Tessera

KD Smith

@kd-smith.bsky.social

I love animals, knitting, gardening, clean air, chick peas, photography and tractors. Ancient feminist. She/Her. Was once a cat, or maybe a mouse? Instablock Covid-deniers and bigots. Naw to AI. Capybaras forever! https://campsite.bio/wild_strawberry

6334 Posts6940 Follower 845 Folgt

Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 3h ago

Good Law Project are supporting a legal challenge against this transphobic code of practice. Please join our fight back 👇 goodlaw.social/n8fy

Fight back against the code of practice

The government’s transphobic code of practice is now up and running. But we’re not going to take it, we’re helping to fight back. Join us

goodlaw.social

Equality and Human Rights Commission@equalityhumanright.bsky.social · 12h ago

Our code of practice for services, public functions and associations comes into force today. It provides practical guidance on how the Equality Act 2010 applies to services, public functions and associations. Find out more: https://ow.ly/alIf50Zwrkx

Quote from Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson: 'At the EHRC we want a society where everyone’s rights are respected and realised, so that we can all live well together. Our statutory guidance will help services across the country comply with the Equality Act, protecting service users from discrimination and harassment while reducing the risk of the provider being subject to litigation.

As Britain’s equality regulator, our work doesn’t end upon publication of this guidance. We monitor compliance with the law and take enforcement action where proportionate and necessary, in line with our well-established regulatory model and decision-making framework.'

Prem Thakker ツ @premthakker.bsky.social · 4h ago

Lost in all the election news — Israel just imprisoned an American teen. Soldiers raided Adam's family home in the West Bank right before his sister’s grad party. The soldiers were shown his US passport and apparently didn’t care, disregarding it. As they took him, they blew kisses at his mom.

Israel Has Imprisoned a 16-Year-Old Palestinian-American Boy for Two Weeks

Adam Karakrah is one of at least two Americans in Israeli prison – both held while Trump hosted Netanyahu for the eighth time.

zeteo.com

Cal Horton (they/them)@fiercemum.bsky.social · 1h ago

If anyone who follows me isn't already following @notrightruth.bsky.social then you really need to question your life choices.

Ruth Pearce@notrightruth.bsky.social · 2h ago

A new essay for all my trans siblings and our allies. "As the UK enters a new era of state-mandated segregation, I find myself asking: was it all worth it?"

Stéphanie says… 🏴‍☠️🦈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️@stephaniejane.bsky.social · 6h ago

Joss didn’t leave it that… 😁

LabourWomen'sDeclaration O
@Lab... 8h
"It is not a historic day for women's rights. But the code is at least a tool in the armoury of those women and grass-roots groups who will have to carry on fighting this uniquely ferocious war. We salute them."
@KishwerFalkner & @akuareindorf in @thetimes
X
Code of practice provides weapon to defend single-sex s...
From thetimes.com
128
Akua Reindorf KC @akuareindorf • 8h
My god why on earth did they have to use that picture
• 13
Ill 513
企
Joss Prior (JK Rowling is an anti-ri... X.com
@joss_prior
whats the problem, do you think people will judge your appearance??
Interesting.
11:07 • 05/08/2026 • 19 Views
• 4
企

KD Smith @kd-smith.bsky.social · 7h ago

Hello @hedgehogsafety.bsky.social . Newly minted trans-hostile account harassing a trans ally. One for the list perhaps?

Portion of a skeet:

"If you know i dont care, why bother me? Yourr in MY space as a woman, you are making ME feel unsafe . Fuck off."

Skeet replying from sadtimes2026.bsky.social

"But you have said you are not a woman. Women do not get to stay in boy mode do they?"

and a second skeet,
"So you seem to be confirming that transwomen are not women and
that they benefit from male privileg? Women cannot "stay in boy mode to be safe"

Jojo she/her @jojofe24.bsky.social · 12h ago

Lot of cis people still dont see trans people being forced out of public spaces as segregation and i urge them to wake the fuck up and read a history book as well as a dictionary Its *literally* segregation If you think even saying it is bad, you should be angry its actually happening

Dr. Sandra Duffy Golden @sandraduffy.bsky.social · 12h ago

As a human rights law academic, I'm ashamed of this country today and I'm ashamed of our supposed equality commission.

Equality and Human Rights Commission@equalityhumanright.bsky.social · 12h ago

alexis @dormin.bsky.social · 7h ago

"be kind" is just the paradox of tolerance wearing a fake moustache

SMD @anothersmd.bsky.social · 7h ago

this is such a funny way to end the article

The Grim Reaper is a mythological character known as Death personified, who collects souls after they die.

