Cllr Ria Patel (they/she)
@CroydonRiaPatel
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💚@CroydonGreens Fairfield Councillor, Croydon’s town centre |☀️ @CroydonEnergy Secretary |🏳️🌈 @CroydonPride Trustee |🏳️⚧️🍉🧡Quietly quit using X - mostly
Croydon, London
Joined March 2019
I’m the @CroydonGreens candidate for Croydon West!. We need real hope and real change. If you want better, then you have to vote for better. #VoteGreen. Promoted by Martyn Post on behalf of Ria Patel at 12 Johns Terrace, Croydon CR0 6TD
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Timely reminder that LGB Alliance are a hate group, who are majority straight and do not have the interests of Queer people at heart. Hate won’t win. #LGBWithTheT
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Now back home from Croydon Council’s induction day! I can confirm it was the best way to spend my 21st birthday. Still can’t believe I’ve been elected. Thank you so much to all the Fairfield residents who voted Green and the amazing Green campaign team 💚
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Hate crimes and homophobic attacks are rising but we won’t live in fear. Queer people are not going anywhere. Here at Queer Night Pride in Clapham following the homophobic attack outside Two Brewers. The LGBTIQA+ community stands together. Solidarity.
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I’ve voted Green ✅🗳️. Big thank you to everyone who’s already voted @TheGreenParty or plans to today 🙏🏽. Don’t forget:.🪪 Bring photo ID.⏰ Polls close at 10.💚 #VoteGreen
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😍 Look at this lovely group of people!. 🚄 Just some of @TheGreenParty members who support new High Speed Rail for the north!. ✍️ If you feel the same - join us and sign up here: #GPC24 #VoteForE01 #TrainsNotPlanes
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When Glinner QTs you & you get messages like this, you’re doing something right. Gonna be slow replying to the genuine people as I’ve been swamped x. Just when I got to 0 unreads too lol. Also I received my first letter telling me to kms in reception, so this ain’t gonna do shit
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I’m extremely excited to say that I’m standing as @TheGreenParty candidate for South Norwood ward in Croydon’s upcoming Council election on May 6th!. Croydon Council desperately needs change, and @CroydonGreens can be a part of that. Together, we can create the Croydon we want 💚.
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Love to all trans youth. You are loved and supported. Fuck the pandering to transphobia.
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Wishing you all a very happy Diwali 🪔. Hope those celebrating have a fulfilling day with family and friends. Looking forward to dinner at my Nani’s tonight 🥰. Light over darkness. Good over evil.
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A vote for me is a vote for both people and the planet 💚. 💧 Properly funded public services, not private profit: an end to the failed privatisation experiment in the NHS, public transport, water and energy. 1/4
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Proud of the team 🥰🫶🏽 And thank YOU for voting Green! 🫵🏽🙏🏽💚. 4 Green MPs and @CroydonGreens received the most votes we’ve ever had in Croydon :). In Croydon West I came 3rd with 10.1% of the vote and the biggest % increase!! 💚. Inspired? Join us
💚 Starting in Croydon with @CroydonRiaPatel who achieved 10.1% of the vote and came third in Croydon West!. Ria was elected as a Councillor in Croydon in 2022.
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“Let it bed in” !!!!? The police already had plenty of power before the Public Order Act. Concerned for democracy? Fed-up with Starmer’s Labour?. I’ll just leave this here:
Starmer states that Labour would not repeal the Public Order Act, instead he would allow it to 'bed in'
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Had a blast speaking with residents today!. People want real change. If you want better then you have to vote for better. Croydon West, #VoteGreen. Wherever you are, #VoteGreen. Every Green vote gives Green MPs power to push the new government to do better for people & for planet
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Utter transphobic nonsense. Not practical - how do you police this? And trans people can already access single-sex spaces under the Equalities Act. Labour just keeps getting progressively worse. Going back in time to gender essentialism. Best not show face at pride this year.
🚨 BREAKING: Labour's Shadow Equalities minister Anneliese Dodds confirms the party has scrapped its commitment to transgender rights. Dodds says Labour will protect single-sex spaces "for biological women". (Source: reporting by Sienna Rodgers of The House magazine)
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The video of a Black mother being arrested in front of her son isn’t an isolated incident. The trauma will stay with the child. So much pain being inflicted. We’re overpoliced by the Met who won’t admit they are institutionally racist. Protesting outside Croydon Police Station
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Labour’s candidate for Croydon West has taken sponsorship from a public affairs company representing BP & British Gas! Grim 🤢. You cannot be serious about tackling the climate crisis if you do this!. If you want Green, then you have to #VoteGreen. Vote for me in Croydon West 💚.
