The Trans Agenda: New year, same anti-trans nonsense
News you need, the perspective you won't find anywhere else. The trans community's guide to UK news, media and politics and our place in it.
The Trans Agenda
[5 January 2025]
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UK & IRELAND NEWS
GP practice stops trans healthcare, sparking protests [Nottingham Post]
A Nottinghamshire GP practice, Jubilee Park Medical Partnership, has ceased providing trans healthcare, including hormone replacement therapy, citing funding and contract limitations. The decision has left patients fearing "crippling" consequences, including mental health problems and potential forced detransitions. They have not stopped the same treatments for cis patients.
Dozens protested outside Park House Medical Centre in Carlton, with organisers condemning the move as discriminatory.
Trans teens ‘begged Wes Streeting not to ban puberty blockers’ weeks before ban [Metro]
Weeks before the UK government imposed an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for transgender teens, families and young people pleaded with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to reconsider, warning of severe harm. During a meeting in October, trans teens described their struggles, with some stating the ban left them feeling hopeless. He didn’t care. Streeting’s decision, based on made-up concerns cited by the Cass Review, has been condemned by parents, activists and experts around the globe as politically driven and discriminatory.
Compromised equalities watchdog investigates Labour stance on single-sex spaces
The captured EHRC is scrutinising transgender policies across hundreds of public bodies after Labour dismissed calls to change the Equality Act to discriminate against trans people. Anti-trans activist, Baroness Falkner, EHRC chair, has requested further details from ministers, aiming to ‘assess’ whether the Equality Act is being correctly applied.
Concerns were manufactured after reports suggested that many organisations were interpreting guidance to allow access based on self-identified gender rather than biological sex, which is the correct interpretation. While Labour downplayed these concerns as "confusion or lack of awareness," the EHRC plans to use the findings to refine its statutory Code of Practice as they continue to attack trans people under the guise of ‘equality’.
Falkner is only in position because Labour have not yet replaced her after her contract expired at the end of 2024, but, given their approach to trans people in general, they have someone both expendable and deniable to do their work for them. How fortunate.
Trans remembrance flags to be flown at government buildings [Scottish government]
The Scottish government has introduced new guidance that will allow transgender flags to be flown on Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 November) to honour victims of anti-trans violence. If government buildings have a single flagpole, the transgender flag will replace the Saltire; otherwise, both flags will be displayed.
The government also reaffirmed its support for LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS) which has been targeted by the right wing media. Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart highlighted the importance of supporting LGBTQI+ people amid rising hate attacks.
Councillor quits Labour over puberty drugs ban
Exeter councillor Zoe Hughes has left Labour, criticising its indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under-18s, calling it harmful to the transgender community.
Oxford Literary Festival to platform anti-trans activists unchallenged during [Oxford Literary Festival]
Anti-trans, cis het, court declared non-expert Helen Joyce will be interviewed by anti-trans political lesbian Julie Bindel at the Oxford Literary Festival, prompting outrage and withdrawals by others scheduled to feature. The event, entitled, “Trans: Gender Identity and the New Battle for Women’s Rights,” is farcically listed as one of six LGBTQ+ events and has sold out. No trans person will feature in any of the other events.
”I’ve just withdrawn from my panel at the OLF. Joyce is an absolutely chilling character: on record as saying that ‘every one of those [trans] people is a huge problem to a sane world’,” wrote Noreen Masud, who had been due to be on a panel. “People can say whatever the fuck they want with no expertise, I guess, with catastrophic consequences for the most vulnerable and marginalised, I suppose: but I don’t have to be part of it and neither do you.”
Bible guidance claims scripture is pro-trans and includes queer characters [Telegraph, 26 December]
An Anglican campaign group claims the Bible affirms trans and queer identities, highlighting eunuchs, the Samaritan woman, and Deborah as examples. Their guidance, hosted on the website LGBT Faith UK, argues that scripture includes non-cisgender individuals and promotes inclusivity. Though not an official Church of England position, the material has sparked anger from the Telegraph and the cult.
Richard Dawkins quits atheism organisation after anti-trans article removed
Richard Dawkins has resigned from the board of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), throwing a strop on his way out the door.
In an article on the organisation’s website, Kat Grant asked, ‘What is a woman’, before saying that “any attempt to define womanhood on biological terms is inadequate” and that “a woman is whoever she says she is”.
This did not go down well with Dawkins and two other cis male ‘feminists’ - Jerry Coyne and Richard Pinker, with the former writing an article implying that he knows what a woman is better than everybody else. That article was then removed and an apology issued for publishing it, at which point, Dawkins threw his latest tantrum.
The word ‘hysterical’ was uttered. Coyne, meanwhile, wrote another piece for ‘Why Evolution is True’ crying about his article being removed.
NHS resource on male menopause attacked
A factsheet on "male menopause," published by NHS Blood and Transplant, has been attacked by anti-trans activists for using inclusive language, addressing men's health needs, and not mentioning women.
The resource, aimed at supporting individuals experiencing symptoms associated with declining testosterone levels, emphasises a healthy diet and self-care measures. While court-pronounced non-expert Helen Joyce dismissed the term "male menopause" as misleading or "made-up," the factsheet acknowledges the slower decline in male hormone levels compared to menopause in women and seeks to normalise discussions about physical and emotional health.
The NHS defended the resource as general wellbeing advice, highlighting its purpose in promoting health awareness and inclusivity while Joyce moaned it this leaflet for men didn’t mention women.