Phil Lewis@phillewis.bsky.social · 7h ago

Man arrested after dressing as Grim Reaper on hospital roof and staring at patients

Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 8h ago

The Heritage Foundation asserts that women never needed sports in the first place. To prove that Title IX has become a tool of “feminist social engineering.” To demonstrate that women don’t need sports and that “clubs, intramurals, and exercise classes” is enough. open.substack.com/pub/jesspipe...

Give Them an Inch...

And they'll take away women's sports...

open.substack.com

flyingrodent @flyingrodent.bsky.social · 7h ago

To explain for foreigners: our energy regulator rubber-stamps price rises; the water regulator tuts while rivers fill up with human shit; the press regulator wags an occasional finger, and the national equality body enforces press campaigns against groups of people they hate and wish to damage.

flyingrodent@flyingrodent.bsky.social · 11h ago

Britain, where the national equality body is a boobyhatch jam-packed with wingnut cranks who fervently believe their job is creating weapons for police to hammer minorities that the press hates and wants to harm.

KISHWER FALKNER AND AKUA REINDORF
Code of practice provides weapon to defend single-sex spaces
Organisations have long ignored the law on self-identity. The EHRC rules which take effect today will not end that but are nevertheless a victory
Kishwer Falkner and Akua Reindorf
Tuesday August 04 2026, 10.15pm BST, The Times

KD Smith @kd-smith.bsky.social · 7h ago

Scottish Greens are the only party in Scotland that's consistently backed trans people's equality and human rights - possibly the only one in all the UK.

Scottish Greens@scottishgreens.org · 8h ago

Damaging new guidance from the EHRC will shut out Trans people from daily life simply for existing, and anyone who doesn't conform to narrow ideas of how people should look could face suspicion and confrontation. We are taking a stand against this attack on human rights.

Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 9h ago

Trans men can have a penis @mrjamesob.bsky.social They can also use urinals. And, while we are here, trans men are banned from the men's AND The women's under this update.

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)@themerl.bsky.social · 8h ago

it's official: Rick Astley is rural life

Etymology of Astley.

From Old English ēast + lēah, meaning “east meadow” or “east clearing”. Equivalent to east +‎ -ley (“lea”).

Proper noun:
Astley (countable and uncountable, plural Astleys)

A place in England:
A village in Wigan borough, Greater Manchester (OS grid ref SD7000).
A village, known as Astley Village, in Chorley, Lancashire.
A small village and civil parish north of Shrewsbury, Shropshire (OS grid ref SJ5218). [1]
A small village and civil parish in North Warwickshire borough, Warwickshire (OS grid ref SP3189). [2]
A small village in Astley and Dunley parish, Malvern Hills district, Worcestershire (OS grid ref SO7867).
(countable) A habitational surname from Old English.

Alan Driscoll @alandriscoll.com · 12h ago

I don't know what people are complaining about, they say to "try to make sure there is somewhere trans people can go," what more do you want? I should clarify that this is real, from the Sex Matters site, and not an Opium Tea parody.

The insane actual guidance from Sex Matters.

KD Smith @kd-smith.bsky.social · 8h ago

Code is contradictory, wrong in law and discriminatory. It WILL be axed one day. In the mean time, this site has some good suggestions on what to do if you're challenged in a loo, etc. Can be adapted for if you see someone targeted, to support them as an active bystander. goodweeplace.com/guidance

Skeet from - Equality and Human Rights Commission
@equalityhumanright.bsky.social

"Our code of practice for services, public functions and associations
comes into force today. It provides practical guidance on how the
Equality Act 2010 applies to services, public functions and
associations. Find out more: ow.ly/allf50Zwrkx""

Followed by an image of the Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the EHRC, a late middle-aged white woman with a reddish brown bob, hornrimmed glasses and a smug-looking smile, on the right, and the following (hypocritical) statement on the left:

"At the EHRC we want a society where everyone's rights are respected and realised, so that we can all live well together. Our statutory guidance will help services across the country comply with the Equality Act, protecting service users from discrimination and
harassment while reducing the risk of the provider being subject to litigation.

As Britain's equality regulator, our work doesn't end upon publication of this guidance. We monitor compliance with the law and take enforcement action where proportionate and necessary, in line with our well-established regulatory model and decision-making framework.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson | Chair"

Posted 9:30 AM . Aug 5, 2026 Everybody can reply

8 reposts 110 quotes 25 likes 7 saves

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 9h ago

www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...

