Having seen the news of the ruling about the formal definition of being a woman under equality laws, I feel a sense of unease. As a cis woman (a term I am only fairly recently aware of, educated by my young folk), should I feel elated?
I have felt emotional writing this piece, and that has partly taken me by surprise. I wasn’t entirely sure where I stood. On the fence? Well clearly not.
Note before reading. I am not an expert, and I appreciate this is a broad subject. These are purely my thoughts, which rightly or wrongly I feel led to share, along with news extracts. They are not written to offend. Some may agree, some may not, some may feel that my view is too narrow on a complex subject. Hopefully where folk feel the need to comment, they will do so with kindness. Thank you.
What is the Ruling
“The much anticipated ruling centred on whether a trans woman with a gender recognition certificate (GRC), a formal document giving legal recognition of someone’s new gender, is protected from discrimination as a woman under Britain’s Equality Act.”
“The decision confirms that single-sex services for women such as refuges, hospital wards and sports can exclude trans women, clearing up legal ambiguity. Transgender campaigners said the decision could lead to discrimination, especially over employment issues.” Source Reuters
From a number of approximately 0.55% of the population.
Numbers
Here are some numbers.
According to UK Gov’s website in 2021 – 466 people applied for a GRC, with 456 being granted.
According to The Spectator September 3, 2024 – “Government figures…were 1,397 applications in 2023-24 and, of those, 1,088 were granted“.
*Figures quoted are for GRC numbers as a whole, not solely for trans women.
It may take 22 weeks for a person’s application to be seen, along with accompanying required documentation and any other necessities. There is a great deal to consider, and is not a process someone would undertake lightly. It seems that it is being said to a trans woman or trans person, that your GRC, once acquired, is pretty meaningless within many areas of society.
Is the problem that the overall number is so small that people don’t want to make accommodations for that number?
Reaction From Women
This may seem naive, but it occurred to me, shouldn’t we as cis women, knowing how hard it is to be a woman in a world rife with misogyny, embrace those who feel their identity lies with being a woman. I mean, it is quite a brave decision to take, knowing the obstacles they may, do, and very likely will face in life.
Isn’t part of being a woman being a mother to someone? Being loving, nurturing, welcoming, supportive and embracing. And not necessarily exclusively to our own offspring. Acknowledging that many women who could bear children, choose not to. There is that word CHOICE. Do women feel so undermined and unclear of who they are, that it is necessary to exclude other people? If they do feel as such, is it actually to do with trans women?
With approximately 11.2% of women experiencing some form of harassment from men (not trans women) in one year. (That being the number reported. I don’t know what the unreported number is, but I would hazard a guess at it not being a small number.) Is it any wonder that many women often feel safer socialising within trans communities.
The quote from Olympia Dukakis in the Cher film Moonstruck says it all –
“I know who I am”
Are we going to allow all people to feel that way fully or not? To me it all feels akin to some peering down from an ivory tower uttering ‘go away, you are not welcome here’. Shouldn’t we be saying – ‘welcome, we’re here to help support your journey’?
Reporting
News outlets report that politicians have ‘sighed with relief‘, at the ruling. Why? With the disclaimer that trans women are still protected under equality laws as holders of a GRC – Gender Recognition Certificate.
“But we counsel against reading this judgment as a triumph for one or more groups in our society at the expense of another – it is not.” – Deputy President of the Supreme Court Patrick Hodge. REUTERS
But it seems that a triumph is how it is being conveyed. And as news gradually emerges, more and more concerns are exposed.
Policy Changes
Will trans women still have dignified access to healthcare? With reports on Radio 4 that trans women are now concerned that they won’t have access to the services they previously had. And other radio news reporting that trans women may not be permitted in women’s hospital wards. Instead being admitted to male wards.
Differences in people aren’t going to evaporate because of a legal ruling. Often as a person with MEcfs, society just hopes you and your wish (and dignified need) for inclusion, acceptance, access and understanding will conveniently just buzz off.
Will the subtle bullying get worse and the ruling used as ammunition against people? I have seen concerns raised on social media posts about safety for cis women who don’t choose to dress in an overtly feminine way. Some online language aimed toward the trans community is vile. My own young folk have escorted trans women to safety in venues, away from a group looking close to becoming a baying crowd.
Closing Thoughts
I find it all quite confusing. Is it because many are afraid of difference, or in fact having a choice?When healthcare for women and life in general is still such a challenge. That society is so obsessed with how a percentage of people wish to identify and live a full life. This, part of 1% of the UK population.
The ruling to my mind, won’t make any positive difference. It won’t lessen prejudice, open doors, make life safer for or improve attitudes toward women, young and not so young. It will just polarise. As if we need any more polarisation. And make everyday life uncertain for people. To see the images of celebration following the ruling has been unsettling to say the least. And really quite sobering.
I suspect I may receive mixed reaction to this post. And as a Christian I may be open for further criticism. But I think I know where Jesus would be right now. Comforting a group of people feeling let down.
That’s my thoughts, rightly or wrongly, thought. Thanks for listening.
The End
Have a blessed day⚘
Join me on socials
- May – ME Awareness Month
- Thoughts of Family on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
- Light Changes Everything
- Comparison – the Thief of Joy
- Happy Easter
Hope found in M.E. 
Jesus would search out the marginalized in his society. Christians know that is part of the heart of the gospel.
Those who don’t understand that simply where the label ‘Christian’ for other reasons. I want to support you in asserting your conviction.
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Thank you so much, Jasper. Very kind of you.
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It’s the way I understand what the Bible says about the marginalized. Interesting how some people take offense when you see certain things in a different way than they understand it.
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