CMAT, Bambie Thug, Charli xcx and more sign open letter in solidarity with the trans community

Some of the biggest names in the UK music industry – as well as a selection of acclaimed Irish acts – have signed an open letter expressing solidarity with the trans community, following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on April 16 that 'a woman' is defined by biological sex.

Joining stars like Charli xcx, Olly Alexander, Self Esteem, Four Tet, Wolf Alice, Paloma Faith and Rina Sawayama on the list of signatories are Irish artists such as CMAT, Bambie Thug, David Holmes, AILSHA, Cosha, SPIDER, Janet Devlin and more.

"The UK music industry is a vibrant, diverse landscape that thrives on creativity and inclusivity," the letter reads. "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 open letter goes on to claim that the Supreme Court's ruling – which states that 'the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man' – "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," the letter continues. "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."

"Music," the letter concludes, "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."

Read the full letter, and see the list of signatories, here. Those who wish to add their own names to the letter can do so here.