We asked all candidates the following questions, for which their replies are posted in full and our full justification for scoring how we did.
Pledge 1
To acknowledge wholeheartedly that fighting for LGBTIQA+ liberation goes hand in hand with fighting the climate crisis.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. As is so often said in the party, there is no environmental justice without social, economic and racial justice too. We know that it is often people on the sidelines of society, who are disconnected from traditional support structures and feel less able to access support, who are most impacted by the result of climate change. It is the job of environmentalists and social justice activists worldwide to advocate for everyone in this position, including the LGBTIQA+ community.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 2
To support and promote Green Party of England & Wales policy on LGBTIQA+ rights (including RR500 – RR539).
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. As a job-share, we are both committed to protecting and advancing our policies on LGBTIQA+ rights and making the party a safe place to be. Dylan is the former Co-Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Greens, and has worked extensively throughout the party as an advocate for queer rights. Melanie, as a former member of the Green Party Regional Council (GPRC), was instrumental in approving and implementing the party’s definition of queerphobia – a document led by the LGBTIQA+ Greens.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 3
To work with LGBTIQA+ Greens to deepen and extend the party’s support for and policies on LGBTIQA+ rights.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. As above, we are committed to LGBTIQA+ rights and inclusion within the Green Party, and will work with the LGBTIQA+ Greens and others to further advocate for intersectional and inclusive policies throughout the party.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 4
To work with LGBTIQA+ Greens to improve GPEW policy on trans healthcare (RR532-RR534) to provide fully funded and much-needed support to all trans people, to end segregated healthcare and to support appropriate healthcare for trans youth based on informed consent, Gillick competency and internationally recognised best practice.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. Dylan, when they were LGBTIQA+ Greens Co-Chair, helped to organise a briefing between the leadership team, LGBTIQA+ Greens, and Abigail Thorn of Philosophy Tube, on the segregation of trans healthcare in this country, an issue that has since gotten even more stark in the intervening time. On GPEx, we will not shy away from encouraging discussion with our special interest groups and fully adhering to the principles of ‘nothing about us without us’.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 5
To support LGBTIQA+ Greens to make further gains in ensuring GPEW provides a welcoming, safe and nourishing environment for LGBTIQA+ members.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. As Management Coordinator, it would be our responsibility to ensure that senior leadership within the party take the concerns and working conditions of staff members properly, including many members who work for the party. We are committed to supporting our diverse staff team and ensuring that they are listened to and supported in the incredible work they do for the party. As GPEx members more widely, we will continue to advocate for safer spaces, a better disciplinary system that supports victims, and a culture shift in the party in line with the recommendations of the Diverse Matters report.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 6
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, to work with LGBTIQA+ Greens and wider queer society, organisations and allies to campaign to protect previously established trans rights and for any changes to legislation which might be needed to ensure this protection.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. The Green Party must be clear and ambitious about our support for marginalised communities across the UK and the world. Our strength is in our convictions, and we have the duty to support communities in protecting and expanding their rights, which includes the trans community. As LGBTIQA+ Greens Co-Chair, Dylan organised a cross-party campaign of LGBTIQA+ affiliates of parties opposing the UK government blocking the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. We will continue to work with the LGBTIQA+ Greens and the wider community to stand up for us.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 7
To fight for reform of the Gender Recognition Act to provide a kinder and less bureaucratic process for recognising trans people’s gender in law.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. As above, we have campaigned for this in relation to the Scottish bill and would fully support those provisions being extended to England and Wales.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 8
To support efforts to increase the number of LGBTIQA+ candidates for election to internal positions and to public office.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. It is vital that people of all backgrounds feel comfortable representing the Green Party internally and externally, and it is the role of the national party (alongside other groups) to provide this support.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 9
To campaign for this government to bring forward a genuine ban on conversion therapy. Conversion therapy includes medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious, cultural or any other interventions that seek to change, “cure”, or suppress the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of a person. Any ban must protect all LGBTIQA+ people, which includes providing genuine protection for trans people.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. We have both consistently called for a genuine and inclusive ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ torture practices, and will continue to do so.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Pledge 10
To stand in solidarity with LGBTIQA+ communities worldwide by working with international Green parties to oppose anti-LGBTIQA+ legislation and to promote global human rights and liberation.
Each candidate replied:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
We commit to this pledge. We will work with the International Coordinator to ensure that we support green parties that support and uphold LGBTIQA+ rights worldwide, and use our position as a major party in a global north context to push for supporting LGBTIQA+ and other intersectional causes globally.
Kate Souper
No Response
For each candidate who responded, we scored them one point.
Overall Scores
For each candidate we have either given them one or zero points for their answers to their questions, and their final scores and what we think for each candidate are below:
Melanie Earp & Dylan Lewis-Creser
10/10
It’s clear that Melanie and Dylan really understand the crossroads we find ourselves with regards to LGBTIQA+ rights in England and Wales and are committed to working with us to improve the lives of all.
Kate Souper
0/10
We did not receive a response from Kate.
If you have any questions or concerns about the scores we provided on this page, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to listen to feedback for future pledges and hustings processes.