Thank you very much for being one of the few papers to record the passing of Julia Grant at such a tragically early age (Report, 4 January). I was the union branch secretary at the Middlesex hospital in 1978 when George Roberts, as Julia was known then, came to ask me to issue him a new union card in the name of Julia Grant. I was more than happy to do so.
Grant taught me a great deal about transgender issues and the prejudice experienced at the time. Our union, the Confederation of Health Service Employees, introduced enlightened policies as a result of Grant’s advocacy, and she should be hailed not only as a pioneer of transgender rights but also as someone who made a real contribution to the trade union movement. And all with a smile to warm the coldest heart.
Steve Pound MP
London
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