Tory MP Jamie Wallis Has Come Out As Trans
3 min read
Jamie Wallis, the Tory MP for Bridgend, has praised the “incredible support” of their colleagues as they announce that they are trans.
In a statement, the 2019-intake MP said: “I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be.
“I’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I’ve felt this way since I was a very young child. I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud.”
They went on to share that there was a “close call” in April 2020, when someone attempted to blackmail them, asking for £50,000 to “keep quiet”.
Wallis said the police were “supportive” and that “on this occasion the system worked”, adding that the individual in question was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for the blackmail.
The MP, who still goes by he/him/his pronouns, also said “things have really taken a tumble” in their life.
They continued: “For a while it seemed as though I would be able to get on with things and move on. Being an MP and hiding something like this was always going to be tough, but I arrogantly assumed I was up for it. Well, I’m not.”
“A few months back, in September, I “hooked up” with someone who I met online and when I chose to say ‘no’ on the basis that he wouldn’t wear a condom he chose to rape me.
“I have not been myself since this incident and I don’t think I will ever recover. It is not something you ever forget, and it is not something you ever move on from.”
Wallis also apologised for fleeing the scene of a car crash in November 2021, an incident for which they received a £146 fine.
They said they were suffering from PTSD and were “terrified”, and had “no idea what I was doing except I was overcome by an overwhelming sense of fear”.
The MP also praised the support from the whips office, and said they were “reminded of the incredible support those you work with can provide” following a dinner for all the current Tory MPs held in Westminster on Tuesday.
“I was reminded how important it is to be yourself. I have never lived my truth and I’m not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone,” they added.
Responding to his statement on Twitter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote: “Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage.
“Thank you [Jamie Wallis] for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others.”
“The Conservative Party I lead will always give you, and everyone else, the love and support you need to be yourself.”
Numerous MPs from across the Commons have also shared their support. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting wrote on Twitter: “Sending you love and solidarity from the other side of the Commons. This is hugely courageous of you to share.”
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy praised Wallis’ “incredibly brave and dignified statement”, adding: “This sends a powerful message to the whole of the Commons and the whole of the country.”
Several Tory MPs publicly shared their best wishes, including Andrew Bowie, Tom Tugendhat, Johnny Mercer, Alicia Kearns and Anthony Higginbotham.
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