Beyond Reflection, Towards Belonging

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Gillian Russell to explore what it means to move beyond reflection towards genuine belonging, in the context of a UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “woman” and its impact on trans people.

They discuss the emotional and practical fallout of the decision, the erosion of rights, and why the trans community can struggle to coordinate fast, strategic action. The conversation covers lobbying, working with allies, and the need for better organised advocacy, alongside the value of cross-community collaboration with other marginalised groups.

Gillian shares her background across the arts, corporate life, charity leadership, and trans advocacy, reflecting on language, identity, and why being trans is only one small part of a person. Together they explore resilience, vulnerability, mental wellbeing, and the importance of robust conversations that educate rather than entrench division.

The episode closes with pragmatic optimism: focus on what can be controlled, seek support when needed, and build the collective capability to adapt, organise, and drive change while continuing to pursue a society where people can belong and thrive.