News / trans rights
New university guidance prompts concern among trans staff and students
A member of staff at UWE Bristol said they have stopped using campus toilets unless they can find a gender-neutral facility following the university’s new guidance on single-sex spaces.
Speaking anonymously to Bristol24/7 because of concerns about repercussions in the workplace, he said: “If I do use a bathroom on campus, I’ll look for a gender neutral facility. If I haven’t been able to find it, I just haven’t used the bathroom.”
He added: “A lot of people won’t go to campus now. Colleagues have been challenged about trans issues in class.
The university introduced the guidance following the UK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling that for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 the terms “woman” and “sex” refer to biological sex.
UWE Bristol said their policy is intended to comply with legal obligations while maintaining its commitment to supporting trans and non-binary staff and students.
After the judgment, organisations were advised to seek specialist legal advice while awaiting updated statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Georgia, vice president of the UWE LGBT+ Society, said there has been a lack of communication and consultation – photo: UWE LGBT+ Society
Ada, who did not wish to give her surname and is president of UWE Bristol’s LGBT+ Society, said the university had failed to keep students informed.
She said: “Back in September 2025, the university changed their policies to be in line with the EHRC guidance. Even after it was revoked, they kept it. They’ve not been in contact with us since.”
Ada said the society wrote an open letter in September, which led to a meeting with the university’s equality, diversity and inclusion team.
But she said that since the meeting, there has been little communication from the university.
Georgia, who did not provide her surname and is vice-president of the society, said that hearing about the policy change “without being asked or notified, stung a lot”.
She said involving students from the outset would have resulted in a more transparent process.
Georgia said: “If they aren’t interested in asking us what we would like to see, they really can’t say that they’re trying their best.”
A spokesperson for UWE Bristol said: “UWE Bristol is firmly committed to equity, inclusion and the safety of all members of our community.
“Our Trans and Non‑Binary Policy was developed through extensive consultation, informed by expert advice, and reflects our legal responsibilities as a university.
“It conforms with the recommended approach outlined in the EHRC guidance.
“The university’s EDI team has met with the LGBTQ+ Society and individual students, and the Students’ Union.
“We continue to make efforts to engage constructively with students, including invitations to meet with senior leadership.
“We do not support any staff member, student or visitor to challenge the use of facilities by others.
“The university has reporting channels in place to support members of our community and handle concerns confidentially and respectfully.
“We recognise the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on our trans and non-binary staff and students.
“Our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering and that commitment continues regardless of our legal responsibilities.”
Main photo: Bristol24/7
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