The past couple of weeks since the supreme court ruling on sex in the Equality Act 2010; have been exceptionally difficult for the trans community, and LGBTQ+ people more widely. We are a “by and for” service, meaning that the majority of our staff are LGBTQ+ ourselves. Without compromising privacy, we have a number of trans and non-binary staff; if you have been to the centre recently, you have likely met us. Please trust us when we say that we understand, and we have been feeling the effects of this too.
Two weeks ago, in a joint statement from organisations across the LGBTQ+ sector we asked you for time to digest this ruling. Today, given the ongoing uncertainty we are not able to fully respond as we would like, but we want to update you with the following.
Our trans strategic development worker has been reviewing the judgement, the subsequent interim update from the EHRC, relevant legislation and guidance. Far from the “clarity” that has been welcomed by the government; we, just as the community, and civil society at large have more questions than answers. We will continue to monitor developments closely. This will likely involve seeking specialist legal advice soon as to what it means in practice for us, and for community groups.
What we can be certain of, is our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, in Birmingham, the wider West Midlands, and nationwide:
- Our charitable aims include the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, including through public advocacy. On this nothing has changed.
- As staff and volunteers, we are both the trans community or we stand in solidarity with the trans community.
- We will advocate for trans people to have true equality in law and wider society; and to not be treated as scapegoats or second-class citizens.
- We encourage those who are able to, including allies, to donate to initiatives offering legal challenge to this current and any other law, guidance or ruling that disadvantages our community. We will publicise opportunities that we see, and are currently aware of the following: https://goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/supreme-court-human-rights-for-trans-people/ https://goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/fighting-fund-for-trans-rights/
- We continue to operate our gender neutral and unisex bathrooms, and we will use whatever levers we can to protect our inclusive bathroom provision. We unequivocally believe that safety, and comfort for all can be provided where there is the will to do so.
- We continue to offer our support services to the LGBTQ+ community, always including trans people.
- We enthusiastically supported the demonstration last Saturday and will continue to support and advocate for our human rights of freedom of expression and assembly. Many of our staff, both cis and trans were in attendance; we were reminded of the strength that our community holds, and hope that you were too!
Finally, to trans people we say you are always welcome here. There is no LGB without the T; our shared history will never be forgotten, and our only future is one where we stand together; not only because we are stronger together, not only because we are alike, but most importantly because it is the right and decent thing to do.
