Like many of us, I owe much of my politics to amazing women I’ve known: in my family, through my unions, at work in the public sector and politics, on picket lines, at protests and in the pub.

Having been raised by feminist lesbians in the 80s (think Greenham Common visits and women’s group meetings in our living room), I thought I knew what feminism was. 

But then a few years ago I took a breath, put my assumptions aside, and started listening to trans women about what they are going through.

And it dawned on me: maybe there’s more to learn?   (Not a bad thing to happen when you’re middle aged).

Our unions are strong on this issue; our party must be too.

That’s why I’m standing under the banner of ‘Labour Women United’.

My experience:

• 10+ years working for UNISON.

• Labour/Co-operative councillor.

• Trade union rep and branch secretary.

• CLP Chair.

• UNISON, GMB and NUJ member.

• Regional Board.

• Managed politicians’ offices/teams.

I’m a young queer woman of colour, active in politics and Labour since my teens, with intersectional feminism at the heart of what I do. 

As Vice President for Liberation and Equality for the National Union of Students, I represent women and marginalised communities at all levels. I’m a proud Labour member, but I’m standing for Labour Women United because I believe our party must do better for all women, including our trans sisters.

I’ve campaigned nationally to end the culture war on trans rights. For most young women, trans identities are not up for debate. We’re tired of seeing a vulnerable minority weaponised, while misogyny and violence against women and girls continue to rise. I represent the generation that knows trans women are our sisters, and that the real threat is sexism and male violence.

As misogynistic, far-right politics rise, our party must go above and beyond to empower women, tackle outdated cultures, and ensure robust safeguarding.

The Labour Party has been a huge part of my life and growth as a campaigner since I was 15 - but it hasn’t always protected and supported women around me. 

That includes trans women in the party. I believe that all women within the party deserve safeguarding, whether that be protection from sexual harassment or from bigotry. 

As a former national Young Labour and Labour Students representative, I would also work with YLNC and NLSC to make sure our youth structures safe places for young women and girls to first enter politics 

I’m a longtime campaigner and policy specialist focusing on misogyny and LGBTQ+ rights: I would bring these values to the National Labour Women’s Committee. I’m standing to fight for a Labour Party that aligns with the values of emancipation, solidarity and acceptance that have been vital to our politics for decades.