Celebrate All Identities With Respect, Integrity, and Joy
At the heart of every ceremony I create, whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal, handfasting, or naming, is a simple truth: You are celebrated exactly as you are because love IS Love!
That means no assumptions, no judgement, and no expectations around how you define yourself. Just a big, inclusive, heartfelt YES to your identity, your story, and your love.
I’m known for how I approach equality and inclusion in my work as a celebrant, trainer and mentor, but there’s a lot more to it, especially in a world where legal and political interpretations can impact how people feel seen, heard and even celebrated.
So today, I want to talk openly and clearly about the UK Equality Act 2010, how it relates to gender identity, and what the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “sex” means, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals. And most importantly, how this affects your experience with me as your celebrant.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t change a thing about my commitment to inclusivity.
Understanding the UK Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 is a landmark piece of legislation in the UK that legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society. It covers a total of nine protected characteristics, which are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Under this act, individuals are protected from discrimination based on any of these characteristics, which includes people who are undergoing, have undergone, or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
That means transgender people are explicitly protected by law under the characteristic of gender reassignment. The law does not require someone to have undergone medical treatment to be recognised as transgender. Self-identification is valid and respected under this protection.
What About the Supreme Court Ruling?
In April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that for certain legal purposes, such as the Equality Act, the term “sex” refers to biological sex. This decision has understandably raised questions and concerns about how transgender individuals might be impacted, especially those with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).
Let’s be clear: this ruling does not erase or remove the protected status of transgender people under the Equality Act. The category of “gender reassignment” still stands, and discrimination based on someone’s gender identity is still unlawful. What the ruling does, rather controversially, is define “sex” in some legal contexts as meaning biological sex, particularly when considering single-sex spaces and services.
But for me, and for anyone planning a ceremony that reflects who they are, that ruling does not dictate how I treat my clients. Because what matters most isn’t how a court defines “sex.”
It’s how you define you.
My Position as a Celebrant: You Are Valid, Respected, and Welcome
I want to say this loud and clear:
Whether you’re transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, agender, or exploring your identity you are always welcome here. You are safe. You are seen. And you are celebrated.
The ceremonies I craft are rooted in storytelling…your story. That means using your correct name and pronouns, incorporating rituals and language that reflect your identity, and making sure everyone involved feels respected and valued.
Inclusivity isn’t a political stance for me. It’s simply the bare minimum of human decency. And it’s the foundation on which I’ve built my entire celebrant practice.
Creating Safe, Inclusive Ceremonies
In practical terms, here’s what I do to ensure my ceremonies are inclusive for all:
- Inclusive language: From our first chat to your final script, I’ll use the language that feels right for you…including your pronouns and relationship terms that reflect your identity.
- Optional gender-neutral rituals: Whether it’s handfasting, vow exchanges, or readings, I’ll work with you to shape the ceremony in a way that reflects your values and identity. Want a “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife”? You got it.
- Respecting chosen family: I recognise that not all families look the same, and not all families are safe or supportive. Your ceremony will honour the people you choose to have in your circle, however that looks.
- Pre-ceremony sensitivity checks: Before the big day, I check in with everyone involved to ensure names, pronouns, and roles are correct, because getting it right matters.
- A strong stance on discrimination: I do not work with venues, suppliers or colleagues who discriminate against LGBTQIA2+ individuals, including transgender and non-binary people. Your safety and wellbeing are my priority.
Handfastings and the Power of Ritual for All Identities
As a Pagan, handfasting holds a very special place in my heart, and it’s one of the most powerful, flexible, and symbolic rituals I offer. There is something so beautiful about binding two people together in love, commitment, and trust, and that ritual has zero gender assumptions built into it.
Handfastings are, by nature, inclusive and adaptable. The colours, the cords, the words… they’re all tailored to you. However you identify, a handfasting honours your connection to one another, to nature, and to the universe.
It’s not about roles. It’s not about boxes. It’s about sacred connection, and that’s something that transcends labels.
Final Thoughts: Ceremonies That Reflect the World We Want to Live In
The world is complex. Identities are nuanced. Laws are constantly shifting. But here’s what stays the same:
- Every person deserves to be respected for who they are.
- Every love story deserves to be told with honesty and joy.
- Every ceremony should feel like home.
So, no matter how you identify, who you love, or what your journey looks like, I will meet you with warmth, openness, and a whole heap of enthusiasm. Together, we’ll create a ceremony that feels utterly, joyfully you.
Looking for a celebrant who gets it? Who will honour your identity without question and make your ceremony a safe and loving space?
Let’s talk. Because it’s not just about making your day special. It’s about making sure you feel seen, heard and celebrated every step of the way. Love is Love…is LOVE!
Need support? Here are some organisations that you can reach out to:
For more information and ideas about how we can work together get in touch now
I can’t wait to work with you and create something funky and magical.
