The MU calls on the entire music industry to take immediate action to prevent harassment and discrimination following the judgement. Photo: Shutterstock.
Trans, nonbinary, and intersex musicians will be concerned about their safety, and about facing increased discrimination and harassment at work and in their daily lives following the judgment.
While we understand that the calls for single-sex spaces come from a desire to protect and reassure women who have suffered abuse in particular, we are deeply concerned about the impact on those who may be excluded and feel less safe as a result of the ruling and how it will be implemented.
We don't want to see marginalised groups pitted against each other, or for assumptions and perceptions about people’s gender identities to cause harm. There is a risk of organisations and individuals taking matters into their own hands and trying to police 'women only' environments, which could affect people of all genders.
The MU will not tolerate discrimination against trans musicians
Employers and engagers should be aware that legal protections against discrimination and harassment based on gender reassignment remain unchanged, and the MU will continue to challenge these behaviours and support our members who experience them. To be clear, the MU will not tolerate discrimination against trans musicians.
The MU is concerned about the misinformation that is being spread about the ruling, and whilst it is too soon to fully understand what the impact will be on musicians, it’s crucial that the government communicates clearly what the judgement does and doesn’t mean, to combat this misinformation. There could be implications for dressing rooms and specific gendered activities, e.g. workshops, as well as employment rights such as maternity and paternity benefits.
The MU is seeking legal advice to understand how the ruling impacts our members, and we will continue working to create a safe and inclusive music industry for all musicians. The MU recognises that freelancers may face increased risks due to the limitations of existing Equality Act provisions for some self-employed people.
The MU calls on the entire music industry to take immediate action to prevent harassment and discrimination following the judgement.
External resources
- Switchboard: A national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey.
- Mermaids: Leading UK trans advocacy and support charity.
- MindOut: Mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with experience of mental health issues.
- TransActual: Trans advocacy organisation.
- Galop: The UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence.
- Stonewall: LGBT+ rights organisation.
- Come Play With Me: MU partner and non-profit music development organisation, fighting for an equitable, inclusive and diverse music industry.