Statement in Support of the Trans-Community

The Rochdale Borough Culture Network (RBCN) consists of arts and cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and voluntary and not-for-profit groups across the borough of Rochdale. 

RBCN’s aim is to support Rochdale’s Creative and Cultural Vision: 

“By 2030 Rochdale will be a creatively ambitious borough where our diverse community enjoys equal access to experience; creating, working and learning through great art and culture.” 

In response to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court we, as members of RBCN wish to express our solidarity with the transgender community across Rochdale borough and beyond.

This statement outlines our commitment to continue to provide safe and inclusive spaces, programmes, grants, and opportunities for trans artists, individuals and communities. 

RBCN acknowledges that trans people are among the most discriminated against in society. By trans inclusion, we mean that we aim to create and uphold cultural spaces that are as safe as possible for trans artists, individuals, and communities. 

The partners and organisations represented below commit to listening, encouraging open mindedness and creating safe spaces for people to express, and be themselves. 

What we mean by trans 

Throughout this statement, we use the term ‘trans’ as an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth or one that does not sit comfortably with them. We recognise that trans people may describe themselves using a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to): agender, bi-gender, crossdresser, gender-fluid, genderless, gender-queer (GQ), gender-variant, neutrois, non-binary (NB), nongender, third gender, transgender, trans feminine, trans man, trans masculine, transsexual and trans woman. 

Our partners (full list outlined below) commit to distributing, communicating, and sharing this statement with the staff, freelancers, volunteers, communities and audiences who access opportunities, our venues, and our programmes. 

If you are ever concerned about your own or another’s safety in one of Rochdale Borough’s creative/cultural spaces or within the borough’s creative/cultural organisations, or, you have feedback for how we can improve the inclusion and safety of our spaces/organisations, please do reach out to either the RBCN Chair Hebe Reilly, or any of the partners listed below. 

Signed by: 

Cllr Sue Smith Portfolio Holder for Communities & Cooperation Rochdale Borough Council 

Hebe Reilly Creative Director / CEO Cartwheel Arts 

Pete Courtie Head of Culture & Placemaking Rochdale Development Agency 

Laura Rodwell Managing Director M6 Theatre Company 

Jodie Ratcliffe Executive Producer Breaking Barriers 

Mark Doyle Director of Arts, Heritage & Wellness Your Trust 

Martina Coggins Director Tracing Steps Theatre & Dance Company 

RBCN Steering Group members RBCN 

Liz McIvor Trust Manager The Coop Heritage Trust Board 

How to Contact RBCN 

RBCN is a network of cultural organisations, community groups, independent and freelance creatives. It is currently administered by Cartwheel Arts and Chaired by Hebe Reilly. 

Contact Name: Hebe Reilly 

Email Address: admin@cartwheelarts.org.uk 

Telephone: 01706 361300 

Website: https://www.cartwheelarts.org.uk/make-a-difference/grants/