If you consider yourself an ally to trans people, now is the time to step up and take action. If you’re not sure what to do, here are some suggestions and links to resources. You should focus on any areas where you feel most able to take action, but we suggest prioritising the sections listed earlier on this page!
Give material support
Years-long NHS waiting lists mean that trans people are often forced to pay for expensive private services in order to access essential healthcare. Donate to a trans-run organisation, a local mutual aid fund, or a trans person’s crowdfunder.
- FiveforFive
- TransActual
- Trans Kids Deserve Better
- Trans Legal Clinic
- Trans Safety Network
- What the Trans?!
- Mutual aid networks in Bristol, London, Manchester, Wales
- … or give material support directly to a trans person in your life!
Educate yourself
Read about the issues that trans people are facing, and learn about the fundamental biases and flaws with the Cass Review and the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “sex” under the Equality Act.
- But What Can I Do? zine by Dr Ruth Pierce – this is a great place to start!
- What’s wrong with the Cass Review? A round-up of commentary and evidence compiled by Dr Ruth Pierce
- Statements and press releases by TransActual
- News and explainers by What the Trans?!
Be politically active
Make your MP and local councillors aware of the direct harmful impact that the Supreme Court ruling is having on trans people, by writing to them or meeting them in person. Refuse to vote for candidates and parties with anti-trans policies, and mention those issues when speaking to canvassers.
- Equality Act campaign guidance by TransActual
- Meeting with your MP by Trans Legal Project
Share your connections and resources
Push for trans-inclusive policies and explicit statements of support from your workplace, trade union, school or university. Sign open letters, especially those relevant to your field of expertise. Amplify trans people’s voices and help them get spaces on panels, speaking opportunities, committee memberships, etc.
- Resources for writing to workplaces, schools and higher education institutes by Dr Matthew Carlile
Make your allyship clear
Wearing a rainbow pin or lanyard can be a passive show of support, but should be done in addition to taking concrete action. Challenge transphobic speech and actions (including “jokes”), and learn how to be an active bystander. Remove or cover anti-trans stickers and graffiti. Attend protests, rallies, and other events in support of trans people.
- Compilation of upcoming protests and Trans Pride events by What the Trans?!
Oppose the EHRC’s transphobia
Following the Supreme Court ruling, the EHRC is consulting on the form that its updated statutory guidance will take. It is likely to be difficult and stressful for trans people to respond to the consultation, which proposes to segregate us and exclude us from public life. Respond as an ally and highlight the problems with the proposed guidance, and encourage institutions you are involved with to respond similarly.
The UK government has also announced its preferred new candidate to chair the EHRC, following a pattern of normalising institutional transphobia. Write to your MP to express your concern regarding the nomination of Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, whose history includes close associations with anti-trans organisations.
- Our template email for asking organisations to respond to the EHRC consultation
- Information on the EHRC consultation by TransActual
- EHRC consultation guide for service providers by Gendered Intelligence
- Guidance for responding to the EHRC consultation by Dr Sandra Duffy
- Guidance for responding to the EHRC consultation by Mermaids, Scottish Trans, and TransActual
