Trans people are attending self-defence classes as figures released by the police reveal hate crimes targeting them have reached a ten-year high.
Some classes were planned this week as part of Trans Awareness Week. Tabby Lamb, a trans writer based in east London, was one of the organisers.
The lessons mainly teach de-escalation methods. They also cover first aid and basic defence moves.
People from across the trans identity spectrum have attended the lessons. Tabby Lamb says, “it’s been lovely to see the community come together and really holding space and supporting each other.”
Explaining why the classes were scheduled for Trans Awareness Week, Tabby Lamb explains: “Awareness leads to visibility and visibility leads to violence.”
“Unfortunately without anything else underpinning the visibility, we are not safe,” she says. “So offering self-defence classes seemed like a useful thing to do this week that will benefit trans people themselves rather than educate the cis people around us.”
Self-defence classes are already a permanent feature for some within the LGBTQ+ community. Organisations like Bender Defenders meet weekly to equip people with skills to combat possible violence towards the community.
Rising hate crimes
October statistics from the Home Office revealed 2,630 hate crimes against Trans people in 2020/21. The figure was 296 in 2011/12. This data excludes Greater Manchester Police.
Hate crimes targeting trans people have hit a ten year high
Tabby Lamb blames a normalization of trans hatred within the media for the rise in crimes, and believes they don’t talk enough about trans and non-binary lives.
Trans Awareness Week concludes on Saturday for Trans Day of Remembrance. There will be a number of events happening online and in-person across the country.
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HeadlineTrans people attending self-defence classes amid rise in hate crimes
Short HeadlineTrans people attending self-defence classes
StandfirstHate crimes targeting trans people have hit a ten year high, with some feeling they have no choice but to learn how to defend themselves.
Trans people are attending self-defence classes as figures released by the police reveal hate crimes targeting them have reached a ten-year high.
Some classes were planned this week as part of Trans Awareness Week. Tabby Lamb, a trans writer based in east London, was one of the organisers.
The lessons mainly teach de-escalation methods. They also cover first aid and basic defence moves.
People from across the trans identity spectrum have attended the lessons. Tabby Lamb says, “it’s been lovely to see the community come together and really holding space and supporting each other.”
Explaining why the classes were scheduled for Trans Awareness Week, Tabby Lamb explains: “Awareness leads to visibility and visibility leads to violence.”
“Unfortunately without anything else underpinning the visibility, we are not safe,” she says. “So offering self-defence classes seemed like a useful thing to do this week that will benefit trans people themselves rather than educate the cis people around us.”
Self-defence classes are already a permanent feature for some within the LGBTQ+ community. Organisations like Bender Defenders meet weekly to equip people with skills to combat possible violence towards the community.
Rising hate crimes
October statistics from the Home Office revealed 2,630 hate crimes against Trans people in 2020/21. The figure was 296 in 2011/12. This data excludes Greater Manchester Police.
Hate crimes targeting trans people have hit a ten year high
Tabby Lamb blames a normalization of trans hatred within the media for the rise in crimes, and believes they don’t talk enough about trans and non-binary lives.
Trans Awareness Week concludes on Saturday for Trans Day of Remembrance. There will be a number of events happening online and in-person across the country.
