Hampstead Heath's pond is in a fight for trans inclusion

A legal bid could ban trans women from the beloved ladies' pond, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling. Olivia Petter speaks to lawyers to see if it can stay open to all who enjoy it

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The Kenwood Ladies' Pond on Hampstead Heath has long held a reputation among Londoners for being a safe haven for women, including those who are transgender. Since 1925, women have been swimming, chatting and relaxing on its bank all through the seasons. Yet, it has once again become a contested site of the UK's debate around the rights of trans people.

This week, it was announced that the charity Sex Matters is planning a £50,000 claim against the City of London Corporation in a bid to ban trans women from the ladies' pond, arguing that it's a breach of the law following the Supreme Court ruling brought by For Women Scotland in April, which states that trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act. Their pledge, which forms part of the group's “stand up for single-sex services” campaign, is calling to “keep men out of the ladies' pond”.

The backlash among regular swimmers has been ardent. “It’s awful that [Sex Matters] are souring what used to be one of the most pleasant places in London,” says Alex*, 36, who has been swimming at the ladies' pond for many years. “It used to be an escape from the hostility of the outside world but now [the group] seems intent on making it just as cruel and judgemental as everywhere else.”

The feeling is just as mutual elsewhere, with locals saying they've never once felt unsafe or threatened by the presence of trans swimmers, who only ever make up a very small minority of visitors. “This is a special natural place that should be welcoming, and I don't see why trans women should be excluded,” adds Maya*, 27. “The ladies' pond is one of the few places that's made me feel grateful to be a woman, and I think that should apply to all women. I always feel inspired seeing women of all different ages, body shapes, races, and nationalities.”