'I've been spat on': gender non-conforming women tell of toilet abuse after UK's supreme court rulinghttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/12/ive-been-spat-on-gender-non-conforming-women-tell-of-toilet-abuse-in-aftermath-of-supreme-court-rulingBy Libby Brooks (12 Aug 2025)
Since the supreme court's ruling on biological sex, debate around its practical application has focused heavily on access to women's toilet and changing facilities – in particular after initial advice on implementation from the equalities watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, amounted to a blanket ban on trans people using toilets of their lived gender, which many say in effect excludes them from public spaces.
Critics of the ruling have suggested it may likewise affect cis women who do not adhere to a straight, white template of femininity.
Support groups report some early indications that gender non-conforming women are facing increased challenges
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Bridget Symonds, director of services at the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop, said: "Galop has seen a significant increase in trans+ and gender diverse people coming to our frontline services for hate crime support. We've seen instances where LGBT+ people are being challenged and verbally abused when attempting to access toilets in public spaces, such as pubs.
