Announcements
Published: 28 May 2026 by Violet Spillers
Over the past week, we have been reviewing and reflecting on the EHRC’s Code of Practice, and working with Oscar Davies to release a series of short summary videos. We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of this guidance, particularly on trans women, the wider trans community and cis-women whose gender presentation isn’t stereotypical.
We share the serious concerns from our community about how the Code could be interpreted and implemented in practice. There is a very real risk that if the Code is enacted without greater clarity and safeguards, we will see increased exclusion of trans women from essential services and everyday spaces. The Code leaves too much discretion in the hands of individual service providers to determine if they will jump through the hoops needed to justify them being trans inclusive, rather than setting out clear expectations which would uphold the dignity, safety, and equality of all protected groups.
We do not believe this Code, as it stands, effectively protects the safety of women (whether cis or trans). The Equality Impact Assessment accompanying the Code already acknowledges that there are potential negative impacts for those with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, including barriers to services, being ‘outed’, policing of gender presentation and heightened risk of violence and sexual assault if trans women are made to access male services. Additionally, they acknowledge that making an accessible toilet available to also be used as a gender neutral toilet would limit access to essential provision for disabled people. The guidance risks being implemented in ways that exclude trans people, especially trans women, without any real improvement to the safety of any group. Trans people will face worsening barriers to essential healthcare and support services, with deeply damaging consequences for their wellbeing and safety.
We do not stand alone in voicing these concerns. We work closely with many trans-led organisations and are proud to be in partnership with Gendered Intelligence, who have produced a brilliantly clear summary of the potential impacts of this Code. Their excellent analysis reinforces what we are hearing; that the risks posed by this Code are significant and cannot be overlooked. We echo their message:
“It’s completely valid to feel scared, angry, or overwhelmed right now. You’re not alone in those feelings. The Code of Practice may feel like another blow, but know this: Your identity, existence, and rights are worth fighting for.
Our community has survived, even thrived, under hostile laws and regulations before, and we will do so again.”
Our services exist to support those who need them most. We are committed to ongoing access for trans and non-binary people across our community-led wellbeing services. We are working to support other service providers and partners to protect and uphold the rights of trans people, even in the face of uncertainty. We will continue in our advocacy efforts to help address the stark health inequalities and safety risks being experienced by our community.
If you are LGBTQ+ and this situation is affecting you, we are here for you:
Support from LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation helpline:
0345 3 30 30 30
(9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)
[email protected]
https://lgbt.foundation/contact-support/
Switchboard:
0800 0119 100
(open 10 am to 10 pm daily)
Gendered Intelligence:
Phone: 0800 640 8046
(opening hours are Mon – Fri)
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 07592 650 496
Galop helpline for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence:
Phone: 0800 999 5428
(opening hours are Mon – Fri)
Email: mailto:[email protected]
