Max HeyraudWe’ve been trying to process the UK court’s ruling on trans women not being legally recognised as women, and it’s been a bitter pill to swallow. The response from club culture has been one of disgust and outrage, a feeling we share and are currently mirroring.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. A decision with potentially far-reaching implications for who can access single-sex services and spaces. This ruling stands to severely harm the rights of trans men, trans women, and non-binary people.
We wholeheartedly disagree with this outcome.
Trans people have existed long before our judicial systems, and their voices must be heard. This is a regressive step for the UK, and we send our love and solidarity to the trans community across the UK and beyond.
Dance music and club culture have always been about celebrating our differences. Clubs should remain spaces of unity, inclusion, and expression. We hope that continues to hold true in the UK today.
London club institution Fold were quick to share their stance, writing: “It matters not what people are born, but what they grow to be. Trans women will always be women. Trans men will always be men.”
Irish-born, Berlin-based DJ and Queerly Beloved podcast host, Cormac echoed Fold’s message, sharing their post and adding: “Trans women are women. Then, now and always. We stand with you, we don’t give up.”
UK label I Love Acid, run by British stalwarts of electronic music Luke Vibert and Posthuman, also stood in solidarity with trans rights, posting: “Our parties are for everyone, and all humans have equal rights, regardless of who or how they love and live. If you have a problem with this, don’t bother replying and posting your hateful bigotry – just unfollow us & don’t come to our parties.”
Bristol DJ and producer Om Unit took to Instagram to share a personal reflection: “Honestly, I do prefer to keep my main feed on this thing about the releases and shows but I cannot honestly stay silent or keep my feelings on politics in the stories on this one because of how much it affects me and people that I love. The UK Gov’s move to hard-define ‘Woman’ as legally biological I do not believe is about protecting women. At all.”
British DJ and producer I. Jordan, speaking at a rally in support of trans rights, called for tangible action:
“Lobby and develop trans training, crimes, intuitive policy, trans inclusive spaces, events at your place of work, challenge already existing policy.”
Body Movements, East London’s first queer dance music festival, also released a statement on Instagram: “Today’s decision by the UK supreme court to redefine the meaning of man and woman isn’t just a policy change — it’s a direct threat to the safety, dignity, and rights of trans people across the uk. This move legitimises discrimination, stokes division, and empowers those who seek to erase trans identities. it sends a message that trans lives are up for debate. They’re not.”
He.She.They., the global fashion label, event series, and record label, made their message loud and clear: “Trans women are women, trans men are men, non-binary people are non-binary. So simple you would hope even a judge would get it. Wish this wasn’t happening to our trans family but you are still OUR family and no one can erase who you know you are.”
The dancefloor remains a vital space in a time marked by growing division. A place where difference dissolves and connection thrives. It’s more than just music, it’s community, it’s expression, it’s resistance. We stand firmly against those who seek to fragment what brings us together.
Now more than ever, we need to protect these spaces to ensure that everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. If you’ve been affected or feel isolated, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to your people, your crew, your community.
Here are a few support hubs offering guidance and resources:
- Mind (UK) – mind.org.uk
- Help Musicians – helpmusicians.org.uk
- Beatfreeks Collective – beatfreeks.com
- LGBT Foundation – lgbt.foundation
- Black Minds Matter UK – blackmindsmatteruk.com
