Supporting trans freelancers in the wake of the EHRC Code of Practice

ONLINE: Confidential, trans discussion and generation sessions

On August 5th 2026 the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations came into effect, with a drastic change in guidance for how trans people should be treated: widely understood as a dramatic backsliding on trans rights in the UK.

In the wake of this change, and the mis- and dis-information surrounding it, Freelancers Make Theatre Work and Dr CN Lester are working together to provide an opportunity for trans freelancers to come together in a confidential, supportive environment to discuss what this means for our careers, industries, and futures. Through two in person and two online sessions, we will chart the impacts of the UK’s transphobic backlash, and document what we need – from our colleagues, arts organisations, and funding bodies – in order to build a future where all of us can not only survive but thrive.

What will the sessions consist of?

Sessions will be confidential to trans freelancers who have booked a place through this Eventbrite (you only need to attend one session) and run by CN Lester. These are not formal workshops, but supportive spaces to speak in community and collaboratively come up with what it is that we want and need. We’ll provide materials and snacks and signpost further resources that may be of help – please free feel to bring drinks, lunch, and anything you’d like to feel more comfortable (like crafting).

We recognise that we’re asking freelancers to give their time for free, which is not how we usually operate. We’ve chosen to do so in this instance because of the gravity of the situation and the intense need for a swift response which clarifies and confirms a commitment to all trans freelancers, and so have organised these sessions and their outcomes on a volunteer basis.

In person: (Please see alternate event page)

Barbican, Thursday October 22nd: 11am-1:30pm
Barbican, Thursday October 22nd: 2:30pm-5pm

Online: (This event)

Tuesday November 10th: 1:00pm-2:15pm
Monday November 16th: 6:00pm-7.15pm

All trans people – in the broadest definition of that term, including non-binary and agender people – are welcome, from across all creative industries, in any roles. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, front of house or in arts admin, in training or semi-retirement: we want to hear from all backgrounds and experiences.

These sessions are private, safer spaces. From the anonymised material generated, we will be creating an urgent Call to Action for our industry at large – for our cis colleagues, for arts organisations big and small, and for funding bodies including Arts Council England – so that we can come to the end of 2026 looking forward to building a better 2027.

Access
In person fully wheelchair accessible – relaxed workshop, can come and go as necessary, topics of conversation to be sent in advance
Online – captioning, topics sent in advance, can come and go as necessary

Please let us know any other access needs when booking

A note to participants on venue:

We rely on the kindness of organisations and supporting venues to offer us space for free, which means that we might have to rearrange the location at last minute. If this happens we will ensure to let all participants know as soon as possible, and will give you as much notice of any venue change as we can.

If you have any questions about the session or our organisation, please feel free to email us at hello@freelancersmaketheatrework.com.