Charli xcx, Four Tet, Shygirl and more sign open letter of solidarity to UK trans community
More than 400 artists and music industry professionals have signed an open letter in solidarity with the UK’s trans community.
On April 16, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled to limit the definition of a woman to “biological sex”, meaning that trans women are now excluded from protections given to CIS women in England, Scotland and Wales under the 2010 Equalities Act.
The ruling sparked widespread concern amongst the UK’s trans community, with LGBTQIA+ charities describing it as a “genuine crisis for the rights, dignity and inclusion of trans people in the UK” in a recent letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Read this next: A list of ways you can support trans people in the United Kingdom
Following recent open letters from UK writers and the film & TV industry, a new letter has been penned by the UK’s music industry, gathering signatures from musicians, DJs, producers, and industry workers.
The 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 16.”
“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 this next: SOPHIE Scholarship Fund established to support women, trans and non-binary artists
The open letter – started by SATELLITE414’s Tom Mehrtens, Olly Alexander of Years & Years, and musician Tom Rasmussen – currently has over 400 signatures.
Artists who have signed the letter include Charli xcx, Four Tet, I. JORDAN, Shygirl, Alison Goldfrapp, Floating Points, TAAHLIAH, Mura Masa, Neneh Cherry, Oliver Sim, salute, Rina Sawayama, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, ABSOLUTE., and many more.
Music industry workers across publications, record labels, artist management and PR companies, and more have also signed the letter in support.
Read the open letter here, and find a list of ways you can support trans people in the UK here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
