Why I’m Still in the Labour Party (Even Though It’s Really Bloody Hard)

Avery speaking at Preston City Council

Staying in Labour right now isn’t easy, and if you’re wondering why I haven’t walked away, trust me, I’ve asked myself the same question more than once.

As a trans person, I’ve seen and felt exactly how hostile this party has become to people like me. Locally and nationally, I’ve had to deal with slurs, deliberate misrepresentation, and silence from people who should know better. Sometimes that harm comes from people in senior positions. Sometimes it's allowed to go unchecked by people who claim to care. And all of it wears you down.

So yes, I’ve thought seriously about leaving.

But for now, I’m choosing to stay. Not because the party deserves it, but because trans people deserve a voice in the room. Because every queer member who feels isolated or sidelined deserves someone fighting their corner. Because walking away while our community is under attack just hands the mic to those who are doing the harm.

I’m not here to play nice or keep quiet. I’m here to challenge it, name it, and organise against it.

I’m staying so I can keep holding people to account. I’m staying so that trans and queer voices aren’t erased from within. I’m staying because if people like me disappear, then they win.

You don’t have to agree with my choice and I get why others are leaving. But if I can use this position to speak up, organise, and push for real accountability, then I will.

Because I’m not going anywhere quietly.