The UK Supreme Court ruling (Dec 2023) declared that ‘woman’ in the Equality Act means biological sex unless context requires otherwise. That gives anti-trans campaigners a narrow but dangerous legal wedge to exclude trans women from ‘single-sex’ services.
But the ruling does not apply to all contexts, nor does it restrict private entities from defining participation by gender identity, as long as they’re clear and non-discriminatory. But obviously ‘Gender Critical’ activists will harass inclusive spaces, trying to get them to force trans people out.
So, here’s a simple, elegant workaround:
Let’s stop calling our inclusive spaces ‘women’s’ spaces. Let’s start calling them ‘Ladies’ Spaces- and proudly say who’s welcome.
‘Woman’ Is Now a Legal Minefield. But ‘Lady’? That’s Ours.
Thanks to the Supreme Court ruling, the word ‘‘woman’‘ is being used as a legal trap – one that can be twisted to exclude trans women from single-sex services and facilities.
But here’s the thing:
Words like ‘Ladies’, ‘Gents’, or even symbolic icons on toilet doors are not governed by this ruling. They’re cultural, not legal.
And that means we get to define them.
Let’s reclaim ‘Ladies’ – and spell it out:
- ‘‘A Lady is anyone who identifies and lives as one.’’
That’s it. No paperwork needed. No trauma disclosures. No gatekeeping.
If someone tells you they’re a lady, believe them. That’s how inclusive spaces thrive.
When You Do Need a Single-Sex Exception – Use ‘Female’
Some spaces – especially in safeguarding or elite sport – may need to rely on a ‘‘lawful single-sex exception’’ under the Equality Act.
In those rare cases, clarity matters. So if you want to be inclusive, rather than saying ‘women only’, which now carries legal baggage, try this instead:
- ‘‘This space is for females – including those assigned female at birth, and those legally or medically recognised as female.‘‘
This still meets the legal threshold and affirms the existence of trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates or those who’ve medically transitioned. It draws a clear line without becoming a tool for blanket exclusion.
It’s lawful. It’s careful. And it still keeps the door open where it’s safe to do so.
A Simple Language Swap with Big Impact
Instead of:
- ‘This is a women’s gym / club / sports team / support group.’
Say:
- ‘This is a Ladies’ space – open to all who identify and live as women.’
Or:
- ‘This space is for females – including those legally or medically recognised as female.’
These phrases are:
- Legally robust
- Emotionally inclusive
- Immune from weaponisation
They allow you to be kind and confident in your policies.
Time to Reset the Playing Field
This is more than semantics. It’s strategy.
When transphobic campaigners demand that ‘women’s spaces’ exclude trans people, meet them with:
‘Oh, we’re not a women’s space. We’re a ‘Ladies’’ group – and trans ladies are very welcome here.’
Suddenly they’re the ones floundering.
Are they now against Ladies toilets? Ladies’ night? Ladies’ doubles tennis?
This approach flips the whole narrative. It gently exposes the absurdity of their position, without ever stooping to cruelty or exclusion.
An Invitation to Inclusive Spaces
If you run a sports club, a gym, a peer support group, a choir, or any other space that wants to be inclusive … this is your moment to stand tall without fear.
Update your signage. Rewrite your policies.
Start with a simple phrase like:
- ‘This space welcomes all Ladies – anyone who identifies and lives as one.’
Or if you need to draw a lawful line:
- ‘This space is for females – including trans women with a legal or medical transition.’
You don’t have to wait for the law to catch up.
You can choose kindness, clarity, and community right now.
Let’s Lock Out Prejudice – Together
This small language shift helps us protect our spaces and our values. It helps us say:
- ‘You can’t rewrite our words to push us out.’
If they want to start from scratch and try to police the word ‘Ladies’ next?
We say: let them try.
We’ll just keep building kinder, smarter, stronger communities – one inclusive space at a time.
You’re not alone – and you don’t need to figure it all out by yourself
Want help rewriting your policies or signage?
Need support for your inclusive group?
Drop us a message on social media*. Let’s get it done together.
*We will be adding a contact page for the site very soon. In the meantime please contact Ami on her socials – Dillon.
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