The Priority: Student Representatives actively support trans students’ rights to exist as themselves
Context:
The UK Supreme Court’s ruling in April of 2025 changed the legal definition of a man or woman to be defined by “biological sex”. In response, The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued guidance stating that in the Equality Act 2010, “sex” refers to biological sex only, rather than the gender someone identifies as. This guidance has been in place since the 5th of August 2026 and although no change of law has taken place, this new “clarity” of definitions has complicated the landscape of human rights and “single-sex” spaces.
It is important to note that Transgender people are still legally protected under the characteristic of gender reassignment in the Equality Act 2010.
This priority was put in place by previous Sabbatical Officers to “provide long-term support and show active allyship to trans+ students at a time when they are experiencing feelings of isolation, shock, rage and danger”. We are continuing to make this a priority and will ensure that students feel safe and know their rights.
What we’ve achieved
Key Outcomes:
- Poppy has sat in university meetings on response to the EHRC guidance and has advocated for students’ rights and is seeking clarity on where the universities stand on this guidance.
- Attended an NUS legal webinar to understand the nitty gritty of the new EHRC Services Code.
Why this matters
Trans rights are human rights. The new EHRC guidance changes how businesses manage their spaces and entry. There has already been a wide impact on transgender people accessing sports, gender-based organisations, bathrooms and more.
This doesn’t just impact transgender individuals. It will impact intersex people, gender no-conforming people, businesses and friends and family of people that don’t fit into the “clarified” definitions set out.
Inclusivity is an integral and important part of our Students’ Union. The diversity of people on our campuses is one of the things that makes our community so special. Protecting and being an ally to trans+ students is vital to secure our future as an equal and connected student community.
What’s next?
Immediate Next Steps:
- Set up a survey to gather feedback on the trans+ experience on campuses by 01/11/2026
- Launch of the Gender Expression Fund by the advocacy team 19/10/2026
- Establish position of Falmouth University and University of Exeter on the EHRC guidance.
Accountability Check: Updates on these actions will be shared on 18/12/2026.
Your Turn!
Want to get involved? Here's how:
- Stay Updated: Follow our Instagram accounts (@thesufalexe and @supresidents) for regular updates on student rights, our work this year and any survey opportunities.
- Make a change: Make A Change
- Take Action: Help your fellow students by educating yourself on current news. Want to be a better ally? Educate yourself on current LGBTQIA+ news, wear a pronoun pin (free outside our SU space), attend pride events in the local community!
Questions or ideas? Get in touch with us via our email Presidents@thesu.org.uk or on our Instagram @supresidents – we would love to hear from you.