8 June 2026
The MA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believes museums should be safe and inclusive spaces for everyone, including trans staff and audiences.
Our Code of Ethics for Museums asks museums and those who work in and with them to treat everyone equally, with honesty and respect, and to embrace an approach that is anti-discriminatory.
On 21 May 2026, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released its updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations.
Parliament has 40 days from the 21 May to review the code. If Parliament does not disapprove the code, the UK government will set a date for it to come into force.
The MA has endorsed the University of Leicester’s Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) Trans-Inclusive Culture guidance. This guidance sets out an ethical framework to support cultural organisations to advance trans inclusion. It explains key components of UK law, as well as some of the limitations and complexities of the law.
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RCMG will update their guidance in light of the updated EHRC code of practice in due course.
A recent statement from the RCMG says:
Museums, galleries, archive and heritage organisations have a hugely significant role to play in advancing trans equality as part of their commitments to advance equality for all. RCMG is continuing to work with its team of experts in ethics, inclusion, equalities and law to support cultural organisations to advance trans inclusion in all aspects of their work.
Following the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations on 21 May 2026, the Trans-Inclusive Culture guidance will be updated to ensure all cultural organisations can continue to provide a warm welcome to (and ensure the safety of) trans visitors.
Responses
Gendered Intelligence, a trans-led and trans-involving charity, has published a response to the amended EHRC code of practice that contains information our members may find useful.