GMB union activists staged a vigil outside Parliament yesterday to demand an end to the labelling of transgender people as “mentally ill.”

At least 18 million transgender people live across the globe, yet the World Health Organisation (Who) has failed to abolish the classification of transgender as a mental illness.

The union is at the forefront of campaigning to end victimisation, harassment and violent attacks suffered by Britain’s 65,000 transgender people.

London region GMB Shout! activist Sarah Hurley demanded that the Who must urgently bring forward its discussion on declassifying transgender as a mental illness — which is at present planned for 2015.

Speaking at yesterday’s vigil to mark World Health Day, Ms Hurley said transgender people belonged to “one of the most underground communities, due to victimisation, harassment and even murder.

“They face violence just for being born in the wrong body. Massive aggression is part of everyday life for somebody who is transgender.”

Between January 2008 and December 2011 there were at least 816 reported killings of transgender people across 55 different countries.

Fellow activist Taranjit Chana praised the GMB for involving shop stewards and workplace organisations in a campaign to support its transgender members.

She also emphasised the need to take the campaign outside workplaces and into society in general, along with stepping up international pressure.

The GMB will be playing a major role in marking Trans-Memorial Day on November 20, when activists will read out a roll call of the fallen — those who have been murdered in Britain and around the world.