Mermaids is challenging the decision by the Charity Commission to award the LGB Alliance charity status. The hearing starts on 9 September 2022.
Since 1995, we have supported thousands of transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families, and hear all the time how vital our work is.
It’s hard to grow up trans. And sadly, it’s getting even harder as some groups and individuals seek to undo the work that has been done on trans rights and trans inclusion.
That’s why Mermaids is challenging the decision by the Charity Commission to award LGB Alliance charity status and our appeal will be heard at a Tribunal which starts tomorrow (Friday 9 September) and is due to run until 16 September.
To be registered as a charity, an organisation must be established exclusively for purposes which the law recognises as charitable, and it must pursue them in a way which gives rise to tangible benefits that outweigh any associated harms. We don’t believe that legal threshold has been met, and are grateful for the opportunity to present our arguments in full.
We are supported in this appeal by a coalition of organisations, including Good Law Project, Consortium, LGBT Foundation, Gendered Intelligence and TransActual.
The case is a complex one, but we believe we have a strong case. Win or lose, our community is united, and we are proud to be standing up against transphobia in all forms.
Thank you for standing with us.
Notes to editors
1. Read the appeal grounds in full as filed here as well as the supporting documents here.
2. Mermaids is a UK-wide charity (registered charity number 1160575) supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people, their families and professionals involved in their care. Our goal is to create a world where gender-diverse children and young people can be themselves and thrive. Services include a helpline, web chat and online forums for parents and young people, as well as face-to-face meet-ups for peer support. We also provide training to organisations and advocate for a fairer society for trans young people.
3. The appeal is being supported by a number of leading organisations, including Good Law Project, the LGBT+ Consortium, LGBT Foundation, Gendered Intelligence and TransActual.
4. This appeal is being crowdfunded.
5. Any media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].