Gender reassignment
Gender reassignment is the term used in the Equality Act 2010 to describe the protected characteristic of transgender people. It is generally accepted to be a synonym for gender identity. The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of gender reassignment.
Gender reassignment protects people who plan to, are currently, or have already gone through the process to reassign their sex by changing physiological or other attributes of sex. The Equality Act 2010 provides protection for transgender people, regardless of whether they receive medical supervision or treatment.
On this page:
Our commitment
We’re committed to securing equality for trans, intersex and gender diverse people and valuing their contributions to the borough. We are part of Stonewall’s diversity champion programme. The programme aims to promote the rights of LGBT+ people in the workplace and in service provision. In 2022 we earned a bronze award in the Workplace Equality Index.
LGBTQIA+ strategic framework
In February 2024 we approved the LGBTQIA+ strategic framework. It aims to improve service delivery for LGBTQIA+ service users and reduce inequalities, see Plans, policies and strategies – LGBTQIA+ framework.
Proud Hackney
Our staff network, Proud Hackney, supports people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, ace, or other non heterosexual orientation or diverse gender identity (LGBTQIA+). This network helps people voice their concerns, raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences in the workplace, promote best practices and provide peer support to each other.
2021 Census – sexual orientation and gender identity
The 2021 Census suggests that around 1% of the population in Hackney is transgender, with a high proportion of people identifying as a non-binary gender.
See Sexual orientation and gender identity census 2021 briefing (google doc).
Supporting the transgender community motion
At Full Council in March 2023, the following motion was agreed:
“This council believes in equity of opportunity and that human rights are the bedrock of our society. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. We believe in the dignity of all people, and their right to respect and equity of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Hackney to be a safe, welcoming, and an inclusive borough for everyone, no matter their gender identity or gender expression.”
Read the full decision details.
Examples of discrimination
- according to official government figures, transphobic hate crimes rose by 56% during 2022 – transgender hate crime figures have been rising year on year since 2009, and have quadrupled in the last 5 years
- research from akt suggests that as many of 24% of homeless people aged 16 to 25 are LGBTQ+
- according to Scottish Trans, 53% of non-binary people don’t feel comfortable being out at work and a third of nonbinary people avoid interacting with public services for fear of being harassed or outed against their will
- Stonewall’s 2017 schools report suggested that 64% of trans pupils experience bullying at school, with 1 in 10 being subjected to death threats – Just Like Us’s 2021 research suggests pupils in schools with strong positive messaging about being LGBT+ have drastically improved wellbeing and feel safer – regardless of whether they are LGBT+ or not
Further information and support
For health and social care related services see find support services.
- Goods and services discrimination due to Gender Reassignment Citizens Advice Bureau
- Hackney’s gender diversity frequently asked questions (google doc)
- Hackney Directory or find support services – for organisations and services promoting transgender equality in Hackney
- NHS Choices has information about treatment and support for people who wish to explore transition
- The Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) provides information for transgender people, their families and medical professionals
- Press for Change is a legal support and lobbying group for transgender people
- Mermaids is a charity for gender diverse young people and their families
- Gendered Intelligence is a charity that works to increase understanding of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people
- Trans in the City works with organisations to improve practices and policies to support gender diverse people in the workforce
- voluntary and community sector quick start guide to gender reassignment for service providers, Government Equalities Office
For more organisations that support the wide LGBTQIA+ community, see Sexual orientation.