Standing With Our Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Communities

In light of the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the legal definition of “sex” in the Equality Act, we felt it was important to share where we stand and how we’re responding. Below is our full statement, outlining both our values and the steps we’re taking as an organisation.

Trans Rights Are Human Rights. We Stand With Our Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Communities.

The UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of “sex” under the Equality Act is deeply troubling and risks undermining the safety, dignity, and rights of trans people, especially trans women, across the UK. This ruling is a painful and unacceptable reminder that trans identities and lives are still being debated.

At Mafwa Theatre we are unequivocally trans-inclusive. Kuluhenna Drama, our free, weekly creative drama group is for women and non-binary people in Leeds. The welcome we extend to our community has not changed.

Trans women are women.

Trans people belong in our spaces.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

Our community includes people from many different backgrounds, and we acknowledge that learning to share space across differences takes time, care, and conversation. Inclusion is active, ongoing work, and we’re committed to doing this work with compassion and accountability.

Our Commitments

In response to this ruling, and as part of our long-term values, we are taking the following actions:

1. Updating our language across all communications

We’re embedding inclusive language into everything we share. We will avoid ambiguous or exclusionary language like “female-identifying” and instead use clear, respectful phrases such as “open to all women and non-binary people.”

2. Rolling out gender inclusion training for our entire team in 2025

We will provide training and resources to help staff and volunteers confidently support trans participants and navigate conversations around gender inclusivity with care. We are committing to ongoing learning around the experiences and needs of trans, non-binary, and intersex people.

3. Strengthening partnerships that reflect our values

We will continue to prioritise collaborations with organisations and artists who share our commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces.

4. Reviewing recruitment, safeguarding, and HR policies

We are reviewing all internal policies to ensure they actively protect gender identity and expression and reflect best practices for inclusive community spaces.

To our trans, non-binary, and intersex community members:

We see you. We value you. You belong here.