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oai:figshare.com:article/32614815 2026-06-09T09:33:47Z portal_1132 item_type_8 month_year_06_2026

Is the Gender Reassignment protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 inclusive of the non-binary community? Dante Munday (21041294) Socio-legal research Non-binary Equality Act 2010 Qualitative Doctrinal analysis Transgender Equality Law Gender reassignment This thesis critically examines Section 7 of the Equality Act 2010, with the overarching research question being whether the Gender Reassignment protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 can offer full protection to the various gender identities of the non-binary community. Over the past decade, social studies into the experiences and well-being of the nonbinary community specifically have shown repeatedly that despite being a relatively small populace, non-binary people within the UK are reporting a significantly higher risk of mental health issues and lack of social support compared to both cisgender people and binary transgender people, putting them at a greater risk of discrimination and need for legal support. However, despite this recorded vulnerability, there remains a divisive argument over whether or not non-binary people are legally recognised and therefore protected by the Equality Act 2010. This study critically analyses the applicability of Section 7 of the Equality Act 2010 to the non-binary community through both empirical and doctrinal analysis. Through the lens of legal consciousness, this thesis contrasts the history of and current interpretations of the Equality Act 2010 for its applicability to the non-binary community against the perspectives and lived experiences of those within it. This data is used to offer informed conclusions on the possible futures for non-binary inclusion into anti-discrimination law in the UK.<p></p> 2026-06-08T00:00:00Z Text Thesis 10779/exe.32614815.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Is_the_Gender_Reassignment_protected_characteristic_under_the_Equality_Act_2010_inclusive_of_the_non-binary_community_/32614815 All rights reserved