TRANS
INCLUSIVE
BATHROOM
ACCESS
INITIATIVE

A GRASSROOTS ACTION FOR
TRANS INCLUSION

Created by Sissy Anarchy

Last Updated: 12 May, 2025

BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Overview

In response to recent legislative and political developments in the UK that further restrict the rights of transgender people — particularly in relation to accessing public bathrooms that align with their gender identity — we propose a grassroots, business-led initiative to affirm solidarity with trans people and protect their dignity.

We invite businesses to display a visible window sticker declaring their bathrooms as safe and accessible spaces for trans people, including those who may not be paying customers. This small but powerful act of allyship will affirm your business’s commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Purpose

To affirm the rights of trans people, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on gender reassignment.

To foster safe and inclusive public spaces where trans individuals can meet their basic needs without fear of harassment or exclusion.

To provide a clear and visible signal to trans people that your business supports their right to exist with dignity.

To respond to growing political hostility and rollback of rights by standing in solidarity with an increasingly marginalised community.

ABOUT

SISSY ANARCHY is a multifaceted, trans-led platform at the intersection of anarchist thought, queer resistance and lived trans realities. Named the leading indie press in London by AnOther Magazine and recently featured at the 60th Venice Art Biennale 2024, our work spans publishing, public intervention and political agitation.

We are more than a publishing project; we are a grassroots engine for direct action. As an independent and self-funded initiative, SISSY ANARCHY is built by and for trans and queer people who refuse to wait for institutions to catch up. We believe in action that speaks as loudly as words: from street-level organising to guerrilla distribution campaigns, we operate in solidarity with those most affected by systemic neglect and violence.

Our latest project, the Trans Bathroom Access Sticker, is a clear example of this approach. These stickers are not just symbolic; they are tools of resistance, designed to be deployed in public spaces to disrupt gendered access control and make visible the right of trans people to exist freely and safely. This is part of our larger commitment to creating trans-led platforms that mobilise community resources into real-world interventions.

Every donation directly supports this kind of work: empowering marginalised voices, funding mutual aid efforts and enabling direct action that challenges oppressive systems from the ground up. Whether you're buying a sticker or contributing to our fund, you're joining a movement that centres trans autonomy, creative dissent and radical care.

PURCHASE THE STICKER & MAKE A DONATION

If you have not yet already purchased the Trans Bathroom Access Sticker, and would like to participate, please do so here.

You can make a donation here.

LEGAL BASIS: THE EQUALITY ACT 2010

The Recent Supreme court ruling does NOT ban trans people from using bathrooms and single sex spaces. The ruling is intended to make trans people more vulnerable to discrimination. We have an obligation to ensure that this ruling does not limit trans people’s participation in public life. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim guidance contradictions the spirit of the Equality Act 2010 which protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of several characteristics, including gender reassignment. Under the Act:

A transgender person must not be treated less favourably for reasons related to being transgender, whether or not they have undergone any medical transition.
Single-sex services (such as toilets) can exclude trans people only in exceptional circumstances where exclusion is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
In practice, this means that trans people have the right to use public toilets that align with their gender identity except in very limited cases.

The ruling by the Supreme Court does not create a legal obligation for the exclusion of trans people from bathrooms. Rather, it has fabricated a problem where there isn’t one, participating in an ongoing political attack on trans people’s rights. There is no evidence to support the false claim that trans inclusion in single sex places poses a risk to the safety of women and other members of the public (see Evidence Brief for further information).

The legality and legitimacy of this ruling is currently being challenged in court, with evidence being provided. In the interim, it is up to businesses and the public to prevent this discrimination from being implemented. Despite this ruling and its political support, evidence shows that support for trans people is still widely popular. Participation in this sticker initiative does not create new legal obligations but rather demonstrates a proactive commitment to upholding existing legal protections and fostering an inclusive environment.

IMPLEMENT

01. Sticker Design &Messaging

We will provide a standardised sticker set that includes:

Two 3” x 3” trans inclusive stickers.

Optional QR code linking to an info page on trans rights and support resources, including a map of businesses who feature the sticker.

02. Placement

Stickers should be displayed prominently in a front-facing window or near the entrance of business or premises.

One sticker has adhesive on the front for placement on the inside of facade windows.

One has the adhesive on the back for placement on external facades and near bathroom entrances.

Inside signage (optional) can reinforce the message near restrooms.

03. Staff Training

A short (optional) training guide will be provided for staff to:

Understand the Equality Act as it relates to gender identity.

Respond supportively to trans individuals who use the facilities.

Defuse or handle any objections or harassment from other patrons.

04. Community Engagement

Participating businesses can be listed on an online map/resource hub.
Social media kits will be available to help businesses share their participation publicly.
You are encouraged to share stories, photos, and feedback to help grow the movement.

RISK ASSESMENT

Below are various scenarios with risk, liklihood, impact and mitigation outlined for you to review.
Risk: Public backlash or social media trolling
Liklihood: Medium
Impact: Low-Medium
Mitigation: Provide talking points to staff and emphasise that standing up for equality often involves courage.

Risk: In-store confrontations or transphobic behaviour by customers
Liklihood: Low-Medium
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Train staff on de-escalation and anti-discrimination policies. Clear signage can help reduce misunderstandings.

