On 16th April, a ruling by the UK Supreme Court saw judges unanimously ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex under the Equality Act. In response, hundreds of representatives from the music industry, including Charli XCX, have signed an open letter of solidarity to the transgender community.
The letter, penned by Tom Rasmussen and Tom Mehrtens on behalf of those within the UK music industry, began circulation on May 1st. They had help from Years & Years singer Olly Alexander and Martha Kinn, the manager and founder of Kinndred Management.
So far, artists who have signed the letter include Charli XCX, Self Esteem, Wolf Alice, Rina Sawayama, Four Tet, Mabel, Paloma Faith, CMAT, Mae Muller, Shygirl and Sophie Ellis Bextor.
Other signees include the likes of Marina, Tom Grennan, MuraMasa, The XX’s Oliver Sim, Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, Hard Life’s Murray Matravers, Rina Sawayama, Alison Goldfrapp and Neneh Cherry.
Many artists, including Scissor Sisters, JADE, Lambrini Girls, Billy Bragg, Perfume Genius, and others, have already spoken out about their resistance to the ruling.
The letter begins: “We, the undersigned UK music industry professionals, stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 16th. We wish to add our voices to the growing chorus of concern (including the UK writers and the UK film and television industry) and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us.”
It then goes on to dispute the judgment made on April 16th. It reads: “We believe this ruling not only undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex people living in the UK but also weakens legal protections at a time when trans people face rising hate crime, discrimination, and systemic barriers.”
It continues: “The Equalities & Human Rights Commission’s interim update on the ruling suggests that trans women are not permitted access to women’s facilities and trans men are not permitted access to men’s facilities, while further suggesting that trans people may also be excluded from using facilities that correspond to their sex assigned at birth. We believe this guidance exposes trans people to embarrassment and harassment, ultimately excluding and seeking to erase them from participation in public life.”
The letter commends organisations within the industry that have already voiced their support and then actively calls out organisations that have yet to do so. “We urge them to use their power,” it states.
It finishes with a call to arms and a reminder that there is hope in collective organisation and action. It reads: “Music has the power to unite, to inspire, and to reflect the richness of the human experience. This is our moment to amplify voices that need to be heard, to champion inclusivity and real justice, and to ensure that our industry remains a welcoming and trailblazing space for everyone. Let us stand on the side of truth, equality, and respect.”
The full list of signees is here. At the time of writing, it is over 15 pages long.
In light of the UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of the term “woman,” we want to be clear: Scissor Sisters stand in full solidarity with our trans friends, family, and community. This decision is deeply upsetting, and we recognise the pain and fear it causes. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/ku35B2OiWN
