University of Leicester Updates Its Trans-Inclusive Museum Guidelines, Despite Legal Threats

"Earlier this year, in an August 7 letter, FITA threatened to sue the university over "misleading" guidance on furthering transgender inclusion in museums and galleries and demanded that it remove "Trans-Inclusive Culture" guidelines from its website. FITA's argument echoes a ruling by the UK Supreme Court earlier this year, claiming that "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act refer only to biological women and biological sex."

"The guidelines, which were published by the university's Research Center for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) two years ago, offer a framework to "generate inclusive public spaces and workplaces." It also addresses legal and ethical questions about trans inclusion. The university guidelines are backed by the support of twenty-two cultural and heritage groups, including the International Council of Museums UK (ICOM UK) and the Association of Independent Museums (AIM)."

"A second letter, sent by FITA on November 3, argues that the new guidance is "unlawful", objecting to the guideline's bathroom etiquette, which states, "trans visitors should be free to use the bathroom that they feel most comfortable using." In response, a University of Leicester spokesperson told Arts Professional, "The university is considering the latest correspondence from FITA, and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.""

University of Leicester updated and regularly reviewed a 44-page trans-inclusivity guidance for museums and galleries. The Research Center for Museums and Galleries published the guidelines two years ago to promote inclusive public spaces and workplaces and to address legal and ethical questions about trans inclusion. Freedom in the Arts (FITA) threatened legal action in an August 7 letter, demanding removal of the 'Trans-Inclusive Culture' guidelines and citing a UK Supreme Court ruling that 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act mean biological sex. A November 3 letter described the updated guidance as unlawful, objecting to bathroom etiquette that allows trans visitors to use the bathroom they feel comfortable using. The university said it is considering FITA's correspondence.

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