An independent LGBT bookshop has sent hundreds of books about the history of Trans people to MPs across the country – paid for by their own constituents. Queer Lit, an award-winning gay bookshop in Manchester, has packaged up 300 copies of ‘Trans Britain’ and sent it off to members of parliament from all over the UK. Edited by author Christine Burns MBE, who has campaigned for the civil rights of trans people for more than 25 years, ‘Trans Britain: Our Journey From the Shadows’ deals with generations of trans history in the UK. The initiative aims to give MPs ‘comprehensive knowledge’ of the history of the Trans community ‘before framing laws that affect them’. Matt Cornford, 37, owner of the bookshop on Tib Street, told the Manchester Evening News: ” As an LGBT bookshop, it’s important that our minorities are discovered and our voices are heard. “We stock books about trans people and their rights to help allies see what goes on in the minds of trans people but also to help those going through a transition or questioning their own identity. “This initiative came about after we spoke to Christine and wanted to do something more to support our trans community. “More needs to be known about their stories and their history – how can lawmakers know little about their reality but influence their healthcare and human rights? “We did a shout out to our customers where we gave people the chance to buy the book at cost price to then send to their local MP, if they felt like it may have been of use to them. “Many got in touch after being upset or disagreeing with the previous voting record of their MPs who they felt were ignorant to trans rights.” A total of 260 people got in touch offering to buy one of the books, with Queer Lit rounding that number up to 300.