LGBTQ+ Charities Urge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Address Growing Transphobia Crisis

London, May 02, 2025


In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a collective of 14 prominent LGBTQ+ charities, including Stonewall and Scottish Trans, has raised alarm over what they describe as a "looming crisis" of transphobia in the UK. The charities are urgently requesting an immediate meeting with Starmer to discuss the profound implications of recent legal rulings and governmental actions that they fear may significantly undermine the rights and protections of trans and non-binary people.

At the heart of this concern is a UK Supreme Court ruling from April, which defined "woman" and "sex" in the 2010 Equality Act as strictly referring to "biological women" and "biological sex." This decision has been met with widespread criticism for excluding trans women from the legal definitions, stirring up confusion and debate on how this will impact businesses, services, and the daily lives of trans individuals.

The letter from the LGBTQ+ charities argues that the ruling has created an environment of uncertainty, eroding legal frameworks designed to ensure dignity, respect, and protection for trans people. Additionally, the charities expressed concern over a controversial stance taken by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which recently published non-binding guidance that calls for the exclusion of all trans people from gendered toilets. The charities view this guidance as an overreach and an obstacle to progress on trans rights in the UK.

In response to the ruling, Keir Starmer initially expressed approval for the "clarity" the decision provided. However, the charities have criticized Starmer for his stance, warning that without urgent action, the UK risks further alienating trans people and fostering a climate of transphobia.

The Good Law Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights, has launched a legal challenge against the Supreme Court ruling, raising funds to challenge what it sees as a decision that "disgracefully" ignored the voices of trans individuals during the case.

With tensions rising, the charities are urging immediate dialogue and action to prevent a regression in the rights of trans people and to ensure that policies are aligned with human dignity and equality for all.