How we’re taking action for trans rights- and why the University needs to do better

The Supreme Court Ruling: How it affects all staff at Universities

We stand in solidarity with our transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender diverse members and colleagues. The Supreme Court ruling that ‘woman’ is defined in the Equalities Act as someone who was biologically female at birth is in direct violation of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, not to mention being “scientifically illiterate”, and has been absolutely devastating. The EHRC interim guidance published on 26th April has been condemned as a huge overstep on the part of the EHRC, and would see workplaces open to the public, such as Universities, ban transgender people from single sex spaces that are safest for them. 

What it means for women

Policing single sex spaces is a threat to all women; it demands that every woman be scrutinised, judged and excluded or accepted by whether she is “feminine enough.” Threats to transgender rights are therefore threats to all our rights – to bodily autonomy, privacy, freedom of association, and liberation from patriarchy.

The University’s response so far

While there was a very small update in the all staff briefing stating that the University is waiting for guidance on the decision, we are disappointed that there hasn’t been any commitment to its transgender staff and students. So far, the University has not clarified their existing guidance either- you can read the full guidance here.

How other Universities are responding

Other Universities such as Leeds University have published much longer statements, clearly stating that they support their transgender staff and students in these difficult times, and we should expect nothing less from our own University.

Actions we have taken

Since the ruling we’ve been doing everything we can to fight against any potential rollback of transgender rights and protections on campus:

• Attending protests: on Saturday 28 April, with comrades from UCU, other UNISON branches, other trade unions and LGBT+ activists.
• Discussions with HR: We tabled the supreme court ruling and interim guidance at our pre-arranged negotiating meeting with HR on Monday. We requested that the University keep all of its existing arrangements in place. We stressed that they should not  overreact by implementing the EHRC guidance, which is not statutory, and could place the University at risk of breaking the law in other ways. 
• Formal letter to University leadership: UNISON and UCU have followed up with a formal email to senior University leadership, asking again for them to support transgender staff and students, by keeping things as they are for now ahead of any statutory guidance. 

What you can do to help: Download our posters and join the picnic!

Support our campaign

There are simple but powerful ways to show your support this week. You can download one of our solidarity posters to display in your office or workspace. You can also support our campaign and stay informed at the same time, by following and sharing our updates on Instagram and Facebook. Every visible sign of support helps create a safer environment for trans colleagues and students.

• Download our posters
• Follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram

Join the picnic

If you’re on campus, join us for the Trans Rights Solidarity Picnic on Wednesday 7 May, 12:30–2pm at the Green Heart. Whether you stay five minutes or the full hour, your presence matters. Bring your lunch, a flag, a placard – or just yourself.

Why it matters

This isn’t just about policy, it’s about people. When trans rights are undermined, everyone’s rights are at risk. Standing together is how we push back against fear, exclusion, and rollback. It sends a message: our community will not be silent, and we will always fight for dignity, equality, and safety for all.