LGBTQIA icons and organisations have spoken out to provide reassurance and love
BY HEBE HANCOCK , IMAGE BY GETTY
In a decision many in the LGBTQIA community describe as regressive and deeply harmful, the UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday (16 April) that the legal definition of “woman” in the Equality Act 2010 is confined to biological sex.
The court’s decision stemmed from a long-standing legal battle involving the Scottish Government and the campaign group For Women Scotland. While the justices attempted to strike a tone of neutrality – cautioning against framing this as a win for one group over another – the real-world consequences are deeply personal and far-reaching for trans women in the UK. Trans and non-binary voices, from cultural icons to community members, have been quick to respond with a mix of heartbreak, anger, and defiance.
Author and activist Juno Dawson encouraged trans people to step away from social media chaos and connect with community: “I am a woman today, I was a woman yesterday, I will be a woman tomorrow.” Her message was echoed across social platforms by high-profile figures like Munroe Bergdorf, who reassured followers, “We’ll get through this together,” and spoke of working with legal experts to understand the wider impact.
Drag Race UK stars Tayce and Bimini Bon-Boulash offered blunt but heartfelt solidarity. Tayce wrote: “The UK Supreme Court is a POS. Nothing or no one can erase YOU,” while Bimini simply affirmed, “Trans women are women.” Tia Kofi reminded her followers of the importance of allyship, declaring, “Now more than ever, we must be allies to the trans community.”
Broadcaster and Loose Women panellist India Willoughby called the ruling a “dark day” for trans people in Britain, warning it could legitimise more overt discrimination in everyday life. Victoria McCloud, the UK’s first trans judge, warned the judgment could trigger a wave of attempts to restrict trans rights further, likening it to a “kick-off point” for more systemic rollbacks.
The decision doesn’t strip trans people of all protections. Trans individuals are still safeguarded against discrimination based on gender reassignment under the Equality Act.
Stonewall CEO Simon Blake expressed concern but urged calm, highlighting that trans people are still protected by law. “This ruling will be incredibly worrying for the trans community… but the Equality Act still provides protections based on gender reassignment.”
Many prominent figures reminded the community to stay connected and resilient. Love In Exile author Shon Faye urged people to care for one another: “We will carry on,” she wrote. MAFS UK star Ella Morgan advised those affected to lean into their communities: “Whether it’s your family or your chosen family… talk to those who love and see you as you.”
This ruling won’t be the end of the conversation — far from it. If anything, it has only magnified the already urgent need for clarity, compassion, and allyship in UK law and society. As the legal and political consequences unfold, what remains clear is this: trans people, their identities, and their lives are not up for debate.
And as so many trans voices have said in unison — they are not going anywhere.
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