We stand with trans people – always

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, Micro Rainbow reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rights, dignity, and inclusion of trans women. While legal interpretations may shift, our values do not: trans women are women. They belong – in our communities, in our society, and under the full protection of the law. Trans women will continue to be welcomed as women in all our spaces, as they always have been.

As an organisation working directly with LGBTQI people fleeing persecution who are often doubly or triply marginalised – due to migration status, homelessness, or poverty – we know firsthand the vital importance of inclusive legal recognition. The voices of trans people fleeing persecution have always played a key part in shaping our work. People with lived experience must be included in processes that impact them, and their voices must be listened to.

Today’s ruling has generated debate, fear, and uncertainty – and puts trans people, who already face disproportionate levels of discrimination, homelessness and violence, at greater risk. Sebastian Rocca, Micro Rainbow’s Founder and CEO said:

“This ruling is a disappointingly retrograde step and puts some of the most vulnerable people in society at even greater risk. Trans women, especially those who are Black, Brown, migrants, or disabled, are already facing systemic barriers. We cannot allow those barriers to be reinforced by legal decisions that erase or invalidate their existence.

Let me be clear: today’s ruling does not change our work. It strengthens our resolve. Micro Rainbow always has, and always will, welcome and support trans women.”

We are deeply concerned about the real-world consequences this ruling may have on trans, intersex and nonbinary folk. Especially those already navigating complex systems of asylum, housing, and employment. Any legal framework that fails to affirm their identity threatens not only their rights, but their safety.

Whilst protections for trans people with a Gender Recognition Certificate who face harassment and discrimination remain, however this ruling allows for trans women ‘with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) could be excluded from single-sex spaces if “proportionate”. The implications in terms of legal rights and services will become clear over the following weeks, but this ruling opens the doors for the discrimination of trans and non-binary people. The full extent of the personal risks posed to trans and NB people will also take time to analyse, however, excluding trans women from single sex spaces will endanger trans women trying to go about their day-to-day lives.  

However, at Micro Rainbow, we are clear and will:

• Continue to provide safe housing, support, and community for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees – many of whom are trans women.
• Advocate for trans-inclusive policies at every level of government and public service.
• Stand in solidarity with trans-led organisations and call on our partners to do the same.

We urge lawmakers, service providers, and the public to engage with the lived realities of trans people, to centre compassion over fear, and to ensure that every person – regardless of their gender identity – can live free from discrimination and harm.