A talk by West Midlands Police was held at the Gender Identity Centre in Wolverhampton.

The evening was hosted by The Wolverhampton Sanctuary Group

The guest speaker for the evening was PC Jim field-Evans, who is the chair of the West Midlands LGBT Rainbow Network Forum and delivers training to all the new Police recruits, he was accompanied by Inspector Jeanette Richards & PC Diane Shepherd, who are part of the local police team .

The main aim for this talk was to assess and discuss the impact of current & future policies / laws & practices on gender equality that effect the day to day lives of the Trans community.

Legalistic approach on law and equalities

West Midlands approach to trans Issues in the use of public facilities

How the Police talk and treat trans people, within the variations of the transgenderisum(Transvestites, Transgender and Transsexuals)

How understanding and how much knowledge has the every day policeman of trans people.

Jim explained to the group the predicament faced by the Police when addressing a Trans person. The correct terminology isn’t always used , Sir / madam / he / she etc.... and they can often get it wrong, if this should happen then it is up to the person in question to politely correct them and take it from there.

The use of public toilets was an issue that was covered as this effects many Trans when there are out in a shopping centre, club or pub. What should you do?

He informed us that we have every right to use the female toilets if we wish too, as long as you use the facilities for which they are intended, then you are not doing anything wrong . If however you are doing anything against the law while you are in there, then you would be dealt with the same as anyone else breaking the law. Simple as that.

When thanked by Anwen formally on behalf of Wolverhampton Sanctuary Inspector Jeanette Richards of West Midlands Police said:

The thanks is really from ourselves to the group, I’m sure we benefited more from understanding the issues faced by the group from this meeting, than you actually gained from ourselves attending. PC Di Shepherd will keep in regular contact with yourselves and if there are any issues please do not hesitate to contact either of us.

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