A new report by Stonewall, LGBT in Britain – Trans Report, highlights the alarming levels of discrimination and violence faced by trans and non-binary people in the UK. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the research surveyed 871 trans and non-binary individuals, revealing a troubling picture of abuse, inequality, and fear.
Alarming Key Findings
The findings shed light on the harsh realities trans people encounter daily:
One in eight trans employees (12 percent) have been physically attacked by a colleague or customer in the last year.
Half of trans people (51 percent) hide their identity at work due to fear of discrimination.
A quarter of trans people (25 percent) have experienced homelessness.
Two in five trans people (42 percent) who wish to undergo medical intervention have not done so because they fear the consequences on their family life.
Almost half (48 percent) of trans people avoid using public toilets due to fear of discrimination or harassment.
A third of trans people (34 percent) reported facing discrimination when visiting cafés, restaurants, bars, or nightclubs.
More than a quarter (28 percent) of trans people in relationships have faced domestic abuse from their partners in the last year.
More than two in five trans people (44 percent) avoid certain streets because they feel unsafe.
One in four trans people (25 percent) reported being discriminated against while looking for housing in the past year.
First-Hand Experiences Highlight the Urgency for Change
Many trans people shared their personal experiences, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of persistent discrimination.
Stevie, 21 (Wales), shared, “I get shouted at every single time I leave my house and threatened at least once a week. I try to closet myself from my family because I’m so close to getting kicked out. I can’t access hormone replacement therapy without going private. I’m disabled. It’s a lot to deal with, and I’m crumbling under the stress, but I consider myself a warrior. But really, something needs to change.”
Willow, 40 (Wales), described the anxiety caused by increasing transphobia, saying, “Even just five years ago, it was not safe for me to come out as trans; the pace of change has been amazing. Unfortunately, there now appears to be a backlash against that progress in the last year, with hate from the media against trans increasing disturbingly in the last six months. This increasing transphobia is accelerating and is causing acute anxiety in my daily life.”
Esme, 32 (Scotland), voiced frustration with public attitudes: “We are constantly questioned on our existence, treated hostilely, and ridiculed in the name of debate. We are constantly exposed to hate and criticism in the media and in daily life as the public responds to the media’s attitudes. I’m sick of being described as a mentally ill freak.”
Taylor, 23 (South East), recounted their experience at university: “I have recently started at a new university. I was laughed at, ridiculed, and became the butt of jokes that normally gender me as a woman. This has been constant since day one.”
Taking Action: How You Can Help
Stonewall encourages everyone to stand against anti-trans discrimination and become visible allies for the trans community. There are several ways to show support:
Join Stonewall’s ‘Come Out for Trans Equality’ campaign to show solidarity with trans people, especially on social media.
Call out anti-trans abuse whenever you witness it, ensuring it's safe to do so. Standing up for others sends a strong message of support.
If you witness anti-trans behavior from staff or customers, report it to local business owners. Let them know that ignoring such incidents could harm their reputation.
Participate in the public consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004. Share your views on proposed reforms that could significantly impact trans people’s rights.
Mary Watson
