Two steps forward, three steps back: A Trans perspective on the supreme court ruling.

The world has felt darker in the last few weeks, and not only for trans people. When I was first asked to write something for Wanted It Group I was too stunned to speak.

Even now it's hard to know what to say, because we really don't know how this ruling will impact the wider world. Already British transport police have released a statement that they will now allow male police officers to search trans women, guidelines have been released about single sex spaces, and our prime minister has backtracked on his clear stance for trans rights.

The reality is that no law has been passed, but the country won't wait to see if that happens. Actions are already being taken.

My mind is filled with confusion and anger towards the women who fought so hard for this ruling. These women who fought so hard with hate masked as fear have, for the first time in the history of the movement, used 'feminism' to define what a woman is. This is what transphobia does, it hurts everyone.

I think about our intersex siblings, the same number of people who have ginger hair, and what this ruling means for people who do not fit the biological definition of a woman or a man.

I think about our cis sisters who have PCOS, with hair that society has already told them to be ashamed of. Being falsely accused of being trans. And having to provide a birth certificate to prove to the police that they should not be searched by a male officer.

I think of our often overlooked trans masc population who have essentially been told that they are women again.

In all that I do I have always tried to lead with hope, that the struggle may be big, but we can come together to fight back. On the 19th of April I marched with over 20,000 of my trans siblings and our allies in London. It has been moving to see so many people across the country mobilise so quickly to stand up and be counted. Even so I can only be honest and say that my hope has wavered significantly after the ruling.

If you are feeling the same way I do, try and remind yourself of these things. Every human rights movement in history has faced set backs, and while the world is not free from sexism, racism or homophobia the fight for change has always eventually lead to progress.

You are on the right side of history and you are not alone in this fight. Where you can, send letters to politicians, sign petitions and attend protests that are accessible to you.

But it is also okay to sit in your feelings, to take a day off for self care and to reach out to friends, family and services that are there to support you. Remember that you do have legal rights, the right to protest, the right to safety

and human the right to feel angry.

Remember that no one is equal until everyone is, that you are valid, and that you bring beauty, joy and wonder to this world. We are lucky to have you in our lives, and we are lucky to have you in this fight.

Love and rage,

Em