AROUND THE WORLD
Transgender person shot dead in Ghazipur, India [Hindustan Times ]
Varanasi: A 25-year-old transgender person, identified as Ganga Kinnar from Barhapur village, was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant near Chochakpur turn in Ghazipur's Nandganj area on Sunday. The assailant, riding a bike, fired four rounds before fleeing the scene, according to eyewitnesses. The incident occurred while the victim was visiting Nandganj market, police confirmed. An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Couple die by suicide over son's decision to marry trans partner [DT Next]
Nandyal, India: A middle-aged couple in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, reportedly died by suicide after their son expressed his intent to marry his trans partner. Subba Rayudu (45) and Saraswati (38) took their lives following conflicts with their son, Sunil Kumar (24), who had been in a relationship with his partner for three years. Police official P Srinivas Reddy confirmed that the couple opposed Kumar’s decision, leading to frequent arguments.
Howard government considered restricting transgender marriage rights, papers reveal [Guardian Australia]
Cabinet papers from 2004, uncovered by The Guardian Australia, show the Howard government considered amending Australia’s Marriage Act to restrict marriage eligibility based on gender at birth. While the amendment ultimately defined marriage as between a man and a woman, explicitly excluding same-sex unions, it stopped short of targeting transgender or intersex people.
The proposal arose amid ‘concerns’ about same-sex adoptions and overseas marriages, with advice suggesting birth-gender criteria could prevent transgender people from marrying. However, the cabinet decided against it, citing potential legal and social ‘complications’. John Howard later stated he did not recall seriously considering the birth-gender proposal.
Russian LGBTQ+ community faces escalating fear under new laws
The LGBTQ+ community in Russia faces heightened persecution after new laws expanded restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression, outlawed activism, and banned gender-affirming care. A Supreme Court ruling in 2023 deemed the LGBTQ+ movement "extremist," exposing individuals to criminal charges and fostering an atmosphere of terror. Raids on gay bars and arrests for displaying LGBTQ+ symbols have driven the community underground, with many fleeing abroad. Those remaining struggle with harassment, limited access to medical care, and increasing violence. Activists say the laws aim to intimidate and isolate, leaving an already vulnerable population marginalised and fearful.
SPORT
USA Today challenges trans ban in golf [USA Today]
An article in USA Today (27 December 2024) challenges the LPGA and USGA's ban on transgender women golfers, stating that the decision lacks scientific backing. While the organisations claim to have relied on expert advice, they provided no evidence, and researchers highlight the absence of studies specific to transgender women in golf. Most available research misuses comparisons with cisgender men or sedentary cisgender women, offering no reliable conclusions. Experts argue that such bans not only lack factual support but also hinder the ability to conduct meaningful, sport-specific research, perpetuating discrimination similar to historical biases against women in sports.
New research suggests trans athletes may face physical disadvantages
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, funded by the International Olympic Committee, indicates that transgender athletes may have physical disadvantages compared to cisgender peers. Researchers assessed performance metrics such as strength, lung function, and body composition across cisgender and transgender athletes actively engaged in sports. Findings revealed trans women had reduced lower-body strength and lung function compared to cisgender women, potentially affecting athletic performance. The study urges caution against blanket bans on trans athletes, advocating for sport-specific research to inform fairer eligibility rules.
You can read the full study here.
Texas sues NCAA over transgender athletes in women’s sports
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking to block transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. The lawsuit, filed in Lubbock, claims the NCAA violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by allegedly misleading fans about women’s sports. The suit demands either an injunction against participation in events involving Texas programs or a rebranding of events as “co-ed” if transgender athletes compete. This follows President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to ban transgender athletes from competition.
The NCAA maintains its policy, first established in 2010, allows transgender athletes to compete after meeting specific testosterone suppression requirements, aligned with national and international governing bodies. NCAA President Charlie Baker recently noted fewer than 10 transgender athletes currently compete across its 19,000 teams. The NCAA has declined to comment on pending litigation.
Famed transgender dancer has shows cancelled in China. Some fear a wider crackdown [CNN]
Chinese transgender dancer and choreographer Jin Xing, celebrated for her groundbreaking career and advocacy, faces a wave of cancelled performances across China, sparking fears of an intensifying crackdown on LGBTQ+ representation under Xi Jinping’s increasingly authoritarian rule. Despite decades of success and state accolades, shows by her dance troupe were recently called off without explanation, raising concerns among the LGBTQ+ community about escalating ideological control. Jin's prominence had symbolised hope for trans acceptance in China, but these developments highlight the growing dangers faced by the community amid restrictive policies.
