Local MPS have applauded the bravery of Conservative MP after they came out as trans and said they were raped.
Jamie Wallis, who represents Bridgend and Porthcawl in Wales, took to social media last night following a gathering for Tory MPs to share a personal message with the world. In a statement posted to Twitter, Jamie discloses they were raped, blackmailed and diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The Unionist also touches on how they want to transition into a woman.
In their statement, which was captioned 'it's time', Jamie 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.
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“There was a close call in April 2020 when someone blackmailed me, outed me to my father and sent photographs to other family members. He wanted £50,000 to keep quiet. The police were so supportive, so understanding and on this occasion the system worked.” The 37-year-old, who represents Bridgend and Porthcawl, said the offender was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after admitting his guilt.
They added: “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. Since then things have really taken a tumble. I am not ok."
Jamie was arrested and subsequently fined over a car crash last year to which they then go on to explain they fled because they were "terrified." They said: "I have PTSD and I honestly have no idea what I was doing except I was overcome by an overwhelming sense of fear. I am sorry that it appears I 'ran away' but this isn’t how it happened in the moment.
"Tonight, I was reminded of the incredible support those you work with can provide. Also, 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."
The message was posted online shortly before 3am, following a gathering for Tory MPs at which Boris Johnson reportedly made a joke about trans issues.
Since going live, the tweet has been flooded with support from fans and other members MPs alike.
Labour MP for Wallasey, Angela Eagle, replied: "This is very brave @JamieWallisMP Look after yourself and take the time you need to recover." Labour MP for Wirral South, Alison McGovern, added: "Take care, Jamie and keep being yourself with pride."
Boris Johnson, who allegedly started his speech at the gathering with “Good evening ladies and gentleman, or as Keir Starmer would put it, people who are assigned female or male at birth,” also showed his support. He said: "Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you @JamieWallisMP 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."
