Like many others we were shocked and disappointed by the recent Supreme Court ruling and recent EHCR guidance about gender and single-sex spaces. We’ve taken some time to speak to the young people we support and our staff and are sharing our position as an organisation who prides itself on supporting young people from every background and identity.
While we have no intention or interest in wading into legal definitions, semantics or online ‘debate’ about people’s identities or lived experience, we will speak up to proudly re-affirm that NHYC remains and will always remain a trans-inclusive and safe space.
That means:
- All young people will be affirmed, respected and supported however they identify
- We maintain a zero-tolerance stance to transphobia, homophobia, bullying or discrimination against the young people we support or our staff, partners and supporters
- Young people who engage with our services will be treated and given access to services based on their gender identities and individual needs. That means our Women’s and Non-Binary space remain open and welcoming to trans women, femmes, non-binary or any young person who feels that is the right and safest space for them. The same applies to our Men’s and Non-Binary space for young trans men, masc-identifying, or non-binary people. This also applies to our sports teams, groups and trips.
- Our bathroom and shower facilities have always been unisex and will remain the same way
- We will continue to campaign for the safety, respect and rights of all young people, no matter who they are.
This ruling will not be changing how we do our work. Ours is a service led by kindness, respect and compassion. No ruling, pressure group or public discourse will change that.
