Given the developing situation after the UK’s Supreme Court ruling reinterpreting the legal definition of a woman, the LSESU Sabbatical Officers would like to reiterate our support for the trans community at LSE.
We at LSESU are here to represent LSE students and foster an environment where all genders and sexualities are not discriminated against or merely tolerated but actively included and celebrated. We are committed to protecting the human rights and dignities of all students on campus, without exception.
We look forward to collaborating with LSE to ensure that our trans community is protected, supported, and consulted. Students may be aware that LSE is undergoing a review of its Trans Inclusion Policy, initiated prior to the ruling. We want to assure all students that we will continue to lobby the school to ensure that student voice is involved in this process. The ruling has reaffirmed the critical need for trans students and staff to remain a central part of that review process.
We know that trans students experienced challenges at LSE prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling. We recognise the concerns of many that a ruling such as this will legitimise and enable the discrimination of trans people both at an individual and institutional level. As your elected representatives, our work will continue to ensure this does not happen at LSE.
We believe it’s important to keep our student body informed of the nation-wide implications of this ruling at LSE, so will continue to update you throughout the coming weeks. If you are looking to get involved in our work to help protect and promote your rights and welfare, please email su.campaigns@lse.ac.uk.
The LSESU Executive Committee has adopted a policy led by our LGBTQ+ Officer in collaboration with LSE Spectrum, The Case Against Single-Sex Toilets. This policy is in support of LSEs preexisting policy to ensure LSE staff or students are not excluded from campus facilities on the basis of a protected characteristic.
We will also be hosting a Trans Solidarity Café in the Hall-Carpenter room on Tuesday 13th May, 2:15-4pm. This event is open to all and aims to provide time and space for students to care for each other, express solidarity, and organise.
Finally, we have compiled a list of free and confidential resources for anyone who is struggling with the implications of last month’s ruling:
With continued love, support, and solidarity,
Tito, Wajiha, Sana, Lauren (Sabbatical Officers) and Ardour (LGBTQ+ Students’ Officer)