Thursday 24-04-2025 - 15:10

We were disappointed and upset by the recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court on the application of the 2010 Equality Act, and the consequences that this may bring about.

We recognise and stand in solidarity with our trans community. Transgender, non-binary and intersex identities are all valid, irrespective of any court ruling. Trans rights are human rights, and the protection and support of any marginalized group is fundamentally important to us. Transphobia is already listed as an unacceptable behaviour in our Code of Conduct. As a Union for All, we’ll continue to be a safe and accepting space and welcome feedback on how we’re doing.

We share the concerns that have already been raised with us by numerous student groups, and we are currently working to understand the impact on our activity, and how we can best support you as our members. Thanks to Doctor Who Society and the other student groups who have supported this work and highlighted such an important issue.

We are liaising with the Trans, Women’s and LGBTQ+ networks, as well as Doctor Who Society, who issued an open letter over the weekend. We review our Bristol SU Members Code of Conduct annually, and we will continue to ensure that it provides protection for our trans students, and we’ll be looking at how best to support our student groups and outline any expectations of them.

Some of this will take time to make sure we do it right, but we are committed to this work.

For any students who have been impacted by the ruling and would like support, we have listed some resources for you.

Helplines:

• Mermaids: 0808 801 0400 (13.00-20.30)
• Mindline Trans+: 0300 330 5468 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 20.30-23.00)
• Terrence Higgins Trust (THT): 0300 330 5468 (Mondays and Fridays, 20.00-00.00)
• Switchboard: 0800 011 9100 24/7.
• Gendered Intelligence: 0800 640 8046 (Monday 12:00-17:00; Tuesday 14:00-19:00; Wednesday 10:00-15:00; Thursday 12:00-17:00; Friday 10:00-15:00)
• Off The Record: 0808 808 9120 (Mon-Fri, 14:00-17:00)
• Trans Aid Bristol

Most of these services also have online or text based services. You can also contact the University Wellbeing Services 

Report and Support

There is support available for you if you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, bullying or violence. You can make a report to the University via Report and Support.