Charli XCX, Self Esteem, Wolf Alice and more sign open letter of solidarity to trans community

Charli XCX, Self Esteem and Wolf Alice are among the many acts to have signed an open letter of solidarity to the trans community from the UK music industry.

It follows the UK Supreme Court ruling on April 16, in which judges unanimously ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex under the Equality Act.

Judge Lord Hodge stressed that the decision was not a “triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another”, but the move will undoubtedly impact transgender communities across the nation.

In response, numerous figures in the entertainment world expressed their support for those affected. Those who have spoken out include Scissor Sisters, Perfume Genius, Garbage, Rachel Chinouriri, JADE, Lambrini Girls and Billy Bragg.

Now, an open letter has been penned by artist Tom Rasmussen and Tom Mehrtens (Head Of Music & Entertainment, SATELLITE414) on behalf of the UK music industry. Help came from Olly Alexander (Years & Years) and Martha Kinn (Manager and Founder, Kinndred Management).

The letter aims to show “solidarity, support and love for the trans community at this vital time” and “channel our anger and frustration at the current situation”.

In just 36 hours, the document has been signed by many artists and figures from across numerous areas of the industry – such as talent and booking agencies, production and online publications.

Joining the aforementioned Charli XCX, Self Esteem and Wolf Alice in signing the open letter are the likes of Neneh Cherry, Rina Sawayama, Jessie Ware, Four Tet, Jimmy Somerville (Bronski Beat), JADE, Paloma Faith and Mabel.

Other signees include Alison Goldfrapp, CMAT, Heather Baron-Gracie (Pale Waves), Jasmine.4.t, Oliver Sim (The xx), Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), MARINA, Shygirl and Tom Grennan.

The full open letter reads:

“We, the undersigned UK music industry professionals, stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 16th. We wish to add our voices to the growing chorus of concern (including the UK writers and the UK film and television industry) and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us.

“The UK music industry is a vibrant, diverse landscape that thrives on creativity and inclusivity. We have long celebrated a multitude of voices and identities, and the music industry here in the UK is one of our most trailblazing and culturally vital assets – one which trans, intersex and non-binary people are woven into in every aspect of the industry, past, present and future. We must now urgently work to ensure that our trans, non-binary, and intersex colleagues, collaborators, and audiences are protected from discrimination and harassment in all areas of the industry – whether in studios, at venues, in offices, or at festivals.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling that, under the Equality Act 2010, ‘woman’ is defined by biological sex, states that “the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man”. We believe this ruling not only undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex people living in the UK but also weakens legal protections at a time when trans people face rising hate crime, discrimination, and systemic barriers.

“The Equalities & Human Rights Commission’s interim update on the ruling suggests that trans women are not permitted access to women’s facilities and trans men are not permitted access to men’s facilities, while further suggesting that trans people may also be excluded from using facilities that correspond to their sex assigned at birth. We believe this guidance exposes trans people to embarrassment and harassment, ultimately excluding and seeking to erase them from participation in public life.

“We stand with the many voices who have condemned both the ruling and the EHRC guidance, highlighting the negative consequences that both will have for all individuals and the particular harm that trans, non-binary, and intersex people face as a result.

“We commend organisations within the music industry who have already voiced their support for the trans community and call upon further influential companies and organisations, including but not exclusive to, Major and Independent Record Labels, Publishers, Music Management Companies, Live Agencies, Promoters, The MMF, UK Music, the Musicians’ Union, PRS for Music, PPL, AIM, BPI and beyond to join us in condemning the Supreme Court ruling. We urge them to use their power within the industry and public platforms to make meaningful commitments to protecting trans, non-binary, and intersex members, talent, and staff from discrimination within their respective organisations.

“Music has the power to unite, to inspire, and to reflect the richness of the human experience. This is our moment to amplify voices that need to be heard, to champion inclusivity and real justice, and to ensure that our industry remains a welcoming and trailblazing space for everyone. Let us stand on the side of truth, equality, and respect.”

You can add your signature here, and see the current full list of signees here.

Last week saw Pedro Pascal call J.K. Rowling a “heinous loser” after she celebrated the controversial ruling that transgender women were not legally women under the Equality Act. Elsewhere, actor Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) helped to raise over £90,000 for a trans charity following the decision.

The US made a similar decision in January, with President Donald Trump ruling that the country would only recognise two genders – male and female – after he was sworn into the White House for the second time. In response, the likes of Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande all lent their support.

This came after Lucy Dacus pledged $10,000 (£7,512.66) for trans surgeries following Trump’s declaration that the US would recognise only two sexes during his second inauguration in January.

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