“Since Girlguiding moved to exclude trans young women and girls from their membership last week, we’ve heard from many young people and parents on our support line who have already felt the significant emotional impact of this decision.

We are deeply saddened and disappointed that Girlguiding, and the Women’s Institute who closely followed, felt compelled to exclude trans girls and women from their organisations following the Supreme Court ruling and the EHRC’s interim guidance, which has now been withdrawn.

It is a great shame that young trans women and girls will no longer have access to the vital connection and support that up until last week they have received from Girlguiding, at a time when those spaces are more needed than ever.

Our thoughts are with all young people who have been impacted. Know that we are here for you if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Our support line is open from 1pm-8:30pm on weekdays: Call 0808 801 0400 or head to our website for webchat support.”

-Jo Hardy, CEO of Mermaids