Hampstead Ponds Consultation Shows Trans Exclusion Is NOT What Women Want

The results are in, and they’re clear: 86% of respondents to the City of London consultation want Hampstead ponds to remain trans inclusive – out of 38,000 submissions that’s over 32,000 people making their voices heard in support of trans people. This is in stark contrast to claims that trans people are not welcome in these gendered spaces.

A spokesperson from the NION Women collective said: “The voices of those who seek to exclude trans people can be so loud that it’s so easy to think they are the voices of the majority. When we launched our letter we wanted to give women who do not believe trans people – and trans women in particular – are the problem, an opportunity to make their voices heard. And they are doing just that – with nearly 80,000 signatures to date.

“Together with the overwhelmingly positive outcome of the consultation, this shows that there are many more women who support the inclusion of trans people, than reject it.

“While we have seen those who publicly called for the exclusion of trans women fail in their legal case, and continue to frame this case as protecting women’s safety, the reality is much simpler: this is just about people swimming – a fundamental freedom that should be protected for everyone.

“We are absolutely delighted that for now, trans people will be able to continue to enjoy the simple joy that comes with being able to use this natural resource, as they have always done, without issue.”

In addition to the positive outcome at Hampstead Ponds, yesterday also saw the Council of Europe vote in favour of a ban on conversion therapy, providing more evidence that there is a space for more compassionate, supportive approaches to inclusion.

We hope that our open letter, and the support it has gained, serves as clear evidence – for all those engaged in these policy discussions and cases – of the widespread support that exists for the trans+ community.