We support trans rights
Leeds UCU is deeply concerned at the widespread, harmful implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent EHRC guidance. At a time of growing transphobic harassment and discrimination across the UK, this ruling is the latest frightening setback for trans rights and freedoms. It also has negative implications for LGBTQ+ people and Intersex people at work and more generally.
This branch remains steadfast in our commitment to defending and promoting trans rights, both at this University and beyond; we are committed to supporting those members most directly affected by this issue and allies, as well as people engaged in learning more. In this, we are reflecting branch policy that was carried in 2024: Branch policy: Cass Review final report – UCU University of Leeds Branch.
Members are working on a motion for the next general meeting, and if anyone wants to contribute to that process, they can contact Sinéad D’Silva, branch equality officer, via ucu@leeds.ac.uk.
For wider support, advocacy, advice and community building beyond campus, we have collated a resource list with some Leeds specific links:
Switchboard is an LGBTQIA+ support phone and online chat line, open daily 10 am – 10 pm.
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQIA+ people, offering a variety of support.
Mindmate offer support including an overview of all LGBTQIA+ services in Leeds.
TransLeeds supports transgender, non-binary and gender expansive people in and around Leeds UK. We offer support groups, social events, swimming, advocacy and one to one support.
Yorkshire MESMAC: MESMAC has a variety of social and support groups for you to join in Leeds.
Transtastic: Leeds Youth group for people aged 13 to 18 who identify as trans.
Live Well Leeds LGBT+ Social Group Social group with the aim for members of the LGBTQIA+ to connect with each other and improve their mental wellbeing in an inclusive and relaxed environment. The group meets every Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm in Leeds City Centre.
Mermaids offers support to young trans+ people and their families, including a phone line and web chat open 1 pm – 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Gendered Intelligence supports both trans+ adults and young people and their families and offers training to professionals and organisations. (Gendered Intelligence has a Leeds-based group.)
Not A Phase is a UK-wide charity by and for trans+ adults, offering community events online and in person.
Galop runs a helpline and offers support to LGBTQIA+ people who’ve experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime or so-called “conversion therapy.”
Rainbow Migration provide specialist legal information and advice, and campaign to improve the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum.
Spectra is a London-based organisation, providing a variety of services to support the trans+ community.
Voda is a mental wellbeing app for LGBTQIA+ people, with a trans+ therapy library made by and for the trans+ community.
Equity Partnership is a Bradford-based charity that runs a community centre by and for LGBTQ+ folk across ages, and offers a range of services and events, including art activities, meet-ups, training.
Know Your Rights is a resource by TransActual, addressing the rights of trans people under the law in England, Scotland and Wales
UCU national statements
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman, UCU’s women members’ standing committee (WMSC) and LGBT+ members’ standing committee (LGBT+MSC) have released statements to reaffirm our union’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. You can see both statements at https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/14003/Statements-from-UCU-women-members-and-LGBT-members-standing-committees
Poster to display
Here’s a downloadable poster to show the branch’s support for trans rights.
This post is based on an email from the branch committee to branch members sent 30 April 2025
This page was last updated on 9 July 2025