South London residents and LGBTQ+ spaces showed support for the trans community in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling at a Parliament Square protest.
The court’s 16 April ruling the terms ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ under the Equality Act 2010 are defined as a person’s biological sex led to concerns transgender men and women will be forced to use lavatorial and other facilities which align with that.
Londoners joined the thousands-strong demonstration organised by trans activist groups to protest against the court’s decision three days later, and urge others to stand with the trans community.
Brixton resident Martin said: “I think the police were shocked at the popularity of the demonstration, which is great.
“It was a super joyful but angry mood, and I think it was affirming to know that it is a tiny but powerful cabal that’s transphobic, and the public is with us.
“I am not so hopefully about a positive change to the law for trans people, but we will keep pressuring this government.”
South west London has long been at the forefront of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, boasting popular spaces, events and offering a welcoming space for the whole spectrum of the community.
While many organisations have expressed their support, the real-life impact of the ruling is still to be felt.
Clapham‘s LGBTQ+ bars, pubs and prominent figures were among those which took to social media in support of trans patrons, reaffirming a commitment to provide safe and inclusive spaces.
A major concern for LGBTQ+ people when attending entertainment venues in relation to the ruling is around the use of toilets, and the that non-gender-conforming patrons would be confronted when trying to use their preferred facility.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a long standing staple of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Vauxhall, posted: “We stand proud, tall and united with you as we continue the fight for acceptance, respect and the chance to live and thrive as our own true selves.”
The RVT hosts a multitude of LQBTQ+ events throughout the year, with popular drag artist Myra Dubois among those to perform there.
Dubois said: “At my show we don’t laugh at anyone, we laugh together at ourselves because life is beautiful and stupid and we’re equal in our ridiculousness.
“LGB and especially T people are very welcome at my shows, bigots with hate in their hearts are not.”
Featured image: Benji Stephenson
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