MEDIA
Cornish Guardian print a trans voice
![Report has become a focus for hate and discrimination Cornish Guardian (St. Austell & Fowey)1 Jan 2025 ✒ I READ with hope in my heart about Labour’s plans to introduce stricter guidelines on child safety. This is long overdue, but why has it become a two-tier system of children with a right to be protected and children with no right to protection? Since the publication of the Cass Report hate crime and abuse towards the transgender and non-binary communities have increased. This report, discredited by university bodies, ill-researched and hastily thrown together, is being hailed by certain people as a victory over the transgender community. Those wielding it with the most venom are known as TERFS (trans-exclusionary radical feminists) and those ❝❝ This is a dark and pernicious sickness being used to subvert feminine ideology in power who have a prejudice against transgender people. People like myself have always been transgender. We don’t reach a certain age and suddenly we are ‘trans’. Transgender adults have been transgender children. The life of a young transgender person, without understanding, help and medical intervention, is pure hell. I know this well, and it is a miracle I have made it this far. [Health Secretary] Wes Streeting, a man hated in my community, is all for denying puberty blockers for transidentifying children. When we look into the face of this prejudice, it is aimed not solely at the transgender and non-binary communities but at destroying a way of being and the femininity, nurture and understanding that underpins the way of life for anyone wishing to recognise the feminine qualities in themselves. This is a dark and pernicious sickness being used to subvert feminine ideology in a world which needs this quality more than ever to survive. The main focus is on transgender women/girls and not transgender men/boys. Transgender women are demonised and transgender men infantalised. In society, masculinity is a given. Men Article Name:Report has become a focus for hate and discrimination Publication:Cornish Guardian (St. Austell & Fowey) Start Page:16 End Page:16](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4b74977-2a91-4357-b7e4-b42bfc25f4e4_1449x565.png "Report has become a focus for hate and discrimination Cornish Guardian (St. Austell & Fowey)1 Jan 2025 ✒ I READ with hope in my heart about Labour’s plans to introduce stricter guidelines on child safety. This is long overdue, but why has it become a two-tier system of children with a right to be protected and children with no right to protection? Since the publication of the Cass Report hate crime and abuse towards the transgender and non-binary communities have increased. This report, discredited by university bodies, ill-researched and hastily thrown together, is being hailed by certain people as a victory over the transgender community. Those wielding it with the most venom are known as TERFS (trans-exclusionary radical feminists) and those ❝❝ This is a dark and pernicious sickness being used to subvert feminine ideology in power who have a prejudice against transgender people. People like myself have always been transgender. We don’t reach a certain age and suddenly we are ‘trans’. Transgender adults have been transgender children. The life of a young transgender person, without understanding, help and medical intervention, is pure hell. I know this well, and it is a miracle I have made it this far. [Health Secretary] Wes Streeting, a man hated in my community, is all for denying puberty blockers for transidentifying children. When we look into the face of this prejudice, it is aimed not solely at the transgender and non-binary communities but at destroying a way of being and the femininity, nurture and understanding that underpins the way of life for anyone wishing to recognise the feminine qualities in themselves. This is a dark and pernicious sickness being used to subvert feminine ideology in a world which needs this quality more than ever to survive. The main focus is on transgender women/girls and not transgender men/boys. Transgender women are demonised and transgender men infantalised. In society, masculinity is a given. Men Article Name:Report has become a focus for hate and discrimination Publication:Cornish Guardian (St. Austell & Fowey) Start Page:16 End Page:16")
The Observer journalist Carole Cadwalladr has had her contract “cancelled” by The Guardian following its controversial sale to Tortoise Media.
Michael Deacon turns on drag queens [Telegraph]
After writing four anti-trans articles in the space of a week in the run-up to Christmas, all of which the Telegraph gleefully printed, Michael Deacon has now turned on drag queens as he realises how much money he can make attacking queer people.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Russian man arrested for running LGBTQ+ travel agency found dead [Independent]
Andrei Kotov, director of the Russian LGBTQ+ travel agency Men Travel, was found dead in a Moscow detention centre, reportedly by suicide, after being arrested on charges of "organising extremist activity." Rights group OVD-Info reported allegations that Kotov was beaten and subjected to electric shocks during his arrest. This comes amid Russia’s intensified crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, including a Supreme Court ruling designating the "international LGBT movement" as extremist.
Birmingham LGBTQ+ church members ‘cut off’ after sexual assault complaints [Guardian]
The Guardian were not the only publication to make this look as if the LGBTQ+ members were the ones doing the assaulting.
![Birmingham LGBTQ+ church members ‘cut off’ after sexual assault complaints The Guardian24 Dec 2024Jessica Murray Midlands correspondent The Methodist church in Birmingham has been accused of silencing and cutting off members of an LGBTQ+ congregation after they reported a senior member of the group for alleged sexual assault. A man was arrested last month after a number of former members of the congregation at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham (IGB) alleged they had been subjected to inappropriate touching, groping and harassment during church services and social gatherings. They say their repeated complaints about the individual, who held a senior role within IGB, were not always dealt with correctly. Birmingham Methodist church denied the allegations and said: “Complainants’ concerns were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by district safeguarding officers from January 2024, who took appropriate action to safeguard the church community at each stage in response to the information they were provided at the time.” Established in 2017, IGB describes itself as “a diverse, justice-seeking, LGBTQIA+ affirming church” in Birmingham’s gay village, and is part of the Birmingham Methodist district. Matthew Lloyd, an advocate for the alleged victims and a former member of the congregation, claimed IGB initially told complainants that their allegations were considered to be a “misunderstanding”. He called for an apology from IGB, the Birmingham Methodist district and the national Methodist church for this being allowed to happen. He said IGB “attracted many LGBTQ+ Christians who had suffered spiritual abuse at the hands of their previous churches”, and that the church had failed to show it understood this congregation. Those reporting allegations said