Swansea University’s Students’ Union has joined a national call to protect and advocate for trans rights.
Swansea is one of 50 SUs which have taken a firm stance for transgender rights and protection, alongside Cambridge, UWE, and more.
In the SU’s announcement, the recent UK Supreme Court’s ruling in regard to the definition of what a woman is was emphasised.
This ruling made it so a woman is considered a woman due to their biological sex and makeup, with no consideration for the social construct which is gender identity.
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On 17th April 2025, the UK Supreme Court further ruled that trans women are not legally recognised as women under the Equality Act 2010, therefore excluding trans women from the same legal protections as biological women.
Such exclusion includes trans people who hold a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).
In response to the ruling, Swansea SU said: “This ruling has created uncertainty and anxiety for many, and risks being used to justify transphobic interpretations of the law.”
Adding: “For trans students, it’s about feeling seen, safe, and supported in everyday life – from sports teams, societies, to toilets and changing rooms, to how they’re represented and protected on campus.”
In its campaign, Standing Together, Swansea SU also declared: “Trans women are women, trans men are men, non-binary people deserve recognition and protection.”
In continued support, the organisation also published a Guide to Allyship, along with a Guide to Gender Identities released in 2023, showing the union’s long term stance and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The president of Swansea University’s LGBTQ+ society, who is also the Trans and Non-Binary awareness officer for the SU told The Cardiff Tab: “It was extremely affirming to hear that the SU would be joining as part of the collective NUS response to the EHRC and standing firm on the existing commitments to the trans+ community.
“As president of the society we’ve had a great relationship with all full-time officers and staff within the SU who’ve regularly supported our society especially most recently during term time for LGBT+ history month”
Featured image via Swansea SU on Facebook/NUS on Instagram
