Following the UK Supreme Court ruling on April 16, which claims that the legal definition of ‘woman’ excludes trans women, LGBTQ+ organisations and activists are responding with outpouring messages of support and solidarity, and a demand to safeguard trans rights in Ireland.

In a decision that Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) called “a step back for human rights,” and “effort to erase trans women from many sectors of society,” the UK Supreme Court ruled that the definition of ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010 excludes trans women who hold gender recognition certificates (GRCs).

The ruling caused widespread outrage both in the UK and abroad, with activists condemning the court’s decision and highlighting its real-life repercussions on trans women. LGBTQ+ organisations across Ireland are offering solidarity and a call to action for trans allies to step up and do their part to safeguard trans rights.

Following the ruling, ShoutOut Ireland promised to stand in solidarity with their UK trans sisters, who are “facing constant bigotry, misogyny, and lies” following a move that “only gives the patriarchy more power.” They pledged to resist the rise of transphobia and offered this affirming statement: “Trans people will not be made victims, and we are not going anywhere. We will continue to resist with dignity, resilience, and courage, as LGBTQI+ people have always done.”

The ShoutOut team offered this call to action: “To our allies, we need you. Use your voice to call for protections for trans people, to challenge hatred and ignorance about trans lives, and to share your support for your trans friends and family.”

 

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BelongTo Youth Services said: “We are sending solidarity to the trans community in the UK and we will continue to work to safeguard against any similar attempts to undermine the progress we have made in Ireland.”

They added: “For any trans young people who are feeling scared or worried right now, please know that Belong To and a wide number of organisations are working to create an Ireland where you are equal, safe and valued.”

 

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The Rainbow Project shared that they watched the Supreme Court decision with “significant concern” for the rights of trans people in Northern Ireland.

They shared: “This ruling is not good news, but it is unclear at this time what impact it will have in Northern Ireland. The Equality Act does not apply here, and trans people in Northern Ireland have additional protections under EU law through Article 2 of the Windsor Framework.”

The organisation pledged to continue working to protect and uphold the rights of all trans people in Northern Ireland.

Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has called on Sinn Féin to clarify their position on the UK Supreme Court ruling and to reverse the puberty blocker ban. “The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish Trans people. We continue to send solidarity and promise to make Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin a protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.”

If Sinn Féin fails to clarify their position, “Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin have came to the decision that Sinn Féin will be banned from attending our march in July. This decision is made in solidarity with trans people up north, and to avoid the party pinkwashing their record in the south.”

 

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Trans people are being encouraged to look after their mental health by taking social media breaks and reaching out for support whenever they need, and LGBTQ+ activists are calling on cisgender trans allies to step up their efforts to protect trans people in Ireland.

First and foremost, cisgender allies need to check on their transgender friends and family and remind them that they have our love and support. In what can feel like an endless bombardment of systemic hate, reminding the trans people in your life that they are loved and cared for means a lot.

Next, it’s essential that we take legislative action. Everyone can email their local TDs and ask what they are doing to protect trans rights in Ireland. Demand that we update our gender recognition and equality legislation to protect trans people. Remind them that Ireland continues to have the worst transgender healthcare in the EU, and advocate for safe, affirming, and accessible trans healthcare in Ireland.

Finally, mark your calendars for Ireland’s Trans and Intersex Pride March on July 12, and consider making a donation to Trans and Intersex Pride. Trans Pride is a grassroots organisation that does not accept money from corporations or government parties, so community donations are essential to support the stage, sound system, leaflets, and posters.

While this year has been particularly difficult for the trans community, Trans and Intersex Pride has pledged to make this year’s protest march the biggest yet!

 

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Any young trans people who are feeling the weight of this Supreme Court ruling can reach out to BelongTo, an organisation that offers young people a safe space to explore their sexual orientation, gender identity and various LGBTQ+ topics without fear of judgement, harassment or discrimination.

Anyone who has been affected by this story or is looking for support can reach out to any of the LGBTQ+ support services, listed below. Many offer instant messaging support.

Samaritans
SpunOut.ie
LGBT Helplines
The Switchboard
Dublin Lesbian Line
Belong To
TENI
Pieta House
Jigsaw
Mental Health Ireland
Garda Confidential Line