Jamie Wallis comes out as Britain’s first transgender MP and reveals rape ordeal
“I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be," said Wallis.
By Nick Reilly
A Conservative politician has come out as Britain’s first transgender MP after revealing he has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
In a statement shared to social media, Bridgend MP Jamie Wallis also alleged he was raped by a man in September last year and said he is “not OK” in the aftermath of the ordeal.
Wallis revealed he was trans, “or to be more accurate, I want to be”, and went on to explain he “always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud”.
The politician, who is using male pronouns for the time being, also said he had been blackmailed over being trans. The offender was sentenced to jail time last year.
The emotionally charged statement comes after Wallis was arrested by police and fined for leaving the scene of a car crash last year. He referenced the incident in his statement and said he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“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,” he said.
“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. 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. He pled guilty and was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.”
Opening up on his rape ordeal, Wallis added: “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.”
After referencing his car crash in November last year, Wallis concluded: “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.”
Wallis received support on both sides of the house, with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting writing: “Sending you love and solidarity from the other side of the Commons. This is hugely courageous of you to share.”
Tory Chairman Oliver Dowden added: “Proud of my colleague Jamie Wallis. As a Conservative family we stand together, and we will support you. I hope that your brave statement will help others.”