Over 1300 British writers, including Michaela Coel, have signed an open letter expressing their solidarity with the trans community after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

The letter – which calls on the UK’s Arts and Culture sector to support their trans and non-binary staff following the ruling – received over 1,000 signatures in 48 hours and was signed by the likes of I May Destroy You writer and star Coel, Doctor Who’s Russell T Davies, and Heartstopper’s Alice Oseman. 

Other signatories include Aisling Bea, Moira Buffini, Candice Carty-Williams, Caryl Churchill, Elizabeth Day, Deborah Frances-White, James Graham, Tanika Gupta, Daf James, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, Sara Pascoe, Max Porter, Nikesh Shukla and Timberlake Wertenbaker.

“We call upon our industry to meet this moment with bravery and solidarity,” the letter begins. “The UK has become an increasingly hostile place for trans and non-binary people, with a 186% increase in hate crimes against trans people in the last five years,” it continues.

“Cultural conversations are hugely important to how people are perceived and treated in society, and it is paramount that trans visibility, representation and protection be an ongoing and sustained commitment for all arts organisations going forward, with quantifiable efforts to promote trans voices and stories.”

It noted that nominations for the Olivier Awards, the Booker Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize “demonstrates the power of stories that challenge bigotry and intolerance, with LGBTQ+ writers and artists making vital contributions to the broad landscape of arts and culture, public discourse, and the economy”.

Signatories “applauded” Equity UK, a trade union representing the arts and entertainment industries, for its “swift and emphatic response to the ruling”. Signatories urged fellow unions, theatres, agencies, publishers and news organisations to also sign the letter and state how they will actively support the trans and non-binary community within those organisations.

If this story has affected you, call Mindline Trans+ on Fridays 8 pm-11 pm on 0300 330 5468. For emotional support, Mindline is available 24/7 on 01823 276 892.

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