This week shines a light on the experiences, challenges, and resilience of transgender individuals, while reminding us of the urgent need for equality and respect. As we approach Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, we honour lives lost to reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.
Transgender Awareness Week is dedicated to increasing visibility, awareness, and understanding of transgender individuals and the issues they face. This annual observance leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, a day to honour the lives of transgender people lost to violence in the past year.
To mark Transgender Day of Remembrance, a vigil will be held at the Multifaith Centre on Thursday, November 20, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This will be a calm, reflective space for anyone who wishes to commemorate those who have lost their lives. The vigil will include a presentation of names and readings of poetry. All students are welcome to attend.
Why This Matters
As part of Transgender Awareness Week, I want to share some context about transgender rights in the UK today:
- April 2025: The UK Supreme Court ruled that under the Equality Act 2010, “sex” refers to biological sex, not gender identity—even for those with a Gender Recognition Certificate. This decision has major implications for access to single-sex spaces and representation.
- May 2025: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued interim guidance stating that organisations may lawfully exclude transgender people from single-sex spaces aligned with their gender identity, and in some cases, even those aligned with their biological sex.
- October 2025: The EHRC retracted its interim guidance and advised organisations to seek individual legal advice until official guidance is published. A draft is awaiting government approval, but there are currently no plans for parliamentary debate.
Since these rulings, there have been nationwide protests and advocacy campaigns condemning the changes as a step backward for transgender rights.
Taking Action
In response, I contacted the Members of Parliament for Derby South (Baggy Shanker) and Derby North (Catherine Atkinson) using a template provided by the National Union of Students. The email expressed concern about the EHRC’s proposed Code of Practice, which has been sent for ministerial approval without public or parliamentary scrutiny despite receiving over 50,000 consultation responses. It warned that the Code could legitimise discrimination, threaten LGBT+ rights, and isolate trans students.
I urged MPs to:
- Demand transparency and parliamentary debate before approval.
- Oppose measures that exclude trans people from public or educational spaces.
- Support motions defending students’ rights to safe, inclusive environments.
What Happened Next
Baggy Shanker responded last week, acknowledging concerns about the EHRC’s draft Code of Practice. He confirmed that the Government is reviewing it with an Equality Impact Assessment and that, if approved, the Code will undergo 40 sitting days of parliamentary scrutiny.
He also co-signed a letter with Catherine Atkinson MP urging that the final guidance reflect consultation feedback and involve trans communities, LGBT+ organisations, and legal experts. Baggy reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency and the Equality Act 2010, noting that interim EHRC guidance was withdrawn after legal challenges and that a judicial review is ongoing.
Additionally, he highlighted upcoming measures, including:
- A ban on conversion practices
- Stronger hate crime protections
- Improvements to NHS gender services
Baggy stressed his commitment to inclusive environments, constructive dialogue, and safeguarding rights for all.
What can you do?
If you would like to take action to support Transgender Individuals and work towards the improvement transgender rights then please consider signing up to the National Union of Students Trans Action Group and the National Union of Students Liberation Collective.