their claims were sometimes not documented or reported to the Birmingham Methodist district safeguarding team and they had been systematically excluded from church activities, creating a sense of “alienation and vulnerability”. They said they had been removed from online noticeboards and told to delete contacts made through the church for data protection purposes. “We were blocked on everything, taken out of groups – they effectively cut us off and silenced us,” one alleged victim said. Birmingham Methodist church said: “No one was removed from information channels or volunteer positions prior to 28 April when church worship gatherings were paused.” The alleged perpetrator had been removed from their role and a safeguarding investigation that concluded in June found “no ongoing risk in relation to the original allegation”. A number of alleged victims have called for the investigation to be reopened and independently reviewed. The Birmingham Methodist district said a safeguarding concern was first brought to the attention of the IGB leadership in late 2023, followed by further complaints to the district, as IGB’s oversight body, in January. “Swift action was then taken by IGB and district leaders to ensure the safety of the community,” the church said. “With risk removed, a five-month safeguarding investigation followed. However, beyond the initial concern, multiple further allegations could not be corroborated or were found to be inaccurate and therefore dismissed.” It added: “Multiple opportunities to respond were offered to the whole IGB community, and all those put forward as witnesses were specifically contacted and invited to make statements … [We] urged everyone to contact police directly if they feel they had been a victim of a crime.” IGB had not yet reconvened public gatherings “due to the distress and damage this situation has caused”, the church said, and it was “committed to supporting IGB’s pastor and community members as they take the time and space they need to process, heal and rebuild”. Article Name:Birmingham LGBTQ+ church members ‘cut off’ after sexual assault complaints Publication:The Guardian Author:Jessica Murray Midlands correspondent Start Page:17 End Page:17](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1017e431-a9c4-43d0-a48b-25a2abda6769_1161x507.png "Birmingham LGBTQ+ church members ‘cut off’ after sexual assault complaints The Guardian24 Dec 2024Jessica Murray Midlands correspondent The Methodist church in Birmingham has been accused of silencing and cutting off members of an LGBTQ+ congregation after they reported a senior member of the group for alleged sexual assault. A man was arrested last month after a number of former members of the congregation at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham (IGB) alleged they had been subjected to inappropriate touching, groping and harassment during church services and social gatherings. They say their repeated complaints about the individual, who held a senior role within IGB, were not always dealt with correctly. Birmingham Methodist church denied the allegations and said: “Complainants’ concerns were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by district safeguarding officers from January 2024, who took appropriate action to safeguard the church community at each stage in response to the information they were provided at the time.” Established in 2017, IGB describes itself as “a diverse, justice-seeking, LGBTQIA+ affirming church” in Birmingham’s gay village, and is part of the Birmingham Methodist district. Matthew Lloyd, an advocate for the alleged victims and a former member of the congregation, claimed IGB initially told complainants that their allegations were considered to be a “misunderstanding”. He called for an apology from IGB, the Birmingham Methodist district and the national Methodist church for this being allowed to happen. He said IGB “attracted many LGBTQ+ Christians who had suffered spiritual abuse at the hands of their previous churches”, and that the church had failed to show it understood this congregation. Those reporting allegations said their claims were sometimes not documented or reported to the Birmingham Methodist district safeguarding team and they had been systematically excluded from church activities, creating a sense of “alienation and vulnerability”. They said they had been removed from online noticeboards and told to delete contacts made through the church for data protection purposes. “We were blocked on everything, taken out of groups – they effectively cut us off and silenced us,” one alleged victim said. Birmingham Methodist church said: “No one was removed from information channels or volunteer positions prior to 28 April when church worship gatherings were paused.” The alleged perpetrator had been removed from their role and a safeguarding investigation that concluded in June found “no ongoing risk in relation to the original allegation”. A number of alleged victims have called for the investigation to be reopened and independently reviewed. The Birmingham Methodist district said a safeguarding concern was first brought to the attention of the IGB leadership in late 2023, followed by further complaints to the district, as IGB’s oversight body, in January. “Swift action was then taken by IGB and district leaders to ensure the safety of the community,” the church said. “With risk removed, a five-month safeguarding investigation followed. However, beyond the initial concern, multiple further allegations could not be corroborated or were found to be inaccurate and therefore dismissed.” It added: “Multiple opportunities to respond were offered to the whole IGB community, and all those put forward as witnesses were specifically contacted and invited to make statements … [We] urged everyone to contact police directly if they feel they had been a victim of a crime.” IGB had not yet reconvened public gatherings “due to the distress and damage this situation has caused”, the church said, and it was “committed to supporting IGB’s pastor and community members as they take the time and space they need to process, heal and rebuild”. Article Name:Birmingham LGBTQ+ church members ‘cut off’ after sexual assault complaints Publication:The Guardian Author:Jessica Murray Midlands correspondent Start Page:17 End Page:17")
Russia fines partygoers for ‘looking too gay’ following nightclub raid [Telegraph]
WHAT’S ON IN PARLIAMENT
Tuesday, 7 January
House of Lords, 2.30pm+, Oral Questions, Restricting the impact of foreign-owned social media companies upon UK democratic politics and public order. More here.
Wednesday, 8 January
House of Commons, 12pm, Prime Minister’s Questions
🚨House of Lords, 3pm, Oral Questions, Single-sex provision for NHS staff and patients, tabled by the anti-trans Baroness Fox. More here
Thursday, 9 January
House of Commons, 9.30am+, General debate, Tackling violence against women and girls. More here.
THIS WEEK
Monday, 6 January
Report: Resolution Foundation report on child poverty
Arrest warrant expires for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
Trial begins for former French President Nicolas Sarkozy over alleged campaign funds from Muammar Gaddafi
Thursday, 9 January
Report: MPs’ expenses
Report: NHS key services performance data, including waiting times
Report: NHS staff earnings
State funeral for former US president Jimmy Carter
Lebanese parliament meets to elect new president.
