Around 60 people gathered in Weymouth, Dorset, on Saturday to demonstrate their solidarity with transgender people following the recent controversial Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘woman.’
The peaceful protest brought together locals from across the community who wanted to show their support for transgender rights during what many see as an increasingly hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ people in the UK.
Event organizer Naomi Wilcox-Lee said, “It’s fantastic to see so many people here today. The British Medical Association Resident Doctors has slated the Supreme Court ruling as ‘scientifically illiterate,’ and yet it’s already having a very real impact on trans people’s lives. We’re here today to say we stand with our trans siblings; we love you, and we will fight for your rights at every turn.”
The recent Supreme Court decision has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals, human rights organisations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups who worry about its implications for transgender rights and healthcare access.
Colin from Weymouth Gay Group shared a statement at the event: “Weymouth Gay Group stands in solidarity with our transgender friends and their community. It appears the Supreme Court had no input from transgender people. How can you come to a valid court result without hearing from both sides? Shame! The world needs much more understanding, acceptance, love, support, and empathy for all minority groups. It can start with all of us; just take some time out to sit down with a coffee with a transgender friend and LISTEN to what they have to say! Take a walk in their shoes, feel the pain, while they are just struggling to be who they really are.”
Jess Worner, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, addressed the crowd: “I stand here today as an ally and part of the LGBTQ community. I love being part of a community that includes my trans and non-binary siblings. LGBTQ communities are being divided, feminists are being divided, and this has been orchestrated by those with an agenda – mostly powerful cis white straight men – to strip us of our collective power.”
Worner emphasised the importance of genuine human connection: “What that can mean for cis allies is having conversations that are uncomfortable. Challenging directly transphobic views in whatever ways we can, or helping people understand what is going on – and I don’t just mean online in the comments of social media posts. Although social media definitely has its place, I also think it’s part of the problem. But, where we’re able to, through real face-to-face, human conversations.”
In a particularly moving moment, Jo Macgregor called for active allyship: “If you’re an ally, now is the time to speak up for us. There was a time for quiet allyship on the down low. That time has passed. We are a minority, and our voices are quiet. Now is the time to be loud. Listen to trans people, listen to what we need, and amplify our voices. Shout it from the rooftops. Reach out to your trans friends if you have them; it’s never too late to check in on them and see how they’re doing.”
Several speakers from local organisations including Unison, the National Education Union, Bournemouth University, and Dorset Stand Up to Racism also shared messages of solidarity.
The organisers emphasized that the fight for trans rights continues beyond this single event and encouraged ongoing community support and education.
