Clarification and support following the Supreme Court ruling on gender

Following the UK Supreme Court Ruling of the 16th April, and EHCR interim guidelines published on the 25th of April, the LGBT+ Network is majorly concerned with how the UK Supreme Court ruling might impact us at Loughborough University. Additionally, Seb Coe, current Chancellor of Loughborough University spoke publicly in favour of the law.

Considering how recent the decision is, it is difficult to assess the scale of the changes that might come, however, it is very clear that this decision has impacted the wellbeing and sense of safety of many network members.

The Loughborough LGBT+ Staff Network is firmly trans-inclusive, therefore transphobic and discriminatory views won’t be tolerated within the network.

Key points

  • While the ruling confirmed that 'sex' in limited legal contexts may refer to biological sex, this does not remove or diminish the Equality Act’s protection for individuals under the characteristic of gender reassignment.
  • Universities have a duty to eliminate discrimination, advance equality, and foster good relations. Trans and non-binary individuals are protected under the characteristic of gender reassignment.
  • This Ruling shouldn’t be used as an excuse to harass LGBT+ staff members, in particularly trans members. If anyone does that, please follow HR guidance on harassment and bullying.
  • Staff and Students are covered under the Equality Act and institutional policies should reflect that.
  • Trans individuals must be allowed access to gendered facilities aligned with their identity. Neutral options must remain optional.

The Good Law Project

There is a lot of misinformation circulating at the moment about this topic, but the Good Law Project has some wonderful resources about the law and its implications:

Good Law Project resources

Other support resources

  • Switchboard - a national LGBTQIA+ support line available to speak to online or on the phone.
  • Mindline Trans+ - Emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as trans, non-binary, gender variant, and their families, friends, colleagues and carers. Call 0300 330 5468 or visit their website.
  • Spectra - services delivered by people of trans experience themselves in a friendly, safe, confidential, non-judgemental and accessible space. Services include online social group meetings where people who identify themselves on the trans and non-binary spectrum can meet and engage like-minded individuals to explore, discuss and support each other in a safe, welcoming space.  · Mermaids – support for trans and gender-diverse young people and their families, including a webchat for gender diverse students aged 18-25.
  • Trans and Non-binary Support and Advice Service - 1 to 1 support sessions at the University. This service is led by Lisa Vine, who offers drop-in sessions every Wednesday afternoon (term-time only) from 2pm-3pm, which are held in the quiet room in the Chaplaincy within the Edward Herbert Building.
  • Nottingham Chameleons - a social and support group for anyone on the transgender spectrum, their families, and friends
  • Leicester Chameleons - a support and social group based in Leicester for transgendered, their friends and family.