Transgender people are statistically* more likely to be stuck in a low income situation, whilst simultaneously having higher living costs. Whilst we can't fix all of these problems, something we can do is try to help out with items that are difficult to find secondhand at a reasonable price! If you have any of the following and would like to donate to someone in need, please get in touch.

Womens:

• Shoes size UK 10 and up
• Tall or long-line clothing of any style
• Plus size UK 18 or above clothing of any style
• Bras UK size 40 or above, especially with smaller cup sizes
• Unused makeup
  

Mens:

• Shoes size UK 5 or down
• Shorter clothing of any style, especially if suitable for under 5' 4" and/or plus size
• Binders in any size

*Key Statistics:

According to the Census 2021 data for England and Wales:

• Adults whose gender identity did not match their sex registered at birth had an employment rate of 49.2%. This contrasts sharply with the general population, where the overall employment rates for men and women are substantially higher.
• Trans people are more likely to be unemployed or economically inactive (e.g., long-term sick or disabled, or a student).

Broader surveys and evidence submitted to the UK Parliament highlight the disparity further:

• The 2018 National LGBT Survey found that 35% of trans women and 43% of trans men had no paid work in the 12 months preceding the survey.
• Research suggests trans people in the UK are 81% more likely to be unemployed than their cisgender peers.
• On average, transgender persons are 11.7% less likely to be employed than equivalent non-transgender individuals.
• Discrimination is a significant factor in these statistics; one in three employers in a 2018 survey admitted they would be less likely to hire a trans person.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that some trans people receive no interest when applying for jobs while "out" as trans, but receive interviews when withholding that information.

These statistics indicate a significant "trans unemployment gap" driven by systemic biases, discrimination, and a lack of workplace inclusion policies.

Transgender people in the UK face significantly higher rates of homelessness, with trans youth being particularly vulnerable:

• Around 25% of trans people have experienced homelessness at some point, significantly higher than the general LGBTQ+ population and much higher than cisgender individuals.
• 77% of LGBTQ+ young people supported by AKT cite family rejection, abuse, or being asked to leave as a reason for homelessness.
• One in three trans young people surveyed experienced hidden homelessness (sofa surfing, etc.), compared to 22% of cisgender individuals.
• Almost 1 in 5 LGBTQIA+ renters have faced discrimination from landlords or letting agents due to their gender or sexual orientation. LGBTQIA+ people are 48% more likely to live in unsuitable housing than non-LGBTQIA+ people. Half of LGBT adults own their homes, compared to 70% of non-LGBT adults. This gap is partly due to discrimination by mortgage lenders.

The well-publicised recent supreme court ruling regarding the validity of transgender identities and their legal protections, in addition to "defining" lesbian identities, has been the target of considerable well-deserved backlash over the past few days.

Hailsham Queers and the Eastbourne Transgender Association (ETA) were proud to represent our community at the Hastings protest on 19th April 2025. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hastings Trades Union Council and Trans Pride Hastings for arranging the event, in addition to all the speakers from the Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance, Hastings Women’s Voice, Hastings Stand Up to Racism, Hastings Green Party, the Socialist Workers Party, the National Education Union (NEU), and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). It meant a lot to all our trans members to see the overwhelming level of support from so many allies, and it allowed us to make connections with other local LGBT+ organisations so we can continue the fight for our rights together.

This ruling CANNOT be allowed to stand.

It goes against every intention behind the Equalities Act 2010, legitimises the ever-increasing violence and legal attacks on the TNBI community, and paves the way for the erosion of human rights for cisgender women, the neurodiverse and disabled community, refugees, and any other "minority" group that the far right choose to target next.

Whilst ETA are not in a position to provide legal advice or financial support, we ARE able to share a number of excellent organisations who are doing exactly that. Check out the below if you need help or want to donate.

And to all our trans siblings; we see you, we celebrate you, and you are NOT ALONE.

Stay proud, stay loud. Lean on your community. We WILL get through this.