Labour’s Shadow Decarbonisation Minister Received Sponsorship from Gas Industry Lobbyists. "The Labour Party did not respond to DeSmog’s requests for comment.". @TheGreenParty does not take money from the fossil fuel industry. Want green? #VoteGreen.
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Gender recognition legislation needs updating UK-wide: it should be easier for people to change their legally recognised gender!. Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed and is a step forward 🏳️⚧️. This is an attack on devolution and equalities.
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Another day of appalling behaviour from the Met yesterday. Whatever your views on the monarchy, the right to protest is fundamental to a functioning democracy. We must continue to fight for democracy. How have Labour chosen to side with the Conservatives on this?!.
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Fascism’s never welcome. Greens are anti-fascist.
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The Anti-Boycott Bill is yet another attack on democracy. Boycott, divestment & sanction campaigns lead to change:.- Bristol Bus Boycott.- Ending apartheid in South Africa.- Tackling the tobacco industry.- Encouraging fossil fuel divestment.- etc…. 1/2.
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Happy Pride as in Queer liberation for ALL #FreePalestine 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✨. Fuck pinkwashing. Follow @FossilFreePride, @FFPrideLDN & Queers for Palestine, get involved & help demolish oppressive structures! That’s my kind of gay😌. Proud this is concise - I could yap about this for hours🤪
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Queer children are going to be harmed. Some trans kids are going to think they are better off dead. “Protect other kids”. I’m so tired of this shit. Terrifying and cruel.
EXC: Schools trans guidance revealed - with @NatashaC . - No pronoun or uniform change without parental consent. - No hiding changes from parents . - Head can say no to protect other kids . - Competitive sport protected - gender questioning pupils banned.
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Following the receipt of questions for the Green Party Women hustings, @CouldBeKel and I, have taken the difficult decision to not attend the event. Our candidacy for Equality & Diversity Coordinator centres the fostering of safe and inclusive spaces for all. A Thread🧵- 1/7.
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Big ask that shouldn’t be a big ask: . Can we get rid of transphobia in 2021?.
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We knew Black mothers are 5 times more likely to die during childbirth, and now we learn Black babies are 3 times more likely to die than white babies. Every life lost is woeful. All those with power must support the NHS to improve access and ensure care meets everyone’s needs
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Greens are outside Parliament at the rally to defend our right to boycott. If passed it will massively affect our ability to campaign for social, economic and climate justice. Currently listening to @natalieben speak: “We have to stand up for democracy”. #CeasefireNow
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Today’s protest outside Downing Street was a phenomenal show of #TransPower . Over 3000 people showed up to protest Boris Johnson’s exclusion of trans people in the promised conversion therapy ban. All Queer people must be protected in this ban! 🏳️⚧️. #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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Greens say: #SaveTicketOffices, #StaffOurStations and bring rail companies into public ownership!. Ticket office closures will disproportionately impact disabled people who need ticket offices to make travelling more accessible. It’s #NotJustTheTicket!. Take action👇🏽. 🧵 1/8
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Rain doesn’t stop us Greens 🌧️☔️. Great responses to us whilst out speaking with residents and supporting them with local issues, regardless of getting soaked in the rain! 💚
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It's Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month so a🧵. With the Policing Bills criminalising GRT communities' way of life, we must reaffirm our commitment to tackling the racism they face, whilst celebrating their histories and cultures. from @GypsyTravellers.
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As co-chair of @LGBTIQAGreens, I’m extremely glad to have signed this cross-party letter to @trussliz urging for the ban of ‘conversion therapy’. Across the political spectrum, we stand united: ban ‘conversion therapy’. There is no excuse for this ‘therapy’ akin to torture.
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Shame on @YourCroydon for not raising a flag this year for #TransDayOfVisibility 🏳️⚧️. We know trans hate crime is rising fuelled by politicians & the media. Last year I asked Mayor Perry what he was doing to support trans people - after no action for non-binary awareness week. 1/8
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Yesterday at the Palestine Solidarity rally. How many more lives need to be lost before Sunak and Starmer call for a ceasefire and negotiations?. That is the only solution to prevent further mass casualties. This is not self-defence. Where is your humanity?
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The average councillor is a white man aged 60. We need more women and non-binary people in politics!. It’s #AskHerToStandDay. Know a green women who’d make a great representative? #AskHerToStand & not just once.
