A local resident has launched an initiative called Safe Space Frome, highlighting businesses and groups in the town that are inclusive of gender diversity.
Ted Prendergast, a trans man, launched the scheme – which has around 20 businesses on board – in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that legally defines gender based on biological sex.
The ruling has implications for who can access single-sex services and spaces – including changing rooms, toilets, women’s refuges, single-sex hospital wards and any spaces designated for one sex only.
The scheme, which aims to highlight the spaces in Frome that have committed to making trans and other gender-diverse people feel welcome and accepted in their identity despite the court’s ruling, is detailed on the Safe Space Frome Instagram page.
“After the Supreme Court ruling, I was feeling very scared and vulnerable,” said Ted. “It was weighing me down. I thought the best way to deal with that was to show up in my own town and show that, although there’s a lot going on in the world, Frome is a place where people can feel safe and welcome – where they won’t be turned away.”
Ted was inspired to launch the page after seeing a similar initiative, Safe Space Bristol. “I saw that they were advocating for people to set up their own accounts and I just went for it,” said Ted, who works at Palmer Street Bottle Shop, which is a listed Safe Space.
“I thought it was a good initiative and something proactive that I could do here in Frome. Since launching the account, it’s been really lovely and I’ve had quite a lot of people get in touch with me – some even offering to help or suggesting I contact the council. I’m the only person running the account at the moment, but it would be nice to get others involved.”
To get businesses on board, he messaged local owners inviting them to take part. “All they do is send a statement back to me about why they are proud to be a Safe Space.
“It’s really nice because it’s written from the heart. My intention is that the account will also be helpful for people visiting the town for the Independent Market or other events, because then they know which places are considered safe for them.”
Ted said that, with Frome being a ‘progressive’ town, he is hopeful more businesses and groups will take part and that the initiative will continue to grow.
“A lot of prejudice is whispered about – people don’t outwardly talk about it,” said Ted. “I’ve definitely dealt with people who haven’t been very kind and have shown me some discrimination. In different places of work I’ve had comments that have been surprising.
“All in all, as a town, we are quite progressive – and that’s something I really feel. There are a lot of places that are so happy and proud to be a part of this, which is really great to see.”
