By Joanne Lockwood FIEDP FRSA
Inclusive Culture Expert | SEE Change Happen

Published for the Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals

I’ve spent my life working at the intersection of identity, inclusion and integrity. I do this work not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. And today, it’s never been more urgent.

On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that under the Equality Act 2010, the word “woman” refers only to biological sex — not legal gender, not lived reality, not affirmed identity. That means trans women like me — even with a Gender Recognition Certificate — are excluded from sex-based protections in law. Trans men are affected too.

This ruling isn’t just legal semantics. It’s a cold line in the sand. One that separates who counts — and who doesn’t.

And for me, and for thousands of trans people across the UK, it’s personal. It’s painful. And it’s political.

But let me be clear: it is not the end.

We’re standing at a crossroads

As equality and diversity professionals, we have a choice: do we shrink our ambitions to the narrowest interpretation of the law? Or do we rise, reaffirm, and reimagine what inclusion really means?

Because this ruling doesn’t make trans people go away. It doesn’t erase our contributions, our existence, or our dignity. It just makes it harder to be seen. Harder to belong. Harder to be safe.

That’s why our role — my role, your role — matters more than ever.

We can choose:

• To still include trans women in women’s programmes.
• To still support trans men in male networks.
• To build gender-neutral pathways that centre safety, not suspicion.
• To challenge exclusionary practices even when they’re legally allowed.
• To keep humanity front and centre.

This is what it means to lead with equity. Not just to comply, but to care.

Why this ruling cuts deep

It tells trans people: you can be recognised — but not protected. You can transition — but still be excluded. You can live as yourself — but be treated as someone else, by law.

It codifies a two-tier system of rights. One for cis people based on sex, one for trans people based on identity. But make no mistake: these tracks are not equal.

It means the door to women’s representation, safety and opportunity may now be slammed shut for some of us — even those who’ve followed every rule.

And it tells a generation of young trans people that no matter how far they go, the law might never catch up to who they are.

So, what do we do now?

We dig deeper. We stay visible. We make space. We act.

We call on organisations to go beyond the letter of the law and honour the spirit of equality. To train their people. To update their policies. To centre trans voices — not just in crisis, but in community.

This is the moment to show who we are as a profession. Not performative. Not passive. But principled, passionate and prepared.

We are the stewards of belonging. And belonging is not a legal loophole — it’s a lived experience.

To my fellow EDI professionals:

Let this ruling be your rallying cry. Your reminder that inclusion was never just a tick box. It’s a promise. One we make every day in how we lead, how we support, and how we show up.

And to every trans person reading this — especially those feeling scared, angry, or invisible right now — I see you. We will keep fighting for you. You are not alone.

Let’s ensure this ruling becomes not the moment we backed away — but the moment we stepped up.

With resolve and with heart,
Joanne 🌈