Category: Publications

Queer Town Hall: LGBTQ+ Health & Wellbeing Post COVID-19

During our latest Queer Town Hall meeting you, our wonderful LGBTQ+ community, came together to delve into the theme of “LGBTQ+ Health & Wellbeing Post COVID-19” a topic nominated by several attendees at our ‘Pride in the Community’ Queer Town Hall held on 16th October 2024.

The purpose of our Queer Town Hall is to create a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community across the Liverpool City Region to come together, share experiences, discuss important issues, and collaborate on solutions. Our goal is to strengthen a sense of community empowerment, advocacy, and support, while addressing the diverse needs and concerns of queer individuals.

“I think the COVID-19 rules should have been a lot more consistent, whilst listening to healthcare professionals and not just focused on money.”    

Source: LGBTQ+ Community member. 

 

Download the report here

Supreme Court Ruling

A facilitated community discussion hosted by Sahir in response to the recent UK Supreme Court ruling interpreting the word “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 as referring to biological sex. This urgent meeting was convened to reflect, discuss the potential impacts, and generate actions that support the rights and dignity of our trans and gender diverse community.

In April 2025, the UK Supreme Court redefined the term “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 to mean “biological sex”. While this ruling does not create new legal obligations for individuals, it grants institutions greater discretion to exclude trans people from single-sex spaces like toilets, changing rooms, and refuges.

The ruling has triggered serious concern among legal experts, human rights advocates, healthcare professionals, and community members alike. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) followed up with interim guidance – non-statutory and not legally binding – that some lawyers argue may breach the European Convention on Human Rights. Transgender former judge Dr Victoria Mccloud has announced plans to challenge the decision in the European Court of Human Rights.

 

Download the report here

The Cass Review

A facilitated discussion at Sahir for all members of our community to come together to talk about the Cass Review and propose actions to support our gender diverse community and stand up for trans rights. 

Dr Hilary Cass has submitted her final report and recommendations to NHS England in her capacity as Chair of the Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people. The Review was commissioned by NHS England to provide recommendations on im-proving NHS gender identity services, ensuring that children and young people questioning their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria receive high-quality care that is safe, holistic and effective.

Download the Report here

Rwanda: the Safety of Rwanda

A facilitated discussion at Sahir for all members of our community to come together to talk about the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

Background

On 22nd April 2024, the UK Government enacted the Safety of Rwanda Act, designed to deter illegal migration by relocating some asylum seekers to Rwanda. This legislation coincided with a tragic event where five individuals, including a child, perished while attempting to cross the English Channel in an overcrowded boat. At Sahir, we have spoken with many LGBTQ+ individuals seeking refuge in the UK who have understandably expressed profound concern and anxiety about their future and safety. The increasing hostility towards refugees and asylum seekers is deeply troubling for our entire community.

Download the Report here

Queer Town Hall: Pride in the Community

In our recent Queer Town Hall meeting you, our wonderful LGBTQ+ community, came together to delve into the theme of “Pride in the Community,” a topic nominated by several attendees at our pilot Queer Town Hall. 

The purpose of our Queer Town Hall is to create a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community across the Liverpool City Region to come together, share experiences, discuss important issues, and collaborate on solutions. Our goal is to foster a sense of community empowerment, advocacy, and support, while addressing the diverse needs and concerns of queer individuals.

“Having attended both the pilot and the inaugural Queer Town Halls, it has been a privilege to see the community coming together to share rich discussion and passion about what we want and need across the Liverpool City Region. It has certainly inspired many ideas and I look forward to seeing how these begin to take shape. 

The QTH has proven that there is a desire from all parts of our beautiful and diverse LGBTQ+ community to collaborate for the greater good of us all and I for one can’t wait to see more events like these taking place throughout the year.” 

Emma Miller-McCaffrey. Head of Relationships. Diversity Role Models

 

 

Download the report here

 

 

Queer Town Hall: Our relationship with Merseyside Police

Our relationship with Merseyside Police & Peter Tatchell’s Apologise Now Campaign

Inspired by input and guidance from local activists, and acknowledging the necessity for constructive dialogue and genuine engagement, Sahir (formerly Sahir House) has launched a Queer Town Hall initiative for the Liverpool City Region. This platform aims to bring our community together to address the issues that matter most to them.

The purpose of our Queer Town Hall is to create a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community across the Liverpool City Region to come together, share experiences, discuss important issues, and collaborate on solutions. Our goal is to foster a sense of community empowerment, advocacy, and support, while addressing the diverse needs and concerns of queer individuals.

 

“Fostering better understanding and meaningful engagement between our community and Merseyside Police is paramount. Building bridges and fostering authentic dialogue is not only about enhancing safety, but also about nurturing much-needed trust. It’s essential work, especially in the current climate.”

Kat Taylor, LGBTQ+ Engagement Worker, Sahir House

 

 

Download the Report here