Stephen Fry, Anthony Lexa and Kate Nash sign open letter against government’s "transphobic school guidance"

On 30 July in London, more than 200 individuals - including acclaimed celebrities, prominent LGBTQ+ advocates, parents, teachers, and young people - signed an open letter within just five hours, urging the Department for Education to revise the recently updated Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance, which is due to be introduced in 2026.

The open letter, titled The Urgent Need to Revise the RSHE 2026 Guidance and Centre Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex, Asexual, and Gender Non-Conforming Voices, calls on the government to prioritise the lived realities and well-being of trans, non-binary, intersex, asexual, and gender non-conforming students. It expresses deep concern over harmful updates to the RSHE guidance that threaten inclusive teaching around gender identity.

"RSHE 2026 guidance must be revised to centre the voices and experiences of all students, including those whose identities have too often been marginalised or erased."

Among the early signatories are celebrated artist and activist Daniel Lismore, actor and writer Stephen Fry, renowned musician and trans ally Kate Nash, and Sex Education actress Anthony Lexa. They are joined by a growing number of parents, teachers, and members of the public who share a clear and unified message: education policy must be inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in respect for all young people.

Laila El-Metoui, Founder of Pride in Education, stated, “We stand together to insist that the RSHE 2026 guidance must be revised to centre the voices and experiences of all students, including those whose identities have too often been marginalised or erased.”

The letter raises serious concerns that the current RSHE proposals fail to protect and reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ youth, potentially causing further harm to their mental health, well-being, and safety. It urges the government to consult directly with young people, parents, teachers, and expert advocates from across the gender and sexuality spectrum.

"The proposed guidance, as it stands, represents a dangerous regression in inclusive education. It places trans, non-binary, intersex, asexual and gender non-conforming pupils at risk."

The signatories are calling for an immediate revision of the RSHE 2026 guidance to ensure it actively affirms and includes trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals throughout. They demand the removal of contradictory and exclusionary language that silences discussions of gender identity and undermines the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act.

The letter also calls for the inclusion of asexual and aromantic identities in discussions about sexual orientation, to ensure that young people understand that not experiencing sexual or romantic attraction is entirely normal. Furthermore, it insists on meaningful engagement with the LGBTQ+ community - particularly trans, non-binary, and intersex young people - during the redrafting process.

Members of the public are encouraged to read, sign, and share the letter to ensure their voices are heard and to stand in solidarity with all communities affected by the proposed changes.