STATEMENT: EHRC code of practice for services, public functions and associations

We are concerned about the impact this exclusionary guidance will have on trans and gender diverse people

bma.org.uk

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 9h ago

www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/item/le...

Leading mental health organisations raise concerns on EHRC Code of Practice - Centre for Mental Health

The publication of the Code brings deep concerns that trans and non-binary people's lives will be negatively affected by its implementation.

centreformentalhealth.org.uk

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 9h ago

notinourname.org.uk/womens-organ...

Women’s organisations speak up against the EHRC updated Code of Practice - Not in our name

NION Women is proud to stand alongside a coalition of UK women's organisations in expressing concern about the EHRC's updated Code of Practice

notinourname.org.uk

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 9h ago

As well as monitoring and enforcing “compliance”, will you also monitor the negative impact on all the groups your own Equality Impact Assessment say may be harmed? As our National Human Rights Institute, that is your job as well, even if you choose not to do it. www.gov.uk/government/p...

Summary of EHRC EIA
EHRC assert that almost all of these updates will likely have a positive impact on those with the protected characteristic of disability.
They have acknowledged that updates to their gender reassignment section following the FWS ruling - making an accessible toilet available to also be used as a mixed-sex toilet for people without a disability - could have an impact on disabled people.
However they have suggested that they sought to limit any negative effect on people with the protected characteristic of disability by giving an example where such a decision would likely be proportionate in all the circumstances, rather than suggesting that it will always be appropriate to do so and amending the example to emphasise the need for a service provider to monitor the impacts on disabled people and trans people.
OEO additional impact assessment
The updates to the Code in relation to additional guidance to reflect the legislation and case law on the definition of disability, is likely to have a positive impact. We acknowledge that terminological changes adopted support more British social model approaches.
However, the additional content in relation to the gender reassignment section amended following the FWS ruling, concerning the potential need for trans people to use disabled toilets as 'third space' facilities, may not foster good relations between groups. This is because disabled people and trans people may have to compete to access a limited number of facilities. Disabled people have had (and continue) to fight for access to suitable toilets. Whether this creates tension between the 2 groups will depend on how providers choose to arrange and label their facilities, which is likely to be impacted by resources and site limitations. EHRC have tried to manage this in their example, but we must recognise that there is a significant possibility of this creating tension.

Policing of gender: Potential 'policing' of gender presentation, which could lead to increased harassment for trans people and cisgender people who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes.
Safeguarding risks: Concern that excluding trans women from female services could mean they have to use male services, where they could face a disproportionate risk of violence and sexual assault (although this will depend on the nature of the service in question).
Relations between groups: The debate on single sex services and the treatment of trans people is particularly divisive at this time. The Code of Practice may exacerbate these tensions. This may be somewhat mitigated through careful communications surrounding the Code's publication.

The extent to which the changes to the code could have a negative impact when it comes to fostering good relations between those with protected characteristics of sex and gender reassignment, even if the changes reflect the law accurately, is not fully explored within EHRC's EIA. The changes to the Code will still mean many organisations/organisers have difficult, finely balanced decisions to make to determine the appropriate provision of events and services for users depending on their sex and whether they possess the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. In making these decisions, it is likely that some service users will more starkly see their needs balanced against those with other protected characteristics, and this has the potential to create animosity and division between these groups.
The impact of the changes for women who are deemed not to meet cultural and social expectations of femininity are also not explored in EHRC's EIA (explored in the 'gender reassignment' section as unintended consequences leading to gender policing). OEO notes anecdotal evidence from stakeholders that this is occurring, although at present there's not yet a strong evidence base to ascertain the level at which this is occurring, or the scale or severity of the impact. Women who are considered masculine may face greater scrutiny about their sex as a result of the changes. This will likely have a negative impact on this group, potentially on limbs one and three of PSED.

OEO additional impact assessment
As set out in EHRC’s EIA, the updates to the Code are expected to have a significant impact on people with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. In addition to the concerns detailed in that EIA, there are further impacts to note as follows.

Exclusion: The updated Chapter 13 provides guidance on when it is lawful to exclude trans people from services aligned with their acquired gender (e.g. domestic violence refuges, hospital wards, and changing rooms) based on their biological sex. It also covers competitive sport which may leave trans people with access to sport. Chapter 12 also provides guidance on restricting membership to an association based on those sharing one or more protected characteristics. Some organisations such as the Women’s Institute and Girl Guiding have already made the decision to restrict membership to biological women only. The Code does explain where membership could be restricted based on sharing multiple characteristics and therefore provides an opportunity for trans inclusion, e.g. a women and trans women association.

