Fostering trans community care amidst anti-trans legislation.
- WE CREATE SPACE
- May 6
- 3 min read
Allyship, care, resources and strategies for the trans community as we navigate political uncertainty.
In a massive setback for Trans+ rights, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex. This comes amidst the ongoing relentless attacks on the Trans+ community globally and will affect the everyday lives of Trans+ individuals in addition to policies like the Equality Act and other laws and protections. We may not have all the answers and know the long term implications but the reality couldn’t be clearer that we need queer community more than ever.
"I'm going to hold onto the fact that the supreme court ruling only applies to the Equality Act and be an insufferable pedant about it when people bring it up with me." - Participant feedback.
Earlier this month, WE CREATE SPACE hosted an open forum for individuals from the Trans+ community to share concerns and fears related to the ruling in a safe, supportive forum with each other. This was an opportunity for the community to come together for reflection, mutual support, and solidarity, with cisgender individuals invited to attend as allies and listen to the lived experiences shared.
The 90 minute session began in-conversation with two well-known & respected activists, both of whom are also valued WCS Collective members: Trans+ History Week founder Marty Davies (she/they) and Trans Solidarity Alliance founder Jude Guaitamacchi (they/them). Each shared their personal experiences & thoughts around the Supreme Court ruling, and the conversation explored what the ruling actually means for trans people, tips on how they are processing their emotions and fears, and the importance of collective action and trans allyship. The conversation was hosted by Jon-Paul Vicari, Managing Director for WCS.
"I’ll take away the community support and solidarity. The love and common experiences shared has made me feel less alone. Thank you." - Participant feedback.
Community Reflections
Participants emphasised the importance of allyship and vocal support from cisgender individuals and organisations. Suggested actions included:
Fundraising for trans communities and organisations seeking to challenge the ruling
Taking time to do your own research, rather than tasking trans people with explaining it. Read the work of trans writers and journalists.
Confront transphobia and gender-critical arguments when they present themselves in your own life or network.
Show vocal support for the trans community at work and on social media.
Reach out and check in on your trans family, friends and loved ones.
Take the time to listen and engage with trans perspectives.
Takeaways
Progress isn't linear. Section 28 showed us how rights can be rolled back – but also how collective resistance can reverse injustice. We must keep fighting.
We find strength in each other. Organising in community is not just how we survive – it’s how we fight and how we restore. Solidarity builds resilience.
Change doesn’t happen in one way. From protest to policy, every approach matters. Recognising our ecosystem of change keeps us united, not divided.
Wellbeing is not a luxury – it's essential. Carve out space for rest, rituals, and reflection. Protect your peace when you need to.
Allyship means action. And it needs to be visible. Businesses must be openly, proudly Trans+ inclusive – or they are not safe spaces. Silence isn’t neutral, it’s harmful.
Organize and be organized. Chaos keeps us powerless.
All human rights are intertwined, this is your fight too even if you don’t know it yet.
Community care is vital
“It's fine not to know everything [,,,] we have support networks in place to do some of the heavy lifting for us.” - Participant feedback
Resources & Sign-posting
While you're here...
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