Dr Victoria McCloud is a trailblazer in British law. She was the first openly trans judge in the UK, a respected legal scholar, and a long-time advocate for human rights. In 2006, she obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), affirming her legal status as female “for all purposes” under UK law. She is also a proud lesbian woman in a long-standing civil partnership.

In 2025, the UK Supreme Court handed down its ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers that redefined “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 to mean only so-called “biological sex.” Its interpretation has stripped away legal recognition for people like Victoria in key areas of equality law including protections against discrimination and even the legal definition of her sexual orientation.

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Victoria applied to intervene in the case so that the Court could hear directly from someone whose rights would be profoundly affected. Her application was refused without reasons, without a hearing, and without any opportunity to present evidence even though multiple “gender critical” groups were permitted to participate and submit evidence. This meant the Court heard only one side of the story.

Now, the Trans Legal Clinic is supporting her to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights

Your support will help cover legal costs, court fees, and the work needed to bring this historic case before the European Court of Human Rights. Every donation is a step toward ensuring that trans people are not shut out of the courtroom when their very existence is on trial.