Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity

Equalities minister announces that EHRC code of practice will come into effect on 5th August 2026

*What’s happened?*

Bridget Phillipson has announced that the new harmful EHRC code of practice will be in effect in three weeks.

This is despite 20,000 people writing to their MPs to express their concerns. 166 MPs supported the EDM 240 and opposed the code of practice, representing a quarter of all MPs. While the code itself is guidance rather than binding, we are concerned about the impact this has on the trans and gender diverse community.

This news comes during the same week as the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 has been published, which erases trans identities and will likely make it difficult for trans young people to be safe and supported at school.

*A message to the trans & gender diverse community*

Our thoughts are with everyone who continues to be impacted by these decisions and policies.

You deserve to take up space in our society. You deserve to feel safe and use services without fear.

Sparkle will continue to stand up for trans & gender diverse rights and wellbeing, as are many other incredible organisations.

*A message to allies, businesses, and organisations*

Although the code is guidance rather than legislation, it still risks confusion, discrimination, and harm towards trans individuals.

This comes at a time where trans and gender diverse communities’ rights are being backrolled at alarming rates, and anti-trans sentiments are normalised in all aspects of society. This is yet another step backwards for the community.

Check on your trans friends, family and colleagues. Tell them that you won’t stand by quietly while this happens.

If you are an organisation and would like to learn how to be more inclusive for trans employees, service users, or customers, you can get in touch at [email protected]

*What can I do?*

Continue to challenge this harmful code and write to your MP to express your concern and upset. 20,000 of you wrote to your MPs asking them to oppose the code of practice - this is incredible momentum and needs to continue.

We would urge any individuals or organisations to report any impacts of this guidance to the Good Law Project.

Remember that trans & gender diverse people are not going anywhere.

It's Non-Binary People's Day💛🤍💜🖤⁠

We asked non-binary people: what does non-binary mean to you?

Here are some of the answers we got!

What does non-binary mean to you?

Non-Binary People's Day 2026 💛🤍💜🖤⁠

What is it?
- An awareness day recognised globally
- A time to raise awareness about non-binary people and the importance of validation and understanding
- It is a celebration of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people and their contributions to society
- They have always existed and will continue to do so

Why is it important?
1- Visibility: non-binary people can see themselves represented & promotion of allyship
2- Raise awareness: of non-binary identities & the challenges the community faces
3- Celebration: a focus on the positives

Quick allyship tips
- Listen to and amplify trans & non-binary voices
- Help to normalise pronouns
- Support trans-owned businesses and charities
- Try to use more inclusive language
- Actively challenge transphobia if you see it

How will you mark Non-Binary People's Day?

On Friday we had the pleasure of attending the EDI Ignite: Celebrating Belonging Conference! 💙

This conference marked the end of a month of celebration and education at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. As we recently marked three years of being in strategic partnership with MFT, we were delighted to be part of it!

We heard from representatives from MFT and fantastic key note speakers such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Dr Hannah Barham-Brown.

It was great to speak to the staff at MFT about the importance of authentic trans inclusion in healthcare and the workplace 🏳️‍⚧️

We invite you to July's Sparkle Sanctuary 🏳️‍⚧️⁠
⁠
📅 Sunday 26th July⁠
🕘️ 12.00pm - 4.00pm⁠
📍 The Proud Place, Manchester⁠
⁠
Sparkle Sanctuary is facilitated by trans, non-binary & gender diverse people for our wonderful community. All ages are welcome.⁠
⁠
What else can you expect:⁠
🍃Nature-based therapeutic art workshop with Aleesha⁠
❤️ Show & tell - bring your favourite item, photograph, or story (keep it family friendly!)⁠
🎨 Crafts & colouring⁠ - you are welcome to bring your own projects too⁠
🎲 Board games⁠
☕️ Chilled conversations⁠
🥘 Hot meal & soft drinks provided⁠
⁠
Accessibility information:⁠
- The Proud Place is accessible by wheelchairs including power chairs⁠
- There are gender neutral toilets, including an accessible toilet⁠
- A quiet sensory space is available for those who might need to decompress⁠
- Masks and hand sanitiser available⁠
- The Proud Place is a sober venue⁠
- Friendly volunteers on hand to help all afternoon⁠
- Different food options available, including vegetarian, vegan, meat, and gluten free⁠
-Sanctuary is a nut-free event⁠
⁠
Make sure you grab a free ticket - tinyurl.com/july-sanctuary⁠
⁠

International Non-Binary People's Day - 14th July💛🤍💜🖤

We are putting together resources & social media and want to hear about what being non-binary means to you.

You can find our quick survey here: spkl.uk/nb

Answers are completely anonymous.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the Pinsent Masons Manchester office for raising £372 with their Pride Bake Off! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

The bakes were all incredible, and made it very difficult for our volunteers to judge - but the colourful vegetable samosas earned the winning spot!

Fundraisers like this really make a difference to our grassroots charity, so we really appreciate the time and effort that goes into them ❤️

✨️Sparkle Weekend 2026 Visitor Feedback✨️⁠
⁠
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Sparkle Weekend, to celebrate gender diversity and trans joy! The atmosphere was truly incredible.⁠
⁠
Our passionate and dedicated team of volunteers work tirelessly to organise a celebration for our fantastic gender diverse community and allies.⁠
⁠
We would be really grateful if you could spend 5 minutes to share your experiences at the most recent Sparkle Weekend. We aim to shape future events based on community feedback.⁠
⁠
You can find our feedback form at spkl.uk/feedback⁠
⁠

We invite you to July's Sparkle Sanctuary 🏳️‍⚧️⁠
⁠
📅 Sunday 26th July
🕘️ 12.00pm - 4.00pm⁠
📍 The Proud Place, Manchester⁠
⁠
Sparkle Sanctuary is facilitated by trans, non-binary & gender diverse people for our wonderful community. All ages are welcome.⁠
⁠
What else can you expect:⁠
🍃Nature-based therapeutic art workshop with Aleesha
❤️ Show & tell - bring your favourite item, photograph, or story (keep it family friendly!)
🎨 Crafts & colouring⁠ - you are welcome to bring your own projects too
🎲 Board games
☕️ Chilled conversations
🥘 Hot meal & soft drinks provided⁠
⁠
Accessibility information:⁠
- The Proud Place is accessible by wheelchairs including power chairs⁠
- There are gender neutral toilets, including an accessible toilet⁠
- A quiet sensory space is available for those who might need to decompress⁠
- Masks and hand sanitiser available⁠
- The Proud Place is a sober venue⁠
- Friendly volunteers on hand to help all afternoon⁠
- Different food options available, including vegetarian, vegan, meat, and gluten free⁠
-Sanctuary is a nut-free event⁠
⁠
Make sure you grab a free ticket - https://tinyurl.com/july-sanctuary⁠
⁠

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to highlight how important community, visibility, celebration, and safe spaces can be. 💜

Events like Sparkle Weekend remind people that they are accepted, supported, and never alone.

We can’t wait to attend our very first Sparkle Weekend this year and you’ll be able to find us at the Crossdressed UK stall ✨

To find out more, check the link below.