A wave of public support has emerged in defence of trans inclusion at the iconic Ladies’ Pond in Hampstead Heath, following renewed attempts by the anti-trans group Sex Matters to restrict access exclusively to ‘biological women’. The City of London Corporation, which manages the bathing ponds, is currently reviewing its gender access policies. This review follows a controversial April 2025 Supreme Court ruling which clarified that terms like ‘man’, ‘woman’, and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex. Despite this ruling, the Corporation has reaffirmed that trans women are welcome at the Ladies’ Pond during the ongoing review process.
Sex Matters advocates for maintaining single-sex spaces strictly defined on biological sex grounds and claims the Corporation’s current policy misinterprets the Equality Act. However, the Corporation maintains its duty not to discriminate against individuals with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, and it has long allowed trans women to use the pond. The Corporation emphasised that while it is carefully considering the Supreme Court’s judgement and awaiting statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, existing inclusive arrangements remain in place during this period.
The controversy has sparked a swift and vocal backlash. LGBTQ+ rights groups, local residents, and allies have mobilised on social media and community forums to express solidarity with trans swimmers. Many have commended the Corporation for its inclusive stance and condemned what they see as a rollback of hard-won rights. One local resident remarked, ‘I’ve swum at the Ladies’ Pond for years. It’s always been a place of peace and acceptance. Trans women are women, and they belong here just as much as anyone else.’ Pam Eland from Pride in North London highlighted the broader significance, stating, ‘This isn’t just about swimming – it’s about dignity, safety, and the right to exist in public spaces. Trans people deserve to feel welcome and respected, especially in places that have historically been sanctuaries.’
The Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA), representing regular users of the pond, has also spoken out in support of trans inclusion. Earlier in 2024, the KLPA decisively voted against a motion seeking to redefine ‘woman’ in a way that would exclude trans women, reaffirming its commitment to the inclusive policy upheld by the City of London Corporation. Despite not being responsible for managing the pond or setting policy, the KLPA actively fosters a supportive community among swimmers. They have stated their dedication to creating an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, supported by transgender awareness training for lifeguards and committee members.
The Corporation’s inclusive approach stems back to a 2019 consultation and policy adoption, which granted trans women full access consistent with their gender identity. This policy was informed by public opinion at the time, which largely supported trans inclusion, and aligned with the statutory duty not to discriminate on grounds of gender reassignment. Nonetheless, the recent Supreme Court ruling has complicated the legal landscape. The ruling reasserted biological definitions within the Equality Act but did not immediately invalidate all existing gender identity policies, leaving organisations like the Corporation to navigate the tension between legal compliance and community inclusivity.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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