MORE than a quarter of Hampshire's transgender community have attempted to commit suicide, new figures reveal.

The statistics from a survey by support charity Chrysalis show that 26 per cent of trans people Chrysalis spoke to this year disclosed they had tried to kill themselves - compared to the national average of nine per cent.

Now Chrysalis has launched a campaign to let trans people know they "have many allies."

CEO Andi Maratos is asking residents and businesses to "fly the flag" for trans rights in the run up to International Trans Day of Remembrance.

ITDOR is a bid to remember all those who have lost their lives due to transphobic violence or hate crime.

Last year's candlelit vigil at Southampton's Guildhall saw dozens gather to remember those from the international LGBT community who have lost their lives.

It comes just weeks after the government was forced to extend the deadline for a nationwide public consultation into the gender recognition act after record numbers of people signed up to air their views.

The consultation asked how to make it easier for trans people to legally change their gender after a sex change.

Andi says the Fly the Trans Flag initiative is a bid to show trans people and their significant others they "are not alone." She said: "It’s really important to note that Chrysalis Saves Lives, this is something that our beneficiaries and former beneficiaries tell us all the time as well as it being borne out with reports from our facilitators and counsellors

"The rise in transphobia in day to day life, and an increased fear of transphobic hate crime means that trans+ people, who are already the most likely to attempt suicide, suffer from isolation anxiety and depression of all marginalised groups, and their significant others are now telling Chrysalis that they are even more scared.

"Chrysalis is asking for our allies to take a stand, to make a statement that they stand beside their trans+ colleagues, friends and loved ones. To promote acceptance, diversity, and inclusiveness. To say to those close to you that “it's OK to be who you are, it's OK to be trans+”.

"As an organisation Chrysalis knows there are so many allies out there. So many people on our mailing list, who have attended our conference or our training, our supporters, promotors, stakeholders and volunteers.

"We want to demonstrate to trans+ people that they have many, many allies. That the transphobic people are the true minority. We ask our allies to make their voices the loudest."

In 2006 when the charity did an initial survey, 96 per cent said they had made at least one attempt.

Andi said the drop is probably due to people now being able to come out earlier. She added: "Being transgender does not mean that you will automatically have poor mental health. If someone is accepted and able to live authentically then their quality of life is good.

"There’s also plenty of evidence out there that those who are supported through transition have the best outcomes and are the least likely to regret decisions made."

Organisations are being asked to fly a flag on a pole, in a window, or displayed in your workplace.

You can support the charity by buying a flag and tweeting a picture of it on November 20 or by donating £20 to their crowdfunding page on https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TDOR2018 .