THE LEADER of a Hampshire LGBT charity has offered training to a campaigner who doesn't believe it's possible to be transgender.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Jane Robertson, an HR worker, is part of the group Sex Matters which is campaigning for companies to keep the option of single sex facilities, instead of offering unisex toilets, changing rooms and social groups.

But now the CEO of Warsash-based trans support group Andi Maratos says Ms Robertson's views are "concerning" and has offered her and the company she works for the option of trans awareness training.

Writing to the Echo, Andi thanked reporters for trying to "address some of the hatred, intolerance and just plain ignorance around transgender matters in and around Southampton."

She added: "Chrysalis has been in existence since 2005 and in that time Southampton has become recognised as a good place for trans people as there are good networks here.

"That is not to say that things are perfect, far from it, but we are definitely becoming a centre of excellence.

"I would very much like the opportunity to deliver as much training as possible to companies across the South. That Jane works in HR is concerning to many who already feel it would be unsafe to come out at work. I would like to offer her company our standard 3 hour training course for up to 20 people, provided they are based in Southampton.

"I would be happy to address Jane’s issues and questions at that training event as I know it is only through education and reasoned discussion that we can achieve essential understanding and acceptance for the most marginalised in our society. I hear her fears and would like to give her the chance to explore those fears and look for solutions which are best for everyone."

In a previous article she said: ""One of the main things that isn't being discussed is the huge and increasing body of medical evidence that being transgender is part of your biology," and added that recent arguments are doing "real damage to transgender people, both psychologically and in terms of violence and even murder."

But Jane turned down the offer and said: "We are already fully informed and not in need of any training."

She added that woman are told they should not speak out on the issue of single sex facilities and said: "The legitimate points made about males identifying as female having access to single sex spaces is dismissed as being based on me having the wrong opinion about my female biology."

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