Over April and May, I attended two of more than 30 protest meetings held across the UK in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the legal definition of “sex” in the Equality Act.
At both the York and Hull gatherings, I was struck not only by the size of the crowds - over 500 trans and non-binary people in each location - but also by something deeply unsettling: many attendees wore masks to hide their identities.
They weren’t masked in protest.
They were masked in fear.
A Community Gripped by Fear and Misinformation
What became painfully clear is that there is widespread confusion about what the Supreme Court ruling actually means, and a dangerous wave of misinformation is now sweeping through the public consciousness.
Many people wrongly believe that the ruling bans trans people from using toilets or facilities aligned with their gender identity.
It does not.
The ruling applies only to a narrow question of sex-based representation on corporate boards. Even the judges themselves said it should not be interpreted as a victory for one side over another. But the headlines, the tweets, and the political posturing have told a different story - one that’s emboldening hate.
As a result, trans people across the UK are increasingly facing:
- Hostility in public
- Harassment in workplaces and schools
- Vigilante behaviour by individuals misinformed about the law
This is not a theoretical threat. It is happening now. And it’s not just trans and non-binary people – cisgender women are being challenged because they “don’t look feminine enough.”
The Equality Act still protects Trans people
- Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment - defined as any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (such as gender reassignment) that creates a degrading, humiliating, or hostile environment - is unlawful.
- Any form of abuse, intimidation, violence, or attempt to block a trans person from accessing toilets or gendered spaces is harassment.
- And because that abuse is targeted at a trans person (or someone perceived to be trans), it is also legally classed as a hate incident.
You have the right to report it - and every report matters.
Don’t Let Politicians Silence Us
Some political figures - including the Conservative party leader - are now calling on police to stop recording these incidents.
They claim it’s a “waste of time.”
Standing up for our right to exist is never a waste of time.
Telling the truth is never a waste of time.
Hate crime reporting isn’t just an administrative act - it’s a civic duty. It’s how we defend our community, how we hold institutions and politicians accountable, and how we make visible what they would rather remain unseen.
What You Can Do Today
If you witness or experience harassment, intimidation, or violence - whether directed at a trans person or anyone perceived to be trans - here’s what you must do:
- Report it to the police as a hate incident or hate crime or
- Report it to third-party monitoring services like Galop or Stop Hate UK
- Document what happened: dates, times, locations, what was said or done, who was involved. Video or audio record it if you can.
- Speak up if it’s safe to do so. Share your story, even anonymously, to help others understand the reality we face.
- Educate others: remind friends, colleagues, and communities that trans people still have the legal right to be in public spaces without fear, shame, or harassment.
Why Now Matters More Than Ever
The EHRC is currently consulting on new guidance following the Supreme Court ruling. These guidelines, once published, will be reviewed by Parliament. Based on what we’ve already seen in the EHRC’s interim statements, they are unlikely to favour trans inclusion.
We need to make our voices heard now - before the damage is done.
Every hate incident reported is evidence. Every report builds a case. Every report shows Parliament and the public that this isn’t just a debate - it’s our lives.
When hate is rising, we cannot afford to be silent.
Today, they’re targeting trans and non-binary people.
Tomorrow, it could be you.
Make Pride Count
If you’re looking to do something meaningful this Pride Month - not just visible, but valuable - I’d love to help.
I’m a Trans/Non-Binary speaker.
I speak from lived experience, and I speak with heart.
And I promise you—it won’t be dry.
Whether you’re planning an event, a workplace lunch and learn, or just want to understand more, I’m here for it.
Learn more and book a free call: www.genderspeaker.com
Let’s make this Pride Month a turning point - not just a celebration.
#PrideMonth #TransInclusion #NonBinaryVoices #LGBTQSpeakers #InclusionMatters #GenderSpeaker #RikkiArundel #LetPeopleBeThemselves #HateCrime #ReportIt
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