Recent news around the EHRC’s interim guidance on single-sex spaces may feel worrying or overwhelming for many Trans+ young people. We know that every headline and debate can have a real impact on how safe people feel in their daily lives. As one young person told us: “I just want to live my life like everyone else.”
While the guidance has created uncertainty, it’s important to remember this: organisations can still choose inclusion. Across housing, homelessness and support services, many organisations remain committed to treating trans people with dignity, care and respect.
For services like refuges, hostels and supported housing, the guidance is complex and open to interpretation in some areas. The housing and charity sectors are expecting more legal clarification and sector-specific guidance in the months ahead. The EHRC guidance is designed to help organisations interpret the law, and there is still a 40-day parliamentary scrutiny period ahead, alongside possible legal or political challenges.
At akt, we’ll continue working with partners to help services understand how they can support Trans+ young people safely and inclusively. Together with Stonewall Housing and Gendered Intelligence, we’ve developed a practical resource for organisations navigating these conversations. It includes advice, reflections and ways housing services can continue creating welcoming, inclusive environments for trans people while the legal picture develops. We’ll keep updating the resource as more guidance becomes available: Trans Inclusion Beyond the Supreme Court Ruling
Most importantly, remember you are not alone.
We know this news cycle can be exhausting, especially when your identity becomes part of a public debate. Please be kind to yourself and take space from the conversation if you need to. There are people, organisations and communities who care deeply about your safety and wellbeing.
And for all allies right now- in the words of another young person: “We need more people to advocate on behalf of trans+ people.”
akt is here for Trans+ young people. You deserve safety, support and a place to be yourself.
For accessible legal commentary and updates, you can also follow The Non-Binary Barrister.