19/08/2026
We are deeply disappointed by the revelation in the Health Minister’s resignation letter that trans young people and their healthcare had effectively become a political bargaining chip, described as a “red line” between him and UUP Leader Jon Burrows.
That is an appalling way for decisions affecting vulnerable young people to be made.
Trans people deserve dignity, compassion, and access to healthcare based on their needs - not to have their lives reduced to a political “red line”.
Once again, LGBT+ people in the North have seen our rights treated as something to be negotiated or traded away for political convenience. That simply isn’t good enough.
SDLP LGBT+ will continue to stand with every member of our community and push for a politics that treats LGBT+ people with the respect and seriousness we deserve.
