Welcome to the Department of Trans Kids!

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION, 26th August 2025, 1:00PM — This afternoon, 7 young trans activists covered the pavement outside the Department of Education building with colourful chalk artwork in protest of the new RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) guidance. They wrote "revise the RSE guidance" outside the Department for Education and "Department of Trans Kids" on the pavement opposite, with the subheading "make oppressive guidance & face the consequences".

They drew and wrote for approximately 2 hours, during which police told them that the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education would speak with them, but no one showed up. The activists were informed by staff that three Departments had been contacted and all had declined to listen to them.

The activists ended the action with chants outside the Department doors: "we're here, we're queer, we want you to meet us here" and "if you care, meet us there".

The proposed guidance instructs teachers to avoid materials "that could be interpreted as being aimed at younger children...or encourage pupils to question their gender", as well as to avoid teaching about gender identity as a whole past that of "the facts and laws about biological sex and gender reassignment". They also instruct schools not to make "any suggestion that social transition is a simple solution to feelings of distress or discomfort".

One activist said, "When the RSE guidance came out, I was so angry, so unbelievably angry. How much longer is it even possible for the government to continue this complete ignorance? We occupied this building for a whole week last year, we had a meeting with them, and yet they continue to do us harm. Make no mistake: this will become a second Section 28. The Labour government has shown clear as day a targeted attempt to erase trans people. If the Department for Education won't serve us, then we will take it over and serve ourselves."

By censoring teaching about gender identity in schools, the government is effectively encouraging the erasure of trans kids’ existence and further pushing the notion that children must be ‘protected’ from transness. Children deserve to explore their identity in inclusive and safe environments and to be able to express themselves fully in school.

Find photos and videos here.