Court hearing for Russell Brand on speeding charge
Friday, 10 January
Reform UK South East conference
US Supreme Court hearing in TikTok challenge to ban/divestment order
Nicolas Maduro begins new term as Venezuelan President
Saturday, 11 January
Reform UK North West conference
Germany’s SPD and AfD hold party conferences
Sunday, 12 January
Croatia presidential election runoff
Parliamentary elections in Comoros
MUST READ
My doctor emailed me back, by Abigail Thorn [Trans Writes]
In a powerful critique, Abigail Thorn examines the NHS trans healthcare pathway, describing it as rooted in a pathologising ideology that denies trans people bodily autonomy. Thorn discusses her rejection of an NHS proposal to help communicate upcoming changes, arguing that the system's framework remains fundamentally discriminatory. She advocates for a shift to informed consent-based care, outlines systemic failures, and calls for structural reform to depathologise transition care. Thorn also points to the emergence of a global trans rights movement as a sign of hope for the future.
THE PAPERS
December stats
In December, there were a total of 94 articles about trans people in the Guardian/Observer, Mail, Times and, of course Telegraph.
The latter accounted for 57% of those articles, publishing 54 in 31 days. The Times was next with 19, followed by the Mail with 16 and the Guardian with five.
May 2024 was the first full month I tracked and, since that date there were a total of 713 articles in 261 days. That works out at almost three a day - every single day.
2025
As the last week on 2024 ticked over into a new year, there were 12 published with six in the first week of 2025.
The Guardian/Observer haven’t published an article on trans people since 18 December (Sonia Sodha’s last Observer column on trans people was at the start of August) while the Times have ‘only’ had three since Christmas.
As usual, the Telegraph leads the way. Over the past two weeks, they had 14 articles, with three of those on Boxing Day alone. The Mail had seven.
Maya Forstater’s Christmas
What do you do when you are obsessed with trans people but it’s the holiday season and your friends and family, if you have any left, all want to talk about something else? Well, you spend it on the phone to your journalist mates at the Mail and Telegraph. At least, that’s what Maya Forstater seems to have done over the most recent holiday period. You can see more on that below.
Quoted or mentioned this week:
Martina Navratilova on an LGBTQ+ charity in Norwich [Telegraph, 26 December]
Maya Forstater wanting trans people who don’t reveal they are trans to potential sexual partners to be convicted of a crime [Telegraph, 26 December]
Maya Forstater comparing those same trans people to a men raping their wives [Times, 27 December].
Maya Forstater on trans officers being allowed to strip search people [Telegraph, 27 December]
Helen Joyce on male menopause [Telegraph, 28 December]
Maya Forstater on police warrant cards [Daily Mail, 1 January]
JK Rowling saying there are no trans kids [Daily Mail, 30 December, Telegraph, 31 December]
How many GCs got a byline? 2 - Kathleen Stock [Times, 28 December, ‘We’re not ready for the voodoo of deepfakes‘], Julie Bindel [Telegraph, 31 December, attacking Joanne Harris for using trigger warnings in her books, Kathleen Stock [Sunday Times, 5 January, standing in for Hadley Freeman, Stock slabbers about Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show].
How many trans people were quoted or got a byline? LOL
Spotted or know something you think I should include in the Trans Agenda?
THE PAPERS Monday 23 December - Sunday 4 January
23 Monday Total: 1
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [0]
Telegraph [1]
24 Tuesday Total: 2
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [0]
Telegraph [2]
25 Wednesday Total: 0
No editions printed
26 Thursday Total: 5
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [2]
Telegraph [3]
![Bible is pro-trans and has queer characters, church group claims The Daily Telegraph26 Dec 2024By Craig Simpson THE Bible is pro-transgender, according to guidance promoted by an Anglican campaign group. It claims that “not everyone in the Bible is cisgender” – their gender at birth – and says that biblical stories contain “some clear queer characters”. This argument rests on the treatment of eunuchs in scripture and women taking part in apparently masculine activities in the Bible. The guidance is contained in resources hosted on the website LGBT Faith UK. A link to the document states: “The Bible affirms trans, intersex and queer people.” The text begins by stating: “Not everyone in the Bible is cisgender. Nor is everyone in the Bible biologically or anatomically male or female. “In the Bible, the clearest example of this are eunuchs, who can be seen as the biblical ‘ancestors’ of trans people.” The guidance states that in chapter eight of Acts, an angel is sent to instruct one of the early evangelists to go and seek an Ethiopian eunuch, who he finds reading scripture. Philip, the evangelist, delivers the Christian messages to the Eunuch, and subsequently baptises him. The guidance states that this shows that the eunuch could be “a full member [of the church] without having to be totally male or totally female. God called him just as he was”. The resources further claim that Jesus’s encounter with a Samaritan woman in John hints that she is “intersex” and also shows that Christ “affirms” her identity. It adds that while “finding queer characters in the Bible” can be difficult, “looking at queer in terms of gender performance shows some clear ‘Not everyone in the Bible is cisgender. Nor is everyone biologically male or female’ queer characters”. The example given is the female judge Deborah, who despite being female leads the Israelites into battle, a “very male thing for a woman to do”. On the same site it is stated that the Bible “affirms gays and lesbians” and “affirms bisexuals”. The website LGBTQ Faith UK supports the lobby group Changing Attitude. It has lobbied Church of England bishops for “radical inclusion” of sexual orientations and gender identities. The pressure group was founded by Colin Coward, a retired Anglican priest, and wants to bring about a “radical transformation of the patriarchal, heteronormative, white, western privileged culture of the Church of England”. It wants the church to become one that “embraces unconditionally lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people”. The group lobbied bishops extensively as the Church sought to consult on issues of sexuality and gender as part of a process titled Living in Love and Faith. It was hoped that responses to this process could push bishops to adopt a new “radical” stance ahead of the 2023 Synod. Ann Reddecliffe, the campaigner who wrote the guidance, was also a representative for Inclusive Churches. The educational charity lobbies for greater inclusion and has hundreds of churches registered with it. The guidance material states that it is taken from a book called LGBTQ Welcome by