NUS (National Union of Students) have published a ‘Trans Inclusion’ guide to support students’ unions to navigate the Supreme Court Ruling which defines that the legal definition of a woman relates to biological sex. This guidance offers recommendations and information to help protect trans and non-binary students from discrimination and to ensure their inclusion in education and student life.  

The Students’ Union at UWE is working hard to respond to the EHRC consultation on the practical application of the guidance, ensuring that the trans student voice is at the heart of our submission. This is a very challenging process, and one that we are taking the correct time to navigate.  

As an organisation we are a committed member of the National Union of Students (NUS). To achieve a nationally coordinated student movement response, we are working with NUS to align with other students’ unions by using their published guidance for SUs in our response. 

This is a vital consultation for trans and non-binary students and people across the UK, we want to support students to respond to the consultation if they feel they are able to do so. Whether individually or as a group, please make use of the guidance published by Transactual, Scottish Trans and Mermaids as well as NUS guidance in your responses - Responding to the EHRC consultation: What do I say? – TransActual. 

Key information to consider in the guidance: 

Closing date: deadline to respond is 23:59 on Monday 30 June. 

Link to respond: Code of practice for services, public functions and associations: consultation 2025 | EHRC 

If you are unable to complete this survey, you can request a reasonable adjustment by: 

• Emailing correspondence@equalityhumanrights.com 

• Phoning 0161 829 8100 

We encourage any student who is feeling affected by this ongoing situation to reach out to the UWE Wellbeing Service, or access the wide available support in Bristol (linked below). 

Action and support: 

Today you can: 

1. Read the literature; NUS Guidance for Students’ Union, EHRC code of practice, Transactual guidance on EHRC Responding to the EHRC consultation: What do I say? – TransActual 
2. Respond to the consultation: here. 
3. Write to your MP: Write to your MP – TransActual 
4. Come to one of our support sessions: If you would like to come to one of our trans and non-binary student support sessions to talk about the ruling and how it has affected you. The sessions are linked on our what’s on page on The Students’ Union website Events 
5. Keep your eyes out for the Gender Expression Fund if you are struggling financially with socially transitioning https://forms.office.com/e/fSSGYJvQJx 
6. Want to celebrate Pride month with us? Volunteer to join UWE Bristol at Bristol  

 Pride March on Saturday 12th July. Please email Gemma.Mannell@uwe.ac.uk to get involved! 

 AVAILABLE FOR SUPPORT AND INFORMATION ACROSS BRISTOL: 

Off The Record 

Freedom is OTR’s LGBTQIA+ youth programme, providing a safe, joyful and supportive space for young people aged 11-25 who are LGBTQIA+ or are exploring their gender and sexuality: 

Switchboard 

Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. We can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. This is your space – to explore, talk and be truly heard. 

Crossroads 

The Bristol Crossroads group has been supporting the transgender community in and around Bristol, under various names, for over 25 years. 

Trans Aid Bristol 

Providing support for transgender, non-binary and intersex people in Bristol and the surrounding areas: 

Galop 

We support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence: 

Albert Kennedy Trust 

akt exists to give 16–25-year-olds who are LGBTQ+ and at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or a hostile living environment, the support they need to thrive. 

Fflag Bristol 

FFLAG’s Mission 

To support families with LGBT+ members 

Gendered intelligence 

We imagine a world where diverse gender identities and expressions are visible and valued and where trans, non‑binary and gender questioning people live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives. 

Trans Pride Bristol 

Trans Pride Bristol celebrates the diversity of transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming people in our city. 

We host events, work with local organisations and campaign for our community’s rights.