Stonewall’s journey to trans inclusion

The shifting cultural tide

As one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ rights organisations, Stonewall has shaped its policy positions through listening and learning. Stonewall has responded to the lived experiences of the community, both within the movement and in wider society. When Stonewall was founded in 1989, its focus was on campaigning for the rights of lesbian, gay and bi people, who at the time faced significant legal and social discrimination in the UK. 

While there had been significant legal and social progress in the UK throughout the 2000s for trans people, including the lifting of the military ban in 2000, the passing of the Gender Recognition Act in 2004 and the introduction of the Equality Act in 2010, by 2014 Stonewall had not yet adopted a trans-inclusive stance.

During this period, activists like Christine Burns, Angela Clayton and Claire McNab (all awarded MBEs) worked through Press for Change to help shape these landmark pieces of legislation for transgender rights. Stonewall, meanwhile, continued to focus on lesbian, gay, and bi rights. This reflected the organisation’s original remit rather than an explicit opposition to trans inclusion. It was not until 16 February 2015 that Stonewall formally expanded, announcing a shift in policy and became trans inclusive.  

The timeline below shows how inclusion of trans rights in Stonewall’s work evolved through structured dialogue with trans communities, legal experts, policymakers and supporters. Reports and consultations consistently highlighted the urgent need for a more inclusive approach.  

Simultaneously, the political and social landscape was shifting. Trans rights were increasingly being discussed in Parliament, in the media and within the broader LGBTQ+ movement. Government bodies, human institutions and employers were seeking guidance on how to support trans people, and many turned to Stonewall for help. These developments made it clear that trans equality was an essential part of the wider pursuit of LGBTQ+ rights. Stonewall started to respond to a growing call for solidarity.

The decision to become trans inclusive in 2015 was a response to these demands and a reaffirmation of Stonewall’s values as a human rights organisation. To remain true to those values, Stonewall recognised the need to advocate for trans rights with the same commitment it had shown to lesbian, gay and bi people. 

Stonewall’s journey to trans inclusion

Stonewall’s journey toward trans inclusion formally began in 2015, when it published a landmark report ‘Trans People and Stonewall’ drawing on evidence from hundreds of individuals and organisations.  

Through consultation with trans communities, it detailed plans to embed trans inclusion across all its work while tackling trans specific policy issues. Stonewall acknowledged that it had not responded quickly enough to trans issues and committed to becoming a charity campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality.

That same year, the newly formed Women and Equalities Select Committee opened an inquiry into transgender equality, putting trans equality firmly on the political agenda. Stonewall submitted the evidence it had compiled during its consultation process that contributed to its landmark report.  

Building on this momentum and to ensure Stonewall was really meeting the needs of the community, Stonewall established the Trans Advisory Group (STAG). This diverse group of trans people were there to guide action and identify the “issues that most affect trans people”.

Consultations with the STAG meant voices and lived experience from the trans community played a pivotal role in shaping Stonewall’s strategic direction and highlighting critical gaps in understanding and advocacy. The STAG helped deliver a new report based on a shared vision, of trans people having the right to live full and authentic lives at work, home and in public. The report called ‘Vision for Change’, published in 2017, was the result of their efforts and underpinned Stonewall’s strategic trans inclusion work for the next 5 years.  

Stonewall’s trans inclusive approach came from a process of thoughtful and iterative collaboration and consultation. From listening to trans communities and amplifying their voices, to shaping policy and public understanding, every step has been careful and intentional.  

Stonewall didn’t just ‘add the T’, it was born from a considered process that recognised trans equality should be given the same focus and commitment that had defined the fight for LGB rights. Today, Stonewall remains proudly trans inclusive and continues to champion equality for the entire community.  

Timeline of key trans inclusion milestones