| Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the legal definition of sex – 30 June 2025 |
| We are deeply concerned about the harmful implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010, for the trans, non-binary and intersex communities of Manchester and beyond, as well as for other groups. We stand in solidarity with trans, non-binary and intersex people. The negative repercussions of this ruling are already starting to be felt, with the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people at risk. There are also potential negative implications of the ruling for other marginalised groups, such as the wider LGB communities, gender non-conforming people, and cisgender women. It is more important than ever for allies to actively challenge discriminatory language and actions and express solidarity with the trans+ communities. |
Constitution
- The group is called Out In The City.
2. Our objectives are:
- To promote the health and social wellbeing of the over 50’s in the LGBT community.
b. To meet on a social basis, weekly where possible, so that the members can keep in touch and lessen social isolation.
c. To attract and welcome new members to the group and encourage their participation in our social activities.
3. Membership is open to all aged 50 and over but will not preclude partners or carers and friends whatever their age.
4. Classes of membership, including corporate membership, and rate of annual subscription shall be set at the AGM.
5. The following officers shall be elected at the AGM:
a. Chair
b. Secretary
c. Treasurer.
The Committee shall normally consist of the above officers plus at least one other member who shall be elected at the AGM. The Committee shall have the power to co-opt up to three additional members to the Committee.
6. The Committee may only take decisions when at least three members of the Committee including at least two officers are present.
7. An AGM shall be held each year not later than four months after the financial year, which shall be the 31st December each year. The Committee shall give not less than 21 days notice of the date fixed for the AGM. A quorum at the AGM shall be five members or 10% of the total number of members whichever shall be the lower.
8. Accounts shall be presented at the AGM for the approval of the members.
9. The constitution may be amended by a motion passed by at least two thirds of the members present at the meeting.
Should Out In The City cease to exist, any residual funds shall be passed to an LGBT charity as decided by the Committee.
A Safe Space
Out In The City is a social and support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people over 50 years of age. Its purpose is to offer the opportunity to chat, share a joke or news, or to make friends and strengthen companionship amongst those who attend the group’s meetings and trips.
A safe space is one in which everybody is respected regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, religion, political opinion, or cultural tradition.
Respect means that nobody is misgendered, ridiculed, verbally criticised or attacked for their orientation, personal identification, disability or opinions. Respect does not mean that we all agree with each other – our differences are our own.
The real cultural, religious, political and social differences between us represent the strength and rich diversity of Out In The City. This respect for difference makes our group safe. It makes our meetings and gatherings safe for everybody. This is because we are a diverse group and diversity is who we are.
Safeguarding Policy – 27 March 2025
CODE OF CONDUCT AND SAFEGUARDING
SUMMARY CODE OF CONDUCT
All service users must:
• Not abuse, neglect or harm other service users
• Not exploit other service users sexually, physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way
• Not abuse the trust of other service users or the access you may have to their property or home
• Not discriminate unlawfully against other service users for any reason or condone any such discrimination on their part
• Not put yourself or other people at unnecessary risk
• Not accept personal gifts or payments from other service users that would, or might appear to, place you under an obligation
• Not behave in a manner that might damage the reputation of Out In The City, or reduce the trust and confidence of the public.
All service users must, to the best of their ability:
Safeguard and promote the interests of other service users:
• supporting people’s rights to control their lives and make choices about the services they receive
• listening to, respecting and, where appropriate, promoting the views and wishes of other service users
• valuing and treating each person as an individual
• respecting and maintaining the dignity and privacy of other service users.
Strive to maintain the trust and confidence of other service users:
• being honest and trustworthy
• communicating in an open, accurate and straightforward way
• being reliable and dependable
• honouring as far as possible volunteer work commitments, agreements and arrangements
• declaring conflicts of interest and striving to ensure that they do not influence your judgment or practice.
Respect the independence of other service users and protect them, as far as possible, from danger or harm:
• challenging dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour
• taking complaints seriously
• respecting confidentiality
• recognising the potential for power imbalances.
Take personal responsibility:
• being free from the influence of alcohol and drugs (other than proper use of proprietary or prescribed medicines).
HARASSMENT
Personal harassment is a particular form of abuse. It consists of inappropriate and unwanted behaviour by one person towards another and can take many forms. Service users may not always realise that their behaviour constitutes harassment. Examples include:
• Insensitive jokes and pranks
• Lewd and abusive comments about appearance
• Deliberate exclusion from conversations that would normally be inclusive
• Displaying abusive or offensive writing or material
• Taking or reproducing photographs without consent
• Unwelcome touching
• Abusive, threatening, ageist, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise insulting words or behaviour.
If an incident were to occur, please report to one of the safeguarding officers – Tony Openshaw (openshawtony1@gmail.com) or Lizzie Gent (lizzie42gent@gmail.com).
Out In The City undertakes to ensure that appropriate procedures are used to ensure that any incidents of misconduct or harassment are effectively tackled.
This policy to be reviewed annually.
Out in the City 