As your elected officer team and as a Students’ Union, our first and foremost priority is the wellbeing, safety, and inclusion of every single one of our members. We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for our Transgender community here at Royal Holloway.
Sharanya Sivarajah, Madelaine Gray, Olivia Davies and Bana Asqalan
President, VP Education, VP Wellbeing & Diversity, and VP Societies & Sport
Hello everyone,
We are writing to you following the recent ruling by the UK Supreme Court regarding the interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act’s definition of ‘woman’, which took place on Wednesday 16 April.
As your elected officer team and as a Students’ Union, our first and foremost priority is the wellbeing, safety, and inclusion of every single one of our members. We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for our Transgender community here at Royal Holloway.
We recognise that this ruling has understandably caused a great deal of concern, frustration, and upset among our Transgender students and wider community. We want to emphasise clearly and unequivocally: your rights, your safety, and your dignity matter deeply to us. The Students’ Union has, and will continue to have, a zero-tolerance policy towards any and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
Inclusion and diversity are not just values we speak about - they are fundamental to who we are as a Students’ Union. They are what make our campus community vibrant, supportive, and strong. Our mission is to make student life better at Royal Holloway for every student. This mission includes, without exception, our Transgender students and the wider LGBTQ+ community. The Supreme Court ruling does not and will not change this commitment.
We will continue to centre the voices of those with lived experience, work tirelessly to ensure those voices are heard and amplified, and campaign resolutely to protect and promote the rights of all our members. It is important to reiterate that under current Equality Law, trans people continue to be protected from discrimination and harassment.
We recognise that the ruling will likely lead to further clarification and guidance in the coming weeks and months. We will take the necessary time to carefully review and consider this guidance in detail. However, one thing remains certain: our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all students will remain at the heart of everything we do.
At this time, we would also like to remind everyone that support is available. If you or someone you know has been affected by this news, please do not hesitate to reach out. Support services are available both through the Students' Union and the University, and we are here to listen, to help, and to stand alongside you. Please find some support resources below:
Wellbeing Team at Royal Holloway
Email: wellbeing@rhul.ac.uk
MermaidsUK
Website: Homepage - Mermaids
Tel: 08088010400
Switch Board
Email: hello@switchboard.lgbt
Tel: 08000119100
Gendered Intelligence:
Email: supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk
Tel: 0800 640 8046
Additionally, our LGBT+ Society offers a range of support options, resources, and community spaces, and we encourage you to connect with them. You can find their resources and information through their linkedtree or social media pages.
We confirm unwavering support for our Transgender community work to ensure that Royal Holloway is a place where every student can thrive and be their authentic self - free from fear or discrimination.
With best wishes,
Your 2024/25 Sabbatical officer team
Sharanya Sivarajah
Madelaine Gray
Olivia Davies
Bana Asqalan