Standing With Our Trans Community Following the EHRC Draft Code of Practice

Over the past 2 days, many LGBT+ people across the UK, especially trans and non binary people, will have seen the updated draft guidance published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) following last year’s Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act.  

For many people, this news has felt upsetting, exhausting, and frightening. 

At LonGBoaT Wakefield, we want to make something absolutely clear: 

Trans people are valid. Trans people belong in our community. Trans people deserve dignity, safety, respect, and support. 

We know that many people are again, feeling uncertain right now. Some are worried about how these proposals will affect day to day life, including access to public spaces and services. Others will simply be tired of seeing trans people discussed as though their existence is a political problem rather than a normal part of diversity. 

The updated draft Code of Practice includes guidance around access to single sex spaces and services following the Supreme Court’s interpretation of “sex” within the Equality Act. While the draft guidance states that protections for gender reassignment remain in law, many LGBT+ organisations and trans people have raised concerns that the practical effect could still lead to exclusion, confusion, and increased discrimination.  

One of the biggest concerns is that guidance like this risks making everyday public life harder and more hostile for trans people. We are already seeing fears raised around public toilets, changing facilities, healthcare settings, and community spaces. Many people are asking a very simple question: 

“How are trans people supposed to live safely and openly if society keeps treating them as a problem to manage?” 

That concern is real. 

We also know that guidance like this does not just affect trans people. It affects anyone who does not neatly fit other people’s gender stereotypes. Across discussions online and in the media, people have already highlighted fears that women perceived as “too masculine” or men perceived as “too feminine” could face questioning or humiliation in public spaces.  

That is not progress. 

As an LGBT+ charity, we believe inclusion should never come at the expense of another marginalised group. We reject attempts to divide our communities against each other. 

The LGBT+ community has always existed because people stood together. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people have fought collectively for safety, visibility, healthcare, dignity, and the right to live openly. That solidarity matters now more than ever. 

At LonGBoaT Wakefield, our support for trans people is not conditional, temporary, or up for debate. 

We will continue working to ensure that LGBT+ people across the Wakefield district have access to welcoming spaces, community support, and opportunities to connect with others who understand. 

That includes: 

• Our weekly socials and community activities  

• Drop in coffee mornings at the Hub at Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station  

• Volunteering and horticulture projects  

• Safe Space initiatives with local organisations  

• Community events and Pride activity  

• Hate crime reporting support  

• Community Gallery and heritage projects  

• Peer support and signposting  

Whether you are questioning, transitioning, struggling, angry, anxious, or simply tired — you are welcome in our spaces and those of our Safe Space partners.

We also encourage allies to continue speaking up. Silence helps nobody. Visibility and support matter, especially at times when trans people are being spoken about so heavily in politics and the media. 

The current Code of Practice remains in draft form and is still subject to parliamentary scrutiny before coming into force. But regardless of what happens politically, our message remains the same: 

Trans people are part of our community, and we will continue standing alongside them. 

If you need support, community, or simply somewhere you can be yourself, we are here. 

Visit us at: LonGBoaT Wakefield or contact one of the other organisations below:

Trans Specific Support

• Mindline Trans - (open Friday evenings) - 0300 330 5468

• TRUK Listens (open 8am-midnight, 7 days a week) - 0800 009 6640

LGBT+ Specific Support

• Black and Brown Rainbow (open 6pm-8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays) - 0800 054 1097 / info@blackandbrownrainbow.com

• LGBT Foundation Helpline (open 9am-8:30pm Monday to Friday, 10am-5:30pm at the weekend) - 0345 3 30 30 30

• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline (open 10am-10pm, 7 days a week) - 0800 0119 100

General Support

• Mindline  (open 24hrs, 7 days a week) - 0800 138 1692

• SANEline (4pm-10pm, 7 days a week) - 0300 304 7000

• Samaritans (open 24hrs, 7 days a week) - 116 123

• Shout (open 24hrs, 7 days a week) - Text 85258