Risk: Misinterpretation of legal obligations
Liklihood: Low
Impact: Medium
Mitigation: Provide clear legal guidance showing that offering bathroom access is within legal rights, not a legal obligation. Clarify that it supports the spirit of the Equality Act.

Risk: Increased bathroom usage by non-customers
Liklihood: Low
Impact: Low
Mitigation: Monitor usage and address on a case-by-case basis. Experiences from similar programs show minimal impact on facilities.

Risk: Vandalism or sticker removal
Liklihood: Low
Impact: Low
Mitigation: Replacements will be available.

BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Below are various scenarios with benefit, impact and description outlined for you to review.
Benefit: Brand alignment with equality and inclusion
Impact: High – Strong alignment with values-driven consumers, especially women, the LGBTQIA+ community and younger demographics.
Description: Publicly positions your business as supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly at a time of political hostility.

Benefit: Positive public perception and loyalty
Impact: Medium–High – Increases customer loyalty and repeat business.
Description: Builds trust with LGBTQ+ communities, allies, and those seeking socially responsible businesses.

Benefit: Compliance with Equality Act 2010
Impact: Medium – Shows leadership in ethical compliance without increasing legal liability.
Description: Demonstrates awareness of and alignment with legal protections for trans people under the Act.

Benefit: Media and community visibility
Impact: Medium – Supports marketing and brand exposure.
Description: Participation may lead to local media coverage, social media traction, and inclusion in online directories of inclusive businesses.

Benefit: Employee satisfaction and inclusivity
Impact: Medium – Contributes to staff morale, retention, and recruitment.
Description: Fosters a positive internal culture for staff, particularly LGBTQ+ employees.

Benefit: Low-cost, high-impact action
Impact: High – Cost-effective way to create meaningful change.
Description: Simple implementation requiring minimal resources.

Conclusion

The overall benefits far outweigh the risks. The risks are generally low and manageable, and similar to those any socially responsible business might face when taking a public stance (e.g. against racism, homophobia, or ableism).

By joining the initiative, your business:

Affirms its values
Contributes to a more inclusive society
Gains community trust and loyalty
And plays a proactive role in protecting basic human dignity for transgender people

EVIDENCE BRIEF: TRANS PEOPLE, PUBLIC BATHROOMS, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

01. Key Point: Trans-inclusive bathroom access does not increase risks to women’s safety

Global Research Findings:

2018 Study (Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, USA):

Reviewed laws in 12 U.S. states with trans-inclusive bathroom policies. Found no increase in crimes in public restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms.

Quote “There is no evidence that allowing transgender people to use public facilities that match their gender identity increases public safety risks.” - Sexuality Research and Social Policy 2018.

The review confirmed that there is no link between trans-inclusive policies and increased sexual violence or public safety incidents.

UK Context:

Despite intense media scrutiny, the UK Government Equalities Office (GEO) has acknowledged that there is no evidence trans people pose a risk in single-sex spaces.

GEO, 2018 consultation on Gender Recognition Act reform: “We are not aware of any evidence that the presence of transgender people in bathrooms poses a risk to others.”

Sexual Violence Statistics:

Nearly all reported incidents of sexual violence in bathrooms are committed by cisgender men, not trans women. There is no evidence that predatory individuals are using gender identity protections as a legal loophole.

02. What does cause harm? Discrimination against trans people.

Trans people are more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of violence in public facilities.
A 2016 U.S. survey of over 27,000 trans individuals found that:

59% avoided using public restrooms for fear of confrontation or harassment
12% reported being harassed, attacked, or sexually assaulted in public restrooms

Stonewall UK (2018):

48% of trans people reported feeling unable to use public toilets safely
28% had been denied access to a toilet appropriate for their gender identity

03. Benefits of Trans-Inclusive Policies

Policy Outcome: Reduced mental health distress
Evidence/Impact: Inclusive policies are linked to lower rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among trans people (Trevor Project, 2022).

Policy Outcome: Improved workplace and social participation
Evidence/Impact: Trans-inclusive environments reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and improve public health outcomes.

Policy Outcome: Civic cohesion and equality
Evidence/Impact: Countries and cities with inclusive policies (e.g. Canada, Portugal, California) report higher quality-of-life indicators and stronger social trust.

Policy Outcome: Reinforces legal and ethical obligations
Evidence/Impact: Upholding the Equality Act 2010 strengthens a business’s social license and legal reputation.

04. Conclusion

There is no credible evidence that trans people’s access to gender-appropriate bathrooms compromises the safety of women or others. On the contrary, denying this access causes measurable harm to trans individuals and reinforces stigma.

Adopting inclusive policies is safe, legal, and beneficial — not only for trans people but for society as a whole.

This initiative is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a necessary act of solidarity and resistance in the face of rising transphobia and institutional rollbacks of trans rights in the UK. By joining, your business sends a clear message: we will not turn our backs on our trans siblings.

Participation is simple. The impact is profound.

PRESS

GAY TIMES: EHRC says trans people shouldn’t be included in gay or lesbian spaces.

SUPPORTING LOCATIONS

Cooperation Town
www.cooperation.town
@CooperationTown

Glad Cafe CIC
https://www.thegladcafe.co.uk/
@thegladcafe

MAP

Coming soon.

TRANS INCLUSIVE BATHROOM ACCESS INITIATIVE