The GSASA will always be a safe space for trans people.

All of us here at the GSASA are shocked and saddened by the recent UK Supreme Court ruling that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

We know that this news will have affected many of our students and, as always, we stand in solidarity with the trans community – our community. Right now, we don’t know the full impact of this ruling, but it is more important than ever to make your voice heard. Local elections are taking place across England on Thursday May 1st, so if you are registered in any of these areas then it’s not too late to send a proxy vote.  

The Students’ Association still have plenty of post cards addressed to Wes Streeting, the current Health Secretary and one of the most vocal transphobic members of parliament, and we would encourage anyone who is feeling angry and frustrated pick one of these up from our building (20 Scott Street) and use your creative skills to make the government listen to you.

It is an incredibly scary time to be trans, but we aren’t going anywhere. We have a long history of non-binary and trans leadership, and we will continue to be a loud, proud and outrageously queer organisation. If you need a shoulder to lean on, the Sabbatical Office door is always open. You can also get in touch with the Lived Experiences Coordinator for Scottish Trans at ryan@equality-network.org.

Below are some resources from the workshop we held with Scottish Trans, Waverly Care, and House Ball Scotland in February. They are mostly healthcare-facing resources so they might change in the future. However, remember, it's important that medical providers comply with the clear laws and guidance they've been given. Know your rights! And how your medical care providers are meant to treat you! 

In times of political unrest, it is vital to know your neighbours, friends of friends, and community members. 

With Love and Solidarity,

The GSASA

Links and resources:

• Non-Binary Equality Action Plan
• NHS Gender Identity Clinics: Waiting Times for First Outpatient Consultation
• Gender Identity Healthcare Protocol For Scotland
• Transgender Care Knowledge and Skills Framework
• Gender identity healthcare: Adults and young people
• Resources – LGBT Health and Wellbeing