LGBTQ+ charities launch new framework for trans‑inclusive housing services

Three leading LGBTQ+ charities - Stonewall Housing, akt and Gendered Intelligence - have jointly launched a new resource designed to help housing and homelessness organisations navigate their responsibilities towards trans and non‑binary people.

The framework follows the UK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling that the term “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to “biological sex”, defined as the sex assigned at birth. While the Court outlined its interpretation, it did not set out how this should be applied in day‑to‑day service delivery. According to the charities, this lack of clarity has left many organisations uncertain about how to uphold both the law and inclusive practice when working with vulnerable people.

Responsibility for translating such rulings into practical guidance rests with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Interim advice was issued shortly after the judgment, and draft guidance was later released for consultation, but final statutory guidance has not yet been presented to Parliament.

For trans and non‑binary people - who already experience disproportionate barriers in accessing safe housing and homelessness support - the ruling has contributed to increased uncertainty. Service providers report concerns about how to make lawful decisions on matters such as accommodation placements and staff allocation, and charities say the ambiguity has created situations where people may feel unable to seek help.

Stonewall Housing CEO Steven McIntyre said the ruling had created “uncertainty and anxiety for trans people, as well as among those delivering services”, adding: “We wanted to work together to create practical guidance. We’re really proud to have created this resource alongside akt and Gendered Intelligence, and we hope it will support many housing and homelessness services to maintain trans‑inclusive practice.”

The new framework aims to offer a structured approach for organisations, local authorities and charities that want to ensure their services remain inclusive. It provides tools to help providers assess their specific context, document the reasoning behind decisions and demonstrate how policies comply with the law while respecting people’s dignity.

Alexandra Duffy, Training Lead at Stonewall Housing, said the resource had been developed in response to concerns about trans and non‑binary people being excluded - intentionally or unintentionally - from essential services. “Barriers to accessing services already exist for trans and non‑binary people and there is a lack of funding for specialist services,” she said. “We’ve designed this resource to provide clarity on the ruling, and to support organisations to make thoughtful decisions tailored to their circumstances.”

akt CEO Adam Pemberton Wickham said the ruling had left many young LGBTQ+ people feeling “uncertain and afraid about how they will be treated”. He added: “At akt, we see the life‑changing impact of safe, inclusive support every day. We are thrilled to be a part of this training to help ensure trans and non‑binary young people can access the services that literally save lives.”

Gendered Intelligence CEO Jay Stewart said the framework would help organisations hold trans‑inclusive, legally compliant positions with confidence. “We see the visceral impacts of exclusion, and fear of exclusion, time and time again through our support services,” he said. “Trans+ people need to know that they’re still welcome, respected and safe in services and workplaces.”

The three charities, among the sector’s longest‑standing specialist organisations, continue to maintain that inclusive practice remains both possible and practical for the vast majority of providers - and that clear, consistent guidance will help ensure no one is left without support.