic of gender reassignment under the Equality Act 2010" (uktrans.info - http://uktrans.info/attachments/article/292/transqualcerts.pdf), creating the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. This effectively means that Pearson's requirements are discriminatory, as well as in breach of the Equality Act 2010. Trans individuals already experience enough discrimination trying to live life day-to-day, and several people I have contacted have also experienced discrimination at Pearson's hands. It's time to change to a level playing field so that we, as trans individuals, receive the qualifications we worked hard to gain, in the correct, accurate gender and name.85 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Roch McLean
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Free sanitary products for young girls in need.This shouldn’t be happening in Britain in 2017. Exam season is just around the corner so every day missed day now could mean the difference between girls passing or failing their exams.310 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Georgie Laming
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Stop shops and websites from separating toys into 'boys' and 'girls'We live in a society in which our children are being told what roles they should take up as adults in a multitude of subtle ways. The characteristics that are seen to be appropriate for boys and for girls are highlighted by dolls and frills in the 'girl's toys' while engineering, cars and dinosaurs are for boys. This kind of explicit segregation is outdated, unnecessary and damaging. If it were any other two labels (e.g. black and white) the inherent prejudice would be immediately apparent and would not be allowed by the law of modern society. I want my daughter and nieces to have the freedom to access whichever toys they are naturally interested in without having to hear them say 'that's not for me, that's only for boys.'198 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Faye Curran
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Shama Women's Centre under threat of closureWithout this Centre, thousands of women in Leicester will suffer isolation, mental health inequalities, cultural and social barriers with no where else to turn to. It is the only women's centre in Leicester that provides social, well-being and educational activities; in a culturally conducive environment for more than 31 years. It has successfully empowered thousands of women, many from vulnerable backgrounds, helping them to overcome personal bereavement, domestic abuse and cultural barriers; enabling them to overcome isolation, make new friends, gain lifelong skills and contribute to the local community. It has an on site 'Good' Ofsted registered nursery to help women with children access the services.2,204 of 3,000 SignaturesCreated by Shama Shama
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Create a Queer Museum and LGBTQI+ Centre in London1) 2017 is the 50th Anniversary of the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 which partly decriminalised sexual acts between two men in private and aged over 21. 2) As a cultural centre, the queer museum would be a vital space in which to counteract the effects of homophobia, transphobia, racism and religious intolerance, especially important with the rise of right leaning political parties throughout Europe and America and attacks upon the LGBTQI+ community. 3) Some of the demands of the Gay Liberation Front from the 1970s have yet to be met, including the demand that ‘sex education in schools stop being exclusively heterosexual.’ Schools must provide sex and gender education that addresses the needs of LGBTQI+ students, queer histories must find a permanent home, and the LGBTQI+ community must have a place to organize: anything less is a betrayal to the courage of the pioneering queer activists of the 1960s and beyond.563 of 600 SignaturesCreated by Queer Cabinet Brigade
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Take Her Name - International Women's DayWith almost 90% of the rock n roll hall of fame being made up of male musicians we need to move on from pigeon holing female musicians by image and understand that good musicianship and songwriting is all that counts. 08 March 2017 is International Women’s Day, where this year women are being asked to ‘be bold for change’. But let's go one extra, and encourage men to 'change to be bold'. PRS for Music report that their membership of over 95,000 songwriters and composers is only 13 per cent female. And reportedly, there have been cases of female writers pitching songs under a male pseudonym to give themselves a better chance - the sort of thing 19th Century female authors had to do. Laura Mvula recently declared that we are living in the "Donald Trump time of music" while Lady Gaga has spoken about how she ‘really wanted to be taken seriously as a musician for my intelligence more than my body’ during the early part of her career, while accepting Billboard's Woman of the Year award in 2014. Lady Gaga also called the industry a "boy's club" and said women faced pressure to "sell everything to be a star. There has long been discussions from music industry experts and celebrities’ alike calling for women to be recognised in all aspects of the industry. Female performers should be recognised for their musicianship rather than the fulfilment of a stereotype of ‘girls girl, wronged woman or unattainable sex-bot which is claimed to be empowering’ as Charlotte Church put it in her lecture on sexism in the music industry. And on Thursday 23 February 2017, in support of this campaign we will be staging an event to challenge attitudes towards female musicians at London’s 93 Feet East (Brick Lane). The all female line up will comprise of five London based musicians, and celebrated DJ, Jenn Crothers, to play songs late into the night. The event is Free & Doors open from 7pm. And we will be using #takehername throughout the campaign!134 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Rami Radi
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