CILIP’s Ethical Principles commit us to uphold, promote and actively defend human rights, equality and diversity. Our Changing Lives manifesto sets out our commitment to be an ally to individuals and to groups that are under-represented or marginalised in our profession.

We support and recognise the rights of all women, including trans women, in our community. We are aware that trans people are often subject to abuse and prejudice and that it is important for them to know that they have our support. We want to make sure that this support is clear both in our work and our policies. We believe programmes such as the new diversity-focused mission for the Carnegie Greenaway Awards and the launch of Pen & Inc. for diversity and inclusion in children’s publishing demonstrate good first steps towards putting these values into practice.

It will take time for us to work with the LGBTQ+ Network and Policy Committee to reflect and embed these values in all areas of our policy. For the time being, however, we want all women including trans women, all men including trans men and non-binary and gender non-conforming people in our community to know that you have our full support.