Hello, and welcome a very hung-over Trans Agenda. There was a massive Trans Rights protest in Belfast, the likes of which I have never seen. Thousands of people marched from Writer's Square to Belfast City Hall in a display of support that shocked many who have been involved in fighting for trans people for years, myself included. You can see the scale of the protest here.
After the march, my girlfriend and I stopped off in a bar to get out of the sun, encouraged to pick this one in particular because of their 2-for-1 cocktail offer. The cocktails, however, had to be the same, and when we couldn't agree on one we both wanted, we just got two each. 7.4 units in two drinks, drunk quickly so we could meet others, combined with stupid temperatures for Belfast in May meant that I was ever so slightly drunk and, therefore, on a total go-slow today.
Anyway, as you will see below, there was a lot to get through, so let's crack on.
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Northern Ireland's health minister, Mike Nesbitt (UUP), has finally signed off on funding to enhance the regