FEATURE:
Trans Women ARE Women
PHOTO CREDIT: Body Movements Festival
The Reaction from the Music Industry Regarding U.K. Supreme Court Ruling
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WHEN it comes to…
IN THIS PHOTO: Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a Pride event in Soho, London in 2022/PHOTO CREDIT: AFP
the transgender community around the world, things are never equal or easy. In terms of the constant discrimination and abuse they face, they also have to face accusation and judgement. That they are not ‘real’ women and men. Always maligned and attacked, one hopes we can live to see the day the transgender community are afforded the respect, rights and love they deserve (and is long overdue). One of the problems – among quite a few – that I with our (the U.K.) Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is his position on transgender women. As this article from the repellent Telegraph documents, his position on transgender women and whether he sees them as women or not has been a, ‘journey’. In reality, and what has been suspected all along, is that he does not support the trans community and their rights. His views towards them, and especially trans women, exposes a transphobia and lack of respect that you would expect from the gutter press and the most hairy-knuckled keyboard warriors and those who seem to voice an opinion on transgender people despite the fact it is none of their business; they are not affected by anything relating to it. People whose lives are not negatively impacted by the trans community. It is this toxic popular topic that so many people feel they have a right to give their opinions on. It is clear that the highest court in the land is transphobic. Call it making legal definitions clear or protecting women but, when it comes down to it, the new ruling exposes this country as transphobic. One that does not really have the best interests of transgender women at heart. That does not apply to so many citizens of the country but it does apply to those in power. Those with real sway and influence.
PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Rainbow 🏳️🌈/Pexels
If you are not aware of a momentous and, frankly, horrifying ruling has been made in the U.K., then the Independent provide more details. It is a decision and law that will impact transgender women throughout the country. If some see it as protecting women and making the law clear, it cannot hide the fact that it (and us) seems to see transgender women not as women at all. As a danger and people who do not deserve rights and respect. Few can argue against how problematic and isolating it will be for a community who daily face discrimination and abuse:
“Campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) brought a series of challenges – including to the UK’s highest court – over the definition of “woman” in Scottish legislation mandating 50 per cent female representation on public boards.
On Wednesday, five judges from the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex, in a decision that could have wide-ranging ramifications for trans women’s rights to use services and spaces reserved for women.
It means that transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if “proportionate”.
Gender critical rights campaigners have hailed the ruling as a victory for biological women that will protect single-sex spaces, with FWS saying they were “absolutely jubilant” about the result.
But trans rights groups have reacted with dismay, warning that it will “exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society”.
jane fae, director of trans campaign group TransActual, argued society will “divide more sharply into queer-friendly and queer-hostile spaces” as a result of the ruling, adding that it will “be the poorer for it”.
“The entire trans community is devastated,” the campaigner told The Independent. “Irrespective of the small print on this ruling, the intent seems clear: to exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.
“This morning, we are feeling very alone. That, though, is today. We have come through worse before and trans people are not going away. Whatever the non-trans world throws at us, we will be back, each time, stronger than before”.
IN THIS PHOTO: SOPHIE
In addition, it has been declared that male police officers will search transgender women in custody. This violates the rights of transgender women. I know that the Supreme Court ruling does not reflect the views of the majority in the U.K. Especially throughout culture and the music industry, there is support and love for the transgender community. Incredible transgender women like SOPHIE, Kim Petras, Ethel Cain and Shea Diamond are hugely inspiring figures in the industry and have influenced so many people. Given strength to so many. If the industry does have some way to go until it is fully inclusive regarding transgender artists and there is more representation out there, it is going to be a struggle. When it comes to L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ artists, there is more visibility in the mainstream and throughout the industry. However, when we think about transgender women, one does wonder whether they have to fight harder and louder than others. When I heard the ruling come through and was reading reaction online, a couple of thoughts occurred. The high-profile and repulsive TERFs and transphobic crowd like Sharon Davies, Martina Navratilova, Graham Linehan and JK Rowling must be elated. Vibrator batteries exploring to the point of overuse and Linehan probably to the point of similar rapture. It will give them more fuel and incentive to carry on their disgusting hatred and warped agenda. These influential figures will have an even more open platform now that, sadly, they are backed by the law. I also thought about transgender women throughout the music industry. Those coming through too. Even if the music industry does not shut out transgender women, now it seems harder than ever for trans women, especially those in the U.K., to find a footing and be heard. It is heartening that the late SOPHIE has a scholarship fund set up in her name that represents and supports transgender and non-binary people and women.
IN THIS PHOTO: Billy Bragg
I am going to end with a mixtape of songs from transgender women in music and those who are allies. In reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, musicians like Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters) and Shirley Manson (Garbage) showed their solidarity and support of transgender women. This NME article provides more details:
“On Wednesday (April 16), judges unanimously ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. Though Judge Lord Hodge stressed the ruling was not a “triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another”, the decision will undoubtedly impact transgender communities across the country.
Now, various figures in the entertainment world have reacted to the news and lent their support to the trans community. Scissor Sisters called the decision “deeply upsetting”, adding:”We recognise the pain and fear it causes”.
Meanwhile, Perfume Genius wrote that he was “so sorry and heartbroken and cannot imagine how scary and overwhelming things have been. I love you”. Garbage shared a photo with the words “Queer Trans Resistance” on their Instagram, writing in the caption: “We love you. You exist. You always have. You win.”
Rachel Chinouriri, Lambrini Girls, Billy Bragg, JADE, and more have also also weighed in on the matter”.
The U.K.’s Dance community has also voiced their anger and sadnessover the Supreme Court ruling. I will wrap up in a minute but I suspect, in the coming weeks and months, there will be this new unity from those in the industry. New support for the transgender community. Especially transgender women:
“The ruling, which was unanimously passed in Britain's highest court yesterday (16th April), states that “the terms 'women' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex". The decision definitively excludes trans women who possess a gender recognition certificate (GRC) from numerous services, spaces and protections against discrimination afforded to cis women under the Equality Act 2010.
Despite the Supreme Court’s insistence that trans people do still have protection from discrimination and harassment through the Equality Act, the decision, which has been broadly welcomed by UK politicians, has been slammed by the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Venues, collectives and other nightlife spokespeople are among those speaking out against the verdict, outlining the risks of increased harassment, prejudice and exclusion faced by an already-vulnerable marginalised group.
London's FOLD, PXSSY PALACE, HE.SHE.THEY, Dalston Superstore, Queer House Party and Body Movements, Manchester's Homoelecric and Gloss, Bristol’s Raise the NRG and Rat Party in Leeds are among those to have issued statements of support for the trans community in the wake of the ruling.
"This decision has been welcomed by the current Labour government, emphasising just how far backwards this once self-proclaimed 'progressive' government has fallen, as it chooses instead to align itself with bigoted, billionaire authors and far-right populists," FOLD wrote. "We wish to send so much love to every trans person today."
"We know that moments like this can be exhausting and painful, but please remember: you are not alone, you are seen, you are valid, and you are loved," a post on the Gloss Instagram page read. "Now more than ever, we must show up for one another. Reach out. Check in. Offer support, and take care of yourselves and each other."
"Our dance floors are built on queer liberation — spaces where all trans and non-binary people are celebrated, protected, and free," said London festival Body Movements in response to the decision. "We will always fight: for trans rights. For trans joy. For trans futures."
Queer House Party referred to the ruling as "a direct attack on trans people" that "gives legal cover to discrimination". "We won't accept a future where the law is used to punish people for who they are,” they wrote. “And we will not stand by while the state tries to divide our communities."
HE.SHE.THEY wrote: "You're still OUR family and no one can erase who you know you are."
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has confirmed the verdict will now trigger an update to its code of conduct for public services including NHS healthcare providers and the prison system.
Access to spaces such as changing rooms, hospital wards and domestic refuges will no longer take into consideration GRCs. As such, trans people — who make up just 0.5% of the UK population according to advocacy group Stonewall — will be forced to use facilities designated to their birth gender. Stonewall has called the verdict "incredibly worrying for the trans community”.
IN THIS PHOTO: Transgender entertainer, Dua Saleh/PHOTO CREDIT: Rhianna Hajduch
I am not hopeful this government will do anything to further the cause for equality regarding transgender women. A government who I suspect are pleased for a number of reasons after the ruling this week, I can’t see any laws and legislation being brought in that represents transgender women in a positive way. I worry how this will impact the music industry too. From pioneering transgender women in Dance to some other incredible transgender women who are blazing a trail, we need to realise how important they are. There are crucial organisations ands bodies set up that represent transgender people. This article gives links to where you can support transgender charities. I will bring in an article published recently, where Saskhia Menedez discusses the “key aims of introducing a transgender charter to the industry and outlines the ways in which it will offer support to transgender and non-binary communities, as well as dismantle systemic issues at play across the business”:
“Reflecting on my journey in the music industry, it has been one filled with passion and creativity, yet fraught with challenges. The absence of financial support and representation for transgender individuals has provided significant obstacles, both professionally and personally. A transgender charter will help to provide the necessary visibility, support and fair opportunities, making it easier to navigate the industry. It will set standards for inclusivity and protection, as well as fostering a safe and welcoming environment from the start.
Such a charter will offer essential resources, including mentorship programmes, training, legal advice and signposting to mental health support services, tailored to transgender individuals' needs. By advocating for equal opportunities and addressing systemic discrimination, the charter will level the playing field, recognising talent and hard work, regardless of gender identity. Creating a safe and inclusive environment is paramount. The charter will set standards to address harassment, discrimination and exclusion, ensuring that transgender individuals feel safe and valued. It will establish clear industry standards which will drive meaningful change, fostering a more equitable and respectful industry culture.
Looking back on the past year, it’s encouraging to see some progress towards proportional representation for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities across the music industry. There has been a noticeable increase in awareness and advocacy around issues of diversity and inclusion, and more industry stakeholders are recognising the importance of proportional representation and are vocal about their support for these initiatives. Several organisations and record labels have launched diversity and inclusion programmes aimed at supporting underrepresented artists and professionals, with initiatives including mentorship programmes, grants and platforms designed to elevate diverse voices. There has been a gradual increase in the representation of diverse artists at major music festivals, award shows and in media coverage, which is crucial for normalising diversity and showcasing the talents of underrepresented groups. Some companies and organisations within the industry have made public commitments to improving diversity and inclusion, with pledges to specific goals for hiring practices, artist signings and executive leadership.
While there are positive signs, however, the industry still struggles with making sustained and systemic changes. Many initiatives are in their early stages, and it will take time to see if they result in long-term impact. There is a need for better data collection and transparency around diversity metrics. Without clear data, it’s challenging to measure progress and hold organisations accountable for their diversity goals. Efforts to improve diversity must consider intersectionality, ensuring that initiatives address the multiple dimensions of identity that individuals may experience. This includes recognising the unique challenges faced by those who belong to multiple underrepresented groups. True representation goes beyond tokenism. The industry must ensure that underrepresented individuals have meaningful opportunities for advancement and are not just present for the sake of appearance.
Organisations within the industry should adopt clear and comprehensive diversity and inclusion policies that address the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and these policies should be enforced and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Establishing safe spaces within the workplace and at industry events where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel welcome and supported is also crucial – this can include gender-neutral restrooms, LGBTQIA+ affinity groups and clear anti-discrimination policies. Regular training and education programmes should be conducted to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, combat prejudice, and promote understanding and acceptance. These programmes should be mandatory for all employees, from entry-level positions to top executives.
Developing mentorship programmes that connect LGBTQIA+ individuals with industry veterans who can offer guidance and support is essential, and creating networking events and opportunities designed to foster connections within the LGBTQIA+ community will also help. Ensuring fair representation of trans and non-binary artists and industry professionals in media, marketing and industry events is necessary, and actively seeking out and promoting the work of LGBTQIA+ artists and professionals can make a significant difference. Allocating funding and resources to support LGBTQIA+ initiatives, including grants, scholarships and development programmes for emerging artists and professionals, will provide much-needed support. Supporting organisations and charities that work with LGBTQIA+ communities is also vital.
PHOTO CREDIT: cottonbro studio/Pexels
Adopting inclusive recruitment practices that actively seek to hire LGBTQIA+ individuals across all levels of the industry is important, and providing equal opportunities for career advancement and development will ensure a more inclusive environment. Creating platforms and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists to share their work and tell their stories, and collaborating with LGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their voices are authentically represented and heard, are necessary steps towards inclusivity.
Music has the ability to raise awareness about social issues and bring attention to the experiences and struggles of marginalised communities. It can challenge societal norms and stereotypes, offering perspectives and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or mainstream. LGBTQIA+ artists, in particular, can use their platform to challenge traditional notions of gender and sexuality. Music often brings people together, creating a shared cultural experience that can transcend differences and unite people from diverse backgrounds – festivals, concerts, and other musical events can serve as spaces where diverse communities come together to support each other.
Music can influence public opinion and, in turn, affect policy and social change. Songs that address political and social issues can inspire activism and mobilise people to push for change. It provides a platform for marginalised voices to be heard, and empowering those voices can lead to greater visibility and recognition for underrepresented communities. Music can serve as a historical record, documenting the struggles and achievements of marginalised communities over time and can capture the zeitgeist of a movement and preserve the cultural heritage of a community.
Since the Misogyny In Music Inquiry to the Houses Of Parliament in 2022, there have been several notable developments in the music business, however the government chose not to adopt any of the recommendations made – which was sad to see. Following the inquiry, there has been a change in government and I am hoping that there will be an increase in government initiatives aimed at addressing discrimination and promoting equality for transgender individuals. Some policies specifically target the music and entertainment industries, encouraging inclusive practices and providing funding for diversity initiatives. There have been steps toward enhancing legal protections for transgender individuals, and some regions have seen the introduction or strengthening of anti-discrimination laws and hate crime legislation that includes gender identity and expression. High-profile government officials have also made public statements supporting the rights of transgender individuals”.
In terms of the rights of transgender women in music and their safety. There are going to be implications regarding their dignity and rights. How they are promoted and are viewed in the industry. I am going to end there. There has been a notable silence from the mainstream music websites when it comes to the ruling regarding transgender women. Something that will impact the music industry and artists here already – and those coming through. The music L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community is growing and strong. Allies at the forefront with a huge voice and bigger platform. However, the reaction from so many artists has been inspiring. This strength and affection from them. Even if the legal system and our government does not feel a transgender woman is a woman, those with hearts, souls and respect know that…
TRANS women ARE women.