Ms Reddecliffe, but admits that it is not the official position of the Church. In 2018, the church said the Affirmation of Baptism service should be adapted to make transgender people feel more welcome. Article Name:Bible is pro-trans and has queer characters, church group claims Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Craig Simpson Start Page:11 End Page:11](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65456147-d7ca-4eb9-93c6-f2ce90eabbf2_755x640.png "Bible is pro-trans and has queer characters, church group claims The Daily Telegraph26 Dec 2024By Craig Simpson THE Bible is pro-transgender, according to guidance promoted by an Anglican campaign group. It claims that “not everyone in the Bible is cisgender” – their gender at birth – and says that biblical stories contain “some clear queer characters”. This argument rests on the treatment of eunuchs in scripture and women taking part in apparently masculine activities in the Bible. The guidance is contained in resources hosted on the website LGBT Faith UK. A link to the document states: “The Bible affirms trans, intersex and queer people.” The text begins by stating: “Not everyone in the Bible is cisgender. Nor is everyone in the Bible biologically or anatomically male or female. “In the Bible, the clearest example of this are eunuchs, who can be seen as the biblical ‘ancestors’ of trans people.” The guidance states that in chapter eight of Acts, an angel is sent to instruct one of the early evangelists to go and seek an Ethiopian eunuch, who he finds reading scripture. Philip, the evangelist, delivers the Christian messages to the Eunuch, and subsequently baptises him. The guidance states that this shows that the eunuch could be “a full member [of the church] without having to be totally male or totally female. God called him just as he was”. The resources further claim that Jesus’s encounter with a Samaritan woman in John hints that she is “intersex” and also shows that Christ “affirms” her identity. It adds that while “finding queer characters in the Bible” can be difficult, “looking at queer in terms of gender performance shows some clear ‘Not everyone in the Bible is cisgender. Nor is everyone biologically male or female’ queer characters”. The example given is the female judge Deborah, who despite being female leads the Israelites into battle, a “very male thing for a woman to do”. On the same site it is stated that the Bible “affirms gays and lesbians” and “affirms bisexuals”. The website LGBTQ Faith UK supports the lobby group Changing Attitude. It has lobbied Church of England bishops for “radical inclusion” of sexual orientations and gender identities. The pressure group was founded by Colin Coward, a retired Anglican priest, and wants to bring about a “radical transformation of the patriarchal, heteronormative, white, western privileged culture of the Church of England”. It wants the church to become one that “embraces unconditionally lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people”. The group lobbied bishops extensively as the Church sought to consult on issues of sexuality and gender as part of a process titled Living in Love and Faith. It was hoped that responses to this process could push bishops to adopt a new “radical” stance ahead of the 2023 Synod. Ann Reddecliffe, the campaigner who wrote the guidance, was also a representative for Inclusive Churches. The educational charity lobbies for greater inclusion and has hundreds of churches registered with it. The guidance material states that it is taken from a book called LGBTQ Welcome by Ms Reddecliffe, but admits that it is not the official position of the Church. In 2018, the church said the Affirmation of Baptism service should be adapted to make transgender people feel more welcome. Article Name:Bible is pro-trans and has queer characters, church group claims Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Craig Simpson Start Page:11 End Page:11")
![Transgender people hiding their biological sex from partners may not be a crime, says CPS The Daily Telegraph26 Dec 2024By Daniel Martin deputy political editor TRANSGENDER people who hide their biological sex from romantic partners may not be committing a crime, prosecutors have said. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has updated its guidance for the crime of sex by deception, which includes where someone tricks a partner into sleeping with them by pretending to be a different sex. Critics said it could give a “get out of jail free card” for predators to escape rape charges by claiming they are trans. The document makes it clear that rape or sexual assault charges may be brought if a victim was not aware of the suspect’s birth sex and therefore did not consent. But it also sets out a long list of reasons why transgender people may keep their birth sex hidden. Campaigners fear this could be exploited by men to avoid being prosecuted. The guidance stated: “Many people who have transitioned may not regard themselves as trans, but simply as a man or a woman. Young people, in particular, may see their ‘gender identity’ as ‘fluid’ and ‘may identify as a man and a women or neither’.” It also said others may not “openly identify as trans” in the workplace “for fear of a family or relationship breakdown, losing employment, or exclusion from a close-knit community or a place of worship”. Maya Forstater, co-founder of women’s rights group Sex Matters, said: “[The guidance] still suggests people may avoid a conviction for sexual assault based on deception if they say they are trans. A person who fails to be honest about their sex when seeking a sexual relationship is behaving in a way that is at a minimum creepy and, at worst, be engaging in deception and assault. Siobhan Blake, national lead for rape and serious sexual offences at the CPS, said: “It is important our guidance gives prosecutors the knowledge they need to make decisions in rare cases where deception as to sex may have occurred.” Article Name:Transgender people hiding their biological sex from partners may not be a crime, says CPS Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Daniel Martin deputy political editor Start Page:12 End Page:12](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe638d3aa-a85e-496a-a59f-a45e41239d9f_1515x219.png "Transgender people hiding their biological sex from partners may not be a crime, says CPS The Daily Telegraph26 Dec 2024By Daniel Martin deputy political editor TRANSGENDER people who hide their biological sex from romantic partners may not be committing a crime, prosecutors have said. