Conservative MP for Bridgend and Porthcawl, Jamie Wallis, came out as transgender this morning, becoming the first trans MP in the Houses of Parliament.
Content warning: Sexual Violence
The MP issued a statement on their website describing how they had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and had felt this way since they were a very young child. They also shared several traumatic events that they had been through, including being outed to their father and blackmailed about their gender identity, and being raped leading to Wallis suffering from PTSD.
It's time. https://t.co/cbt0tKQZuN pic.twitter.com/IUaCjm9PtE
— Jamie Wallis MP (@JamieWallisMP) March 30, 2022
The announcement by Wallis came a few hours after a gathering of Conservative MPs in which Johnson somewhat ridiculed trans issues, reportedly saying "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, or as Keir Starmer would put it, people who are assigned female or male at birth."
Wallis received support from across the political spectrum, including from Boris Johnson; perhaps a little tongue in cheek in Johnson's case considering his recent joke.
Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you @JamieWallisMP for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 30, 2022
The Conservative Party I lead will always give you, and everyone else, the love and support you need to be yourself. https://t.co/Y7VjQOMgkO
Well done @JamieWallisMP for speaking out and your brave statement. We stand with you. https://t.co/CUmgCbIS37
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) March 30, 2022
Sending you love and solidarity from the other side of the Commons. This is hugely courageous of you to share.
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) March 30, 2022
An incredibly brave and dignified statement from @JamieWallisMP. This sends a powerful message to the whole of the Commons and the whole of the country 🤜🏿 https://t.co/bxJZhLdMRY
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) March 30, 2022
The announcement makes history, marking Wallis as the UK's first openly transgender member of parliament. Many people are hoping that the first openly trans MP will be a first step in tackling transphobia in the United Kingdom.
