Protesting against the Supreme Court

On the 16th of April, the Supreme Court issued their ruling in the case For Women Scotland vs The Scottish Ministers. The Court has ruled that under the 2010 Equality Act, provision only applies to "biological," aka cisgender women. This is a complex ruling that will be twisted to exacerbate transmisogynist and transphobic talking points and undermines years of progress toward inclusion and equality.

We'll do our best to share the best legal expertise out there as we unfortunately do not have the legal knowledge to break down the 88 page ruling ourselves.

• The Guardian’s First Edition newsletter offered a detailed breakdown of the ruling’s implications and what it could mean for future cases involving the Equality Act.

• Another Guardian article featured a former senior civil servant who argued that the ruling conflicts with the very goals of the Equality Act.

• The Independent's article highlighting Lord Sumption’s commentary and the broader legal implications of the ruling.
  

At LonGBoaT Wakefield, we believe that this decision does not reflect the lived realities of the diverse and vibrant trans and non-binary communities in the UK. It is a painful reminder of how the legal system can still be weaponised to marginalise those already facing discrimination.

In response, on Saturday 19th April, our trustee Lila (an openly queer trans woman herself) stood proudly alongside activists from TransLeeds, members of the trans community, allies and other pro-trans organisations at a protest in Dortmund Square, Leeds. Together, voices rang out in defiance of the ruling and in defence of the rights and dignity of all trans and non-binary people.

This moment is a call to action to educate, organise, and stand in unwavering solidarity. We want our trans and non-binary siblings to know: we see you, we support you, and we will never stop fighting for your rights.

We urge our community and allies to:

• Stay informed about legal developments and their impact on LGBTQ+ rights

• Support local and national trans-led organisations

• Write to your MPs to demand trans-inclusive reform of the Equality Act

• Attend future protests and events that raise trans voices and experiences

Now more than ever, unity is power. We will continue to show up, speak out, and advocate for a future where everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.