One transgender woman said the transgender community feared its rights were “disappearing” after the court ruling, which left many “horrified.”
The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to biological women and biological sex.
The head of Britain's equality body said the decision meant transgender women would no longer be able to use separate toilets, changing rooms or take part in women's sporting events.
Sarah Savage, a transgender woman and the CEO and co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton, said trans rights had recently been “strengthened”.
The 43-year-old from Brighton told the PA news agency: “I came out in 2011 on a Channel 4 TV show called My Trans Summer and it was seen as a watershed moment for trans rights.
“We thought we wouldn’t go back because people now saw us as people.
“It seemed like our rights were being strengthened, and now they seem to be disappearing, and disappearing, because those in power are not protecting us.”
Ms Savage described the decision as “extremely worrying”, adding that she had been able to access a women's refuge after coming out and was now worried that other people were being deprived of that.
Domestic abuse charity Refuge said on Wednesday the ruling would “not change” its approach as it remains “firmly committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse, including trans women”.
The organisation highlighted that it offers a range of “specialised services available to transgender women, including our hotline, community-based support and some accommodation services” that are “aimed at ensuring safety, dignity and tailored support to meet individual needs.”
Ms Savage said: “I feel fear for the future as my rights are being taken away before my eyes.
“What if I need to go to the hospital? Will I be treated with respect? What room will I be put in?
“Am I supposed to have to use the toilet and then be persecuted for it? It's horrible, to be honest.
“We had a committee meeting last night. Everyone was in shock.
“Transgender people just want a quiet life, we just want to move on with our lives.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