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has updated its guidance for the crime of sex by deception, which includes where someone tricks a partner into sleeping with them by pretending to be a different sex. Critics said it could give a “get out of jail free card” for predators to escape rape charges by claiming they are trans. The document makes it clear that rape or sexual assault charges may be brought if a victim was not aware of the suspect’s birth sex and therefore did not consent. But it also sets out a long list of reasons why transgender people may keep their birth sex hidden. Campaigners fear this could be exploited by men to avoid being prosecuted. The guidance stated: “Many people who have transitioned may not regard themselves as trans, but simply as a man or a woman. Young people, in particular, may see their ‘gender identity’ as ‘fluid’ and ‘may identify as a man and a women or neither’.” It also said others may not “openly identify as trans” in the workplace “for fear of a family or relationship breakdown, losing employment, or exclusion from a close-knit community or a place of worship”. Maya Forstater, co-founder of women’s rights group Sex Matters, said: “[The guidance] still suggests people may avoid a conviction for sexual assault based on deception if they say they are trans. A person who fails to be honest about their sex when seeking a sexual relationship is behaving in a way that is at a minimum creepy and, at worst, be engaging in deception and assault. Siobhan Blake, national lead for rape and serious sexual offences at the CPS, said: “It is important our guidance gives prosecutors the knowledge they need to make decisions in rare cases where deception as to sex may have occurred.” Article Name:Transgender people hiding their biological sex from partners may not be a crime, says CPS Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Daniel Martin deputy political editor Start Page:12 End Page:12")
27 Friday Total: 3
The Guardian [0]
The Times [2]
![Police sued over policy on strip-search Nadeem Badshah British Transport Police is being sued by women’s rights campaigners over guidance that allows transgender officers to strip-search women. The force is facing legal action from the organisation Sex Matters over the policy, under which staff identifying as female may intimately search women provided the officers have a gender recognition certificate. Campaigners wrote to Lucy D’Orsi, the BTP chief constable, last month calling for the advice to be removed, arguing that it breaches human rights. However, it remains in place. Similar national policing guidance was temporarily withdrawn in January after the Conservative government raised concerns about women’s safety. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said at the time that it was conducting a “thorough” review of its guidance on searches conducted by transgender officers and forces have been advised to revert to their own policies on strip-searches. The original policy had been implemented by the majority of police forces across the country, according to a report by the Women’s Rights Network. The guidance says that officers can search people of the same sex as “either their birth certificate or GRC [gender recognition certificate]”. Those who are over 18 and have “lived in their affirmed gender for more than two years” can apply for a GRC to legally recognise their gender. A spokesman for the force said: “British Transport Police can confirm that a civil claim has been received and a judicial review is under way.”](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1eaddd4a-f419-4b13-9d9f-bd0fc8c7f2fa_246x806.png "Police sued over policy on strip-search Nadeem Badshah British Transport Police is being sued by women’s rights campaigners over guidance that allows transgender officers to strip-search women. The force is facing legal action from the organisation Sex Matters over the policy, under which staff identifying as female may intimately search women provided the officers have a gender recognition certificate. Campaigners wrote to Lucy D’Orsi, the BTP chief constable, last month calling for the advice to be removed, arguing that it breaches human rights. However, it remains in place. Similar national policing guidance was temporarily withdrawn in January after the Conservative government raised concerns about women’s safety. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said at the time that it was conducting a “thorough” review of its guidance on searches conducted by transgender officers and forces have been advised to revert to their own policies on strip-searches. The original policy had been implemented by the majority of police forces across the country, according to a report by the Women’s Rights Network. The guidance says that officers can search people of the same sex as “either their birth certificate or GRC [gender recognition certificate]”. Those who are over 18 and have “lived in their affirmed gender for more than two years” can apply for a GRC to legally recognise their gender. A spokesman for the force said: “British Transport Police can confirm that a civil claim has been received and a judicial review is under way.”")
Daily Mail [0]
Telegraph [1]
28 Saturday Total: 1
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [0]
Telegraph [1]
29 Sunday Total: 0
30 Monday Total: 2
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [1]
Telegraph [1]
31 Tuesday Total: 4
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [2]
Telegraph [2]
![Rowling claims ‘no child is born in wrong body’ in latest row over transgender issues The Daily Telegraph31 Dec 2024By Tom Mcardle JK ROWLING has said that “no child is born in the wrong body” in her latest intervention on transgender issues. The Harry Potter author said there were “no trans kids”, and only adults believing in “an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies”. She was responding to a critic who said they wished she would use her “immense power for good” and labelled her “hateful focus” on transgender children as “hurtful and unnecessary”. In response, the 59-year-old writer posted on X: “There are no trans kids. No child is ‘born in the wrong body’. “There are only adults like you, prepared to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies and false memory syndrome combined.” One user replied in agreement, claiming that children’s parents were the problem. However, Rowling responded that was “not always” the case, and claimed children were also watching Tiktok videos “of surgeons selling the idea that bodies can be modified like Lego”. She continued: “Schools affirm kids’ trans identities behind parents’ backs. “Many parents are struggling to protect kids from a zeitgeist telling them that anxieties about puberty, sexuality and growing up can be fixed by lifelong reliance on Big Pharma and by doctors who make Frankenstein look ethical,” she said. Rowling has been criticised for her staunch views on gender identity and ‘[It is] an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies’ allowing trans women into women-only spaces and competing in women’s sport – but has previously denied accusations of transphobia. Her views have put her at the centre of controversy surrounding discussion on women’s rights and transgender issues in the past few years, although this appears to be the furthest she has gone. Earlier this month, she appeared to criticise a “mad” ruling by Ipso, the press watchdog, against The Spectator following a complaint from a trans