Features / Politics
Bristol’s first female councillor to be elected while openly trans
The newly elected Labour councillor for Southmead views her election to City Hall as a significant move towards equality.
While former Labour councillor for Redland, Rosalind Mitchell, came out as trans while in office during the 1990s, Kaz Self is the first woman to be elected to Bristol City Council while openly trans.
“Throughout political history, one of the most important steps that has been taken is people seeing their identity represented,” says Self, a former aerospace engineer and now a champion for workplace equality, healthcare campaigner and LGBT+ community activist.
is needed now More than ever
Self added: “We need political leaders to be representative of our communities.
“I was absolutely delighted to be elected as representative for Southmead. To have nearly 1000 people putting their faith in me was quite a feeling.
“I’m still buzzing now. I’m so excited for the next four years.”
Former aerospace engineer Kaz Self campaigning in Southmead, the ward she now represents as a councillor – photo: Kaz Self
Bristol has consistently broken ground on representation in local politics. When Marvin Rees was elected as mayor of Bristol in 2016, he became the first Black city mayor in Europe.
Speaking about representing the city’s trans community, Self said that visibility “is massively important”.
“When I was in the closet as a trans woman, the world seemed to be a scary place. I saw people being out and open as trans and living their best lives. This gave me the confidence to be my authentic self…
“Many LGBT+ people are scared that if they come out it will be the end of their ambitions or careers. Being visible shows that this isn’t true, you can be successful regardless of your identity.”
Kye Dudd and Kaz Self are Labour’s councillors in Southmead – photo: Mia Vines Booth
While Self is delighted to represent the trans community in Bristol, noting that the 2021 census revealed there are as many as 3,220 people that come under the trans umbrella in the city, she said her aim as a councillor is to represent Southmead.
In fact, the reason stood in the recent local elections was to help tackle inequality across the ward which is one of the most deprived areas of Bristol.
Born and raised in the West Country, Self grew up on a council estate in the south of Bath and was the first in her family to go to university.
“Brunel was a great icon for our city,” Self said of her fellow engineer. “He was a visionary. I often wonder what he would’ve done to solve our public transport problems.”
Public transport will be a focus for Self for the duration of her four-year tenure at Bristol City Council, arguing that there’s much to be done to make public transport accessible for all.
“People in Southmead can’t get to places like Avonmouth to find suitable jobs. Let’s hope the next four years and the new administration work together to tackle this issue.
“We need to resolve issues in the suburbs, not just in the centre. We need solutions for families, the elderly and disabled people as well.”
Kaz Self is one of two elected councillors for Southmead – photo: Martin Booth
Looking to the future of Southmead, Self said that the area has a lot to look forward to.
“I’m really excited about the development of the youth facility at the Greenway Centre, which will be a welcome addition to the local community.
“The refurbishment ticks all the boxes for me. It’s great for Bristol’s ambitions to reach net zero and it gives youth a place to be engaged.
“Beyond those tangible things, all I want to do is gain the respect of the Southmead community and I hope they recognise me as someone who is on their side.”
On how accepting our city is for LGBTQ+ people, Self said: “Wherever I go in the city, you can see LGBT flags hanging in windows, above shop doors, even on buses.
“This isn’t just symbolic, it solidifies Bristol’s reputation as an LGBT friendly city.
“Now, with me being elected as a councillor, all I can say is long may that reputation continue.”
Main photo: Andy Leake
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