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🤔 Does this sound democratic to you?! Croydon Council is attempting to block councillors, just because we’re from smaller parties. What are they scared of? Real scrutiny? 👀. 1/4
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24% of people who menstruate in the UK can’t afford period products. There’s rising costs of period products, rising need and rising demands on menstrual health services. People shouldn’t be disadvantaged because they have periods. See @bloodygood__ for more.
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I feel like I’ve been screaming and no one’s listening and now I’m loosing my voice. Trans rights are human rights. Our existence should not be a debate.
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Proud to support the full decriminalisation of sex work. One of the main reasons I originally joined @TheGreenParty . Read the thread 👇🏽.
We all want to be safe, and sex workers are no exception. The laws on sex work in the U.K. put sex workers in danger. If you care about sex workers safety, we need your solidarity. Sex workers need you to vote for full decriminalisation at the General Election. (1/3)
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Very excited to be the new @TheGreenParty’s Equalities and Diversity Spokesperson 💚. I’m looking forward to working even more closely with our liberation groups as part of this role.
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It’s been an honour to be Co-Chair of @LGBTIQAGreens for the last two years 💚. I’ve made the decision to not re-run as Co-Chair - I think it’s time to make space for others. 🏳️🌈. Instead, I’ll be standing for Liberation Officer on the committee! . 1/4.
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The Tories use of public bodies is vile. The EHRC lacks independence, with government appointees. Its anti-trans bigotry is out of line with international human rights. The Labour leadership’s clapping at the evident bigotry is well beyond ignorant. 1/3.
🚨 BREAKING: Labour has welcomed the move by the EHRC to review whether trans people's legal protections under the Equality Act should be changed. A Labour spokesperson said: "Clarification is a good thing. We will look closely at what’s brought forward".
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🚨 Don’t miss out on voting & having your say because you haven’t registered to vote!!! 🚨. Take 2 mins to register to vote before midnight tomorrow⚡️. Then go and #VoteGreen on 4th July 💚. 1/2
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It was really powerful to march amongst my fellow trans siblings and allies at #LondonTransPride 💚. I think the number of people there suggests something:. We want trans rights! 🏳️⚧️
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@ShockatAdam Incorrect - Greens are not whipped & don’t have to follow party lines. We are free to represent our residents.
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Trans existence is not a debate, and women’s liberation and trans liberation are entirely compatible: our focus is on dismantling capitalist patriarchy. 4/7.
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It’s #WindrushDay & justice is still needed for the victims & families of the Windrush Scandal. I’m grateful for the Windrush generation & migrants who’ve made our country better. We need a fairer, compassionate immigration system. Proud Greens would end the hostile environment
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Improving growth isn't a noble aim when it only benefits the richest, and we live on a planet with finite resources 🫢.
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Love and solidarity to all LGBTIQA+ Ugandans. Homosexuality was already illegal. Now life imprisonment and the death penalty for ‘aggravated cases’ has been introduced. No one should live in fear because of who they love. It must be repealed. 1/2.
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My thoughts are with the loved ones of Brianna Ghey and those affected by her loss. If you need to talk, Galop, Switchboard and Mermaids have helplines. The trans community deserves safety and respect in life and to be remembered as who they were in death.
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Proud of the LGBTIQA+ Green manifesto 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ #VoteGreen. 💚 Reform the Gender Recognition Act, allowing self-ID.💚 Repeal the spousal veto.💚 Evidence-based, age-appropriate Relationships, Sex and Health Education in all schools.💚 Introduce an X marker. 1/3.
We're excited today to release our LGBTIQA+ greens mini-manifesto, with everything from our parties manifesto and broader party policy that shows what we'll do for LGBTIQA+ people.
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Awful the US Supreme Court have overturned Roe v Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion. A complete obliteration of human rights. Abortions won’t stop, they’ll just be less safe and there’s already too many unsafe abortions happening. The world doesn’t need more.
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Lovely early evening out delivering leaflets 💚
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Councils can’t run online and hybrid meetings. @CarolineLucas and @TeaWithHB are working to change this, making them more accessible. This early day motion would enable disabled people and carers to participate fairly. Ask your MP to sign #DisabilityPride.
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An absolute pleasure to introduce @ZackPolanski for his speech at #GPC23 . In @TheGreenParty we have hope for a fairer, greener country. The fight for social, racial, economic and environmental justice continues.
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Sadiq saying he's a green Mayor whilst backing the Silvertown Tunnel🤦🏽♀️. The only green Mayor will be a true Green Mayor: @sianberry. Want Green? #VoteGreen . #BBCLondon.