author over an article calling her a “man who claims to be a woman”. Rowling said that no publication should be forced to “assert a lie”. The author has previously claimed that she decided to speak about transgender issues because she believes she is witnessing “the greatest assault of my lifetime” on women’s rights. Rowling was branded “transphobic” by activists in 2020 and shunned by some actors from the Harry Potter films. Despite criticism, Warner Bros, the studio that made the films, recently defended her “right to express her personal views” ahead of casting for the planned Harry Potter series, which is set to premiere in 2026. Article Name:Rowling claims ‘no child is born in wrong body’ in latest row over transgender issues Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Tom Mcardle Start Page:7 End Page:7](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc4f5bd1-01bc-4f96-8070-4ec3855fb8a0_767x591.png "Rowling claims ‘no child is born in wrong body’ in latest row over transgender issues The Daily Telegraph31 Dec 2024By Tom Mcardle JK ROWLING has said that “no child is born in the wrong body” in her latest intervention on transgender issues. The Harry Potter author said there were “no trans kids”, and only adults believing in “an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies”. She was responding to a critic who said they wished she would use her “immense power for good” and labelled her “hateful focus” on transgender children as “hurtful and unnecessary”. In response, the 59-year-old writer posted on X: “There are no trans kids. No child is ‘born in the wrong body’. “There are only adults like you, prepared to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies and false memory syndrome combined.” One user replied in agreement, claiming that children’s parents were the problem. However, Rowling responded that was “not always” the case, and claimed children were also watching Tiktok videos “of surgeons selling the idea that bodies can be modified like Lego”. She continued: “Schools affirm kids’ trans identities behind parents’ backs. “Many parents are struggling to protect kids from a zeitgeist telling them that anxieties about puberty, sexuality and growing up can be fixed by lifelong reliance on Big Pharma and by doctors who make Frankenstein look ethical,” she said. Rowling has been criticised for her staunch views on gender identity and ‘[It is] an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies’ allowing trans women into women-only spaces and competing in women’s sport – but has previously denied accusations of transphobia. Her views have put her at the centre of controversy surrounding discussion on women’s rights and transgender issues in the past few years, although this appears to be the furthest she has gone. Earlier this month, she appeared to criticise a “mad” ruling by Ipso, the press watchdog, against The Spectator following a complaint from a trans author over an article calling her a “man who claims to be a woman”. Rowling said that no publication should be forced to “assert a lie”. The author has previously claimed that she decided to speak about transgender issues because she believes she is witnessing “the greatest assault of my lifetime” on women’s rights. Rowling was branded “transphobic” by activists in 2020 and shunned by some actors from the Harry Potter films. Despite criticism, Warner Bros, the studio that made the films, recently defended her “right to express her personal views” ahead of casting for the planned Harry Potter series, which is set to premiere in 2026. Article Name:Rowling claims ‘no child is born in wrong body’ in latest row over transgender issues Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Tom Mcardle Start Page:7 End Page:7")
1 Wednesday Total: 2
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [1]
Telegraph [1]
2 Thursday Total: 3
The Guardian [0]
The Times [1]
![Trans officers given different warrant cards James Beal - Social Affairs Editor Police forces are giving transgender officers different warrant cards for their different gender identities. At least 11 forces use the policy, freedom of information responses show. Some trans officers receive two warrant cards, or more if they are “gender fluid”. Two thirds of forces let male staff who identify as women use women’s showers, lavatories and changing rooms. Norfolk police say that “where [their gender identity] does not fit a binary definition of gender, the individual is able to choose [facilities] where they feel most comfortable”. Maya Forstater, of Sex Matters, said: “This is a scandal waiting to happen. Female police officers, suspects and victims should be given respect and protected from abuse, but instead forces are using them as props to validate trans-identifying male officers.” The College of Policing said: “All employers, including policing, are required to comply with the Equality Act.”](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F52423d81-c7c1-4e87-8700-dc87e8a30f0b_1230x368.png "Trans officers given different warrant cards James Beal - Social Affairs Editor Police forces are giving transgender officers different warrant cards for their different gender identities. At least 11 forces use the policy, freedom of information responses show. Some trans officers receive two warrant cards, or more if they are “gender fluid”. Two thirds of forces let male staff who identify as women use women’s showers, lavatories and changing rooms. Norfolk police say that “where [their gender identity] does not fit a binary definition of gender, the individual is able to choose [facilities] where they feel most comfortable”. Maya Forstater, of Sex Matters, said: “This is a scandal waiting to happen. Female police officers, suspects and victims should be given respect and protected from abuse, but instead forces are using them as props to validate trans-identifying male officers.” The College of Policing said: “All employers, including policing, are required to comply with the Equality Act.”")
Daily Mail [1]
Telegraph [1]
3 Friday Total: 0
4 Saturday Total: 1
The Guardian [0]
The Times [0]
Daily Mail [0]
Telegraph [1]
5 Sunday Total: 0
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TRANSWRITES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
My doctor emailed me back, by Abigail Thorn
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How Bluesky reacted to United Healthcare, Nick Fuentes and Jesse Singal is a bit worrying, by Gemma Stone
The Rainbow Laces campaign isn't enough, by Arthur Webber
How Erika Hilton - a Black travesti trans woman - is changing Brasil, by Lis Welch
“Transitions The Unheard Stories” review; A useful resource hampered by an inconcise introduction, by Laura Kate Dale
When was the T added to LGBT? A quick history, by Sarah Clarke
Trans people are the greatest assault on women in JK Rowling’s life time, apparently, by Gemma Stone
NHS & puberty blockers: Former GIDS patients reflect on long wait times, invasive assessments, by Sasha Baker.
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