The argument of sex and gender definitions has been a central topic of debate ever since J.K. Rowling's controversial 2020 Tweet. Rowling, the once beloved author of Harry Potter, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her resentful views on a COVID-19 article which referred to 'people who menstruate' instead of 'women.' Her response prompted an online discourse about Trans exclusion, leading several LGBTQ+ activists to deem Rowling a 'TERF' (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist).
Whether you disagree with her opinions or not, there's no denying that J.K. Rowling's sex/gender discourse online and her TERF 'activism' has triggered the recent Supreme Court ruling. Though for TERFs like Rowling, this changing of the law is a step in the right direction towards 'protecting' cisgender women and preserving same-sex spaces, for many others, especially Transgender Women, the ruling feels like a stripping of their human rights, demonstrating the Government's disregard for their existence.
The changing of the laws around sex/gender definitions now defines a 'woman' as a 'biological woman,' shifting the meaning of the Equality Act from 2010. This means that now, under the law, Transgender women will be sent to all-male prisons and will be reprimanded for entering women-only spaces, such as changing rooms or public bathrooms, due to their biological makeup.
This is not protecting women, it is creating more separation and segregation between them. Transgender women are being denied protection and autonomy over their bodies and lives, simply due to the benign concerns of one group of individuals. These concerns are not even rooted in fact, as most cisgender women are sexually assaulted or harassed by cisgender men, not by Transgender women. Most cisgender women would say that they feel more exposed and vulnerable surrounded by cisgender men than by Transgender women. The negative experiences of a few do not diminish the positive experiences of the masses.
In educational spaces, such as universities, there should be more support networks and spaces for Trans and Non-Binary students, who might feel most affected by this new court ruling. Transgender women are one of the most vulnerable social groups in our society, more susceptible to sexual assault, hate crime, and even higher levels of cancer or disease. Institutions, such as universities and schools, should be making space for these individuals, providing them with adequate safe spaces and protection from abuse or assault.
Currently, the University does have some things in place to support LGBTQ+ students. For example, they have an LGBTQ+ safe space on campus where students can go for support and a sense of community, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. There are several gender neutral toilets across campus, namely in the SU, which are perfect for Non-Binary folk or those who feel more comfortable in gender-neutral spaces. Furthermore, the Uni's LGBTQ+ Society and LGBTQ+ Officer are there for Trans and Non-binary students, offering community and support in times of need. You can find information about all of these services on the SU website.
Now is the time to come together to support those who are more vulnerable than us, and to cultivate safe spaces and supportive communities that combat hate and prejudice. Trans women are women.