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In Castle & Newnham ward with @BedfordGreens helping to get Cllr Lucy Bywater and Paul Edmonds elected!. Go and #VoteGreen if you haven’t already and don’t forget your ID💚. #GetGreensElected
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Today marks 4 years since #Essex39. 39 Vietnamese people were found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex. People died because there was no safe route to the UK. This continues to happen. The UK’s border regime kills people seeking safety. End the hostile environment.
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Solidarity with those currently protesting for trans lives outside 10 Downing Street. I’m so proud of our community. Trans love to you all. We all deserve safety, dignity & love. Sorry to not be there in person - currently listening in on Instagram Live. #TransLivesMatter 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️.
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I’m so excited to have been elected!. 💚 Thank you to everyone that voted. 🏳️🌈 I can’t wait to work with the rest of the committee and our amazing volunteers to fight for an inclusive society. Thank you to the outgoing committee too. You’ve achieved SO much!!.
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Yesterday’s successful @FeministGreens action day! The Tories are toast & Labour’s not inspiring people. So people are voting for hope and REAL change 💚. I’ve been quiet on socials but we’ve been out speaking with residents & getting the message out to #VoteGreen in Croydon West
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The LGBTQ national diversity program for the NHS is being shut down - during LGBT+ History Month. A loss in the fight towards health equality for Queer people. This is the latest in the continuous pushback against LGBTIQA+ inclusion. What’s next? Who’s next?.
#LGBTIQA+ people face barriers to accessing healthcare & health inequalities as a result. I worked on Rainbow Badge whilst at #NHS with incredible equalities leads across north London - we shared learning between hospitals & many more were keen to complete it. Big loss.
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.@TheGreenParty support self-determination of gender and reform of the Gender Recognition Act. An honest explanation about what that means is needed. Less bureaucracy, shorter waiting times, legal recognition of non-binary people & more.👇🏽.
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77 years since Hiroshima, the threat of nuclear war and mass destruction remains. We must learn from the past. Nuclear weapons must be banned and never used again. Most countries have signed the #NuclearBan Treaty. We must continue to push for the UK to as well.
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Greens for Palestine at the National March in London calling for peace. Stop arms exports to Israel. Stop the genocide. End the occupation of Palestine. We are all Palestinians. #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow . @_david_craig @MattWBroadley @BHGreens
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Happy Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day!! 🩷💛🩵. I still get told I’m confused about my identity or ‘just experimenting’. This is very incorrect. - We’re not confused.- Pan ≠ bi.- Not all pan people are polyamorous . Now back to celebrating the pan community today :)
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It’s disgusting we live in a country where people are being detained for deportation to Rwanda. Proud of Croydon & wider-London coming together in solidarity to resist the government & Home Office’s expensive cruelty. Read the thread👇🏽Get involved, support refugees & #StopRwanda
🧵🧵:. Today I joined community sharing information with asylum seekers reporting to the Home Office about how to get help if they are detained for deportation to Rwanda. People are at risk of being bundled into vans & taken away. We really need people there ready to respond
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The anti-homosexuality bill makes it even harder for Queer people in Uganda, violating fundamental human rights. It's going to push Queer people underground and isolate young Queer people in need of community. 1/3.
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Prior to yesterday’s #Croydon cabinet, I requested to ask 2 questions & was denied - as I am every month. This month’s reason? ‘the interests of the efficient and effective management of Cabinet business’. The meeting only lasted 1hr 10 mins leaving plenty of time for my Qs 🧵1/4.
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Hit the nail on the head @ZackPolanski. Labour is now less progressive on trans rights than Scottish Labour & Tories and Tories under Theresa May. 💬 “Keir Starmer’s comments aren’t just a dog whistle – but actually a very clear signal of complete capitulation to transphobia. 1/3.
Not content with trashing the planet, Keir Starmer's Labour is now copying the Tories policies on human rights too. I'm proud @TheGreenParty will always stand with the LGBTIQA+ community - and all marginalised people.
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Reject business as usual and demand better. For a different way of doing politics, for real hope and real change, #VoteGreen tomorrow!! 💚
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Disgusting. Anneliese Dodds meeting to listen to a group amplifying the hate of & harm to trans people. Glad to say it’s something I’d never do as @TheGreenParty’s Equalities & Diversity Spokesperson - though I’d hope that’s obvious without saying!💚.
🚨 NEW: Labour says it was "right" for Anneliese Dodds (Shadow Equalities Secretary) to meet the LGB Alliance. A Labour spokesperson said: “Anneliese in her role as Shadow Equalities Secretary meets with a whole range of organisations, and it’s right that she does so."
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Officially affiliated 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.
We're deeply proud that Feminist Greens has just been OFFICIALLY AFFILIATED by the Equality and Diversity Committee of @TheGreenParty. We're going to keep working to smash the patriarchy & support marginalised folks through the climate crisis. Join us ⬇️.
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Excited to have been re-elected as Co-Chair of @LGBTIQAGreens! . Members, any concerns or ideas for the year ahead, let us know. 💚.
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Happy #InternationalWomensDay . For ALL women. Disabled women. Black women. Trans women. Sex workers. Women living in period poverty. Displaced women. Women without safety & security. Women in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Rwanda, Ukraine.*. There can be no feminism without all women.
Happy #InternationalWomensDay! This year's theme is #InspireInclusion. Together, we can build a world where ALL women feel valued and empowered. #IWD2024
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Upset and angry about this. Tory Councillor continuing to be transphobic - this isn’t a one off. I, a councillor actually representing Fairfield, would like somewhere to piss when visiting Fairfield Halls, the Council and other places in the ward. Let us piss in peace!.
Councillor's complaint sees Fairfield Halls drop mix-sex loos via @InsideCroydon.
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The Italian government has removed lesbian mothers from their children’s birth certificates and has banned surrogacy. @LGBTIQAGreenLon joined the protest outside the Italian Embassy today in solidarity. Viva la mama lesbica! #LesbiansAreMothersToo .
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Forgot to share that I’m now a committee member of @TheGreenParty’s Campaigns Committee! 💚. Sign up to the newsletter to receive updates: 🔗
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Engaging in right-wing culture wars, manufactured to divide already-marginalised communities and break solidarity in the intersectional fight for social, racial, economic, and climate justice, is not a vehicle to this end. 6/7.
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❗️ E05: Recognise trans parents passes!!. 🏳️⚧️ It's been so great to see such trans inclusive motions passing this #GPConf!. 💚 Want to say a big big thank you to @LGBTIQAGreens xx.
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Having a whole sobbing session right now. Solidarity with my trans siblings. I love you. Thank you @AshRouth. Thank you @CarolineRussell. Thank you @sianberry.
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I'm the only candidate in Croydon West to commit to @PSCupdates' Vote Palestine 2024 campaign - sadly. I've obviously committed to all 6 actions and here is my comment:. If I’m elected I will be a strong voice supporting an immediate ceasefire and for international…. 1/7
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Outside the Home Office protesting to stop the hate coming from this government. Marginalised communities stand together with refugees. You can’t divide us. Stop Braverman. Stop the Hate. #UnityNotDivision #RefugeesWelcome
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Conference, thank you! What a weekend 💚. Two major highlights for me:. 1️⃣ Passing the Access to Fertility Treatment motion yesterday ensuring equal access for all. 2️⃣ Helping chair the plenaries today. #GPC23
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I absolutely loved #GPC23. There were lots of highlights for me, from introducing @ZackPolanski to chairing plenary!. But my favourite part is always catching up with Green friends and making new ones too. It was particularly rejuvenating to catch up with @CouldBeKel 😊💚
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If you know someone who is undecided about who they should vote for on Thursday, tell them this:. REAL change will only happen if you vote for it. #VoteGreen.
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We believe that this hustings event is destined to create yet another toxic space for the manufactured debate over trans rights, furthering a harmful environment for trans and non-binary members. 2/7.
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SEND reform now!. Parents should not have to fight for their children to have a suitable learning environment. ~90% of Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for disabled children that were previously rejected are awarded in SEND tribunals - a massive waste of money & energy
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Reported a ridiculous amount of fly tipping today whilst out delivering leaflets in Fairfield . Thank you to our members delivering leaflets all across Croydon this weekend! 💚
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Never again means never again for anyone and never again is now. No better day to continue calling for an armistice than armistice day. More violence will not liberate anyone. #CeasefireInGazaNOW
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Fun fact: listening to trans people about trans issues instead of cis people means you’re doing the bare minimum (aka a lot more than a lot of people).
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Esther and I have been out with Croydon Green Party members to speak with town centre residents on the doorstep, listen to their concerns and help solve local issues. If we can help with anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Today we remember Mahsa Amini and all persecuted by the brutal regime over the last year. Our government must do more, starting with welcoming Iranian refugees and dismantling the hostile environment. Solidarity with Iran in the fight for freedom. #WomenLifeFreedom
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