Author Event - Sex, Gender Identity and the Law

Join us in the bookshop on Thursday 17th September 2026 at 6:30pm for an evening with author Michael Foran to celebrate the launch of his book, Sex, Gender Identity and the Law.

Over the last century, UK law has moved from endorsing, and in some cases mandating, unjust sex discrimination to a robust framework of distinct protections for women and girls. At the same time, our law has extended anti-discrimination protections to people who undergo gender reassignment, culminating in a system where individuals can change their legally recognised sex for some purposes. Sometimes the interests of these two groups conflict. This book traces the history of how sex changed within our law and what that means for ongoing controversies over single-sex spaces, freedom of belief, freedom of expression, privacy, sport, and sexual intimacy.

These are issues that generate passion on all sides. The evening includes a Q&A with the author, during which we look forward to an open, robust and respectful discussion.

'This is an excellent book. I cannot think of a better person than FORAN Michael Foran to have written it. The controversies that cloud so much of the discussion on the relationship between sex and gender are dealt with in this book in a principled way. This is not merely a recounting of the law but a fresh and compelling analysis of it.’

Karon Monaghan

‘This commendably lucid book brings much-needed clarity and rigour to this topic. The quality of public debate in this area will be enriched and improved by this analysis, which combines scholarly nuance with an accessible and engaging style.’

Mark Elliot - Public Law, University of Cambridge

‘Michael Foran has resoundingly achieved his aim of providing a comprehensive and accessible account of the law as it relates to sex and gender. This book examines ongoing controversies in this area with much-needed care and rigour. It will be illuminating for general readers and should be indispensable for any practitioner in the field.’

Ben Cooper

‘This book represents a significant addition to legal scholarship. To produce such a detailed, well-written and informative account of such a complex and fast-changing area of law is a notable achievement.’

Ronan McCrea - Constitutional and European Law, University College London

Copies of the book will be available to purchase at a special event price.

Estimated event timings

6.30pm - doors open

6.45pm - talk begins

7.15pm - Q&A

7.30pm - drinks and chat

Accessibility Information

Seating is available for 40 attendees (maximum) plus standing space. Some views may be partially obstructed by architectural columns, bookshelves, etc. but we aim to minimise this where possible. Space will be made available for wheelchair users. Access is via main entrance from street level and there are not steps or ledges.

There are 2 single-person bathrooms, including one large enough to fit a wheelchair with the door closed.

Please get in touch to reserve a seat, or if you have particular needs that you would like us to consider in advance.