‘Double exclusion’: It is possible that trans people could be barred from both the space aligned with their gender (because of their sex) and the space aligned with their birth sex (because of possessing the protected characteristic of gender reassignment), effectively leaving them with no service at all.

Alternative provision: While the Code states it is “unlikely to be proportionate” to leave a trans person with no service (especially for essentials like toilets), providers may lack the funding or space to offer ‘third-space’ or gender-neutral alternatives.

Involuntary disclosure: New guidance explains how service providers can request information about an individual’s sex at birth. This may force trans people to “out” themselves in public or professional settings. Similarly trans people have expressed concern – as in the Good Law Project litigation against EHRC – that havin…

Mallory Moore @sexabolition.blog · 9h ago

One of the bigger problems the 2025 ruling has introduced is establishing that, instead of resolving equality cases based on trying to as best as possible integrate everyone's right to be treated humanely, we use philosophical debates about what someone's true legal essence is to decide rights.

Mallory Moore@sexabolition.blog · 9h ago

web.archive.org/web/20260108... Here's an archive link of the original business guidance in case the original goes missing. In pretty clear terms the original guidance used to say stuff like "obviously, so long as the changing rooms allow privacy, trans women should be permitted to use the womens"

Puff the Magic Hater @mskellymhayes.bsky.social · 19h ago

Humorous to me how, when a Dem candidate is a centrist, the narrative is about how leftists have to grow up and support them. When the candidate is a leftist, the question is whether they can rally adequate support. So some people are responsible for running a winning campaign, you say? Interesting.

Puff the Magic Hater @mskellymhayes.bsky.social · 19h ago

Just me reacting to questions I am seeing about whether Abdul El-Sayed can win the general. If it were his opponent who was favored to win tonight, people would be talking about how lefties need to get over themselves and support the nominee. But we're not hearing that for a couple of reasons.

Snowden St.@snowden.st · 20h ago

By almost any reasonable standard, Abdul is wildly different than Platner— he’s not an unknown, he’s thoroughly vetted, there’s no allegations or hint of ugliness. The murmured equivalencies were embarrassing for the writers who deployed it.

Snowden St.@snowden.st · yesterday

I'm not irritated by Dirty Work, just by people who buy it. And the "AES is Platner" articles and insinuations were dirty work, and some folks who traded in it are absolute Suckers who should not be heeded going forward.

The Serfs (youtube.com/theserfstv)@theserfstv.bsky.social · 19h ago

‘Devastation’: Chief says about 230 homes destroyed by B.C. wildfire vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/08/04/d...

'War zone': 230 homes destroyed by Okanagan wildfire

The chief of the Okanagan Indian Band says about 230 homes have been destroyed by a raging wildfire near Vernon, B.C. Dan Wilson said the homes of 30 band members and 200 non-band homes have been dest...

vancouver.citynews.ca

The Independent @the-independent.com · 14h ago

BREAKING | An out-of-control SpaceX rocket has collided with the Moon READ MORE: trib.al/mGkWuJh

QueerAF @wearequeeraf.com · 13h ago

The EHRC's Code of Practice has been condemned as a "system of segregation", "impractical and inhumane", and even "genocidal in nature" It comes into force today

EHRC says 'sex questioning' will be "rare" – but evidence suggests it's increasing

The chair of the EHRC has claimed in a letter to a Labour MP that sex questioning under the updated Code of Practice will be “rare and exceptional”

wearequeeraf.com

Dave Andress @davidandress.bsky.social · 13h ago

Seargorporal MacArthur there, with his trademark corndog pipe...

MeidasTouch@meidastouch.com · 22h ago

Stolen valor from Mr. Bone Spurs. An insult to every man and woman who has worn the uniform.

She Guevara @sheg7.bsky.social · 13h ago

Do me a favour - Post this link every time you see someone talking about the EHRC guidance. Help the community stay safe in a hostile world. www.essehouse.co.uk/pee-in-peace-program

Esse House UK

Esse House UK offers accessible toilet keys through the Pee in Peace Program, supporting trans rights and community needs.

essehouse.co.uk

Alex von Tunzelmann @alexvont.bsky.social · 13h ago

It’s disgusting for the Conservatives to ask Jewish groups to meet their ex-neo-Nazi candidate, presumably in the hope he will charm them and they’ll offer their blessing. They should not expect Jewish people to sanitise this appalling choice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Tories offer Jewish groups meeting with ex neo-Nazi activist candidate

Joshua Bonehill-Paine was jailed over neo-Nazi activism, but has been selected to stand in a new Somerset Council seat in 2027.

bbc.co.uk