TransLucent, a leading trans-led advocacy and human rights organization, has begun legal proceedings against the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). This move follows the organization’s May 13, 2025, press release, which expressed concerns that the EHRC is failing in its legal duty to conduct a fair and comprehensive public consultation on the impact of a recent Supreme Court judgment regarding transgender rights under the Equality Act.
The Supreme Court ruling, issued in April, raised urgent questions about the status and protection of trans people under the Equality Act 2010. In response, the EHRC announced plans to update its statutory guidance but proposed a consultation period of only two weeks, an unusually short window that, according to TransLucent, cannot possibly gather meaningful feedback from stakeholders.
TransLucent argues that this approach violates the EHRC’s duty to enter the process with an open mind and to consider a broad range of views before updating its guidance. In particular, the group points to public statements made by the EHRC’s chair, who discussed her interpretation of the judgment’s consequences on BBC Radio 4 with Nick Robinson. These statements, TransLucent contends, reveal a “settled view” on the guidance update even before the consultation has begun.
“We believe the EHRC is not entering this process with an open mind,” a TransLucent spokesperson said. “A two-week consultation cannot possibly reflect the lived experiences and concerns of the trans community and other stakeholders. This is a matter of fundamental rights and deserves a serious, thorough approach.”
Since rebranding as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2022, TransLucent has become a leading voice for trans equality in the UK. Originally founded as an online blog in 2020, the group has grown into a prominent force, making three human rights submissions to the United Nations. In November 2023, TransLucent hosted its first London Conference, attracting peers from the House of Lords, MPs, and researchers, all just 100 yards from the Houses of Parliament.
Building on this momentum, TransLucent began providing briefing notes to the Labour Party in April 2024 and now works directly with multiple government departments, including the Office for Equality and Opportunity and the Ministry of Justice. Their mission is simple but essential: to campaign for visibility, acceptance, legal recognition, and healthcare for the trans community while pushing back against misinformation and disinformation in the media.
For many trans people and their allies, TransLucent’s legal challenge is about far more than one policy. “It’s about whether our lives and rights are given the full consideration they deserve,” said a TransLucent supporter. “When consultations are rushed, voices are lost and we can’t let that happen.”
TransLucent’s legal action stands as a powerful reminder that trans rights are human rights. As the case proceeds, the group is urging the trans community, families, and allies to stay informed and engaged. The outcome will have significant implications for how the UK’s laws are applied to trans lives, an issue of deep concern and unwavering commitment for advocates everywhere.
You can learn more about TransLucent and their advocacy work by visiting their official website: https://translucent.org.uk. The site offers detailed information about their mission, ongoing initiatives, and resources for the transgender and gender-diverse community in the UK.
For updates on their legal action against the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), you can read their official announcement here: TransLucent Begins Legal Action Against EHRC.
Additionally, if you’re interested in supporting their legal efforts, TransLucent has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for court and legal fees. You can find more details and contribute at: Bin the EHRC Single Sex Guidance – CrowdJustice
TransLucent’s commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals is evident through their proactive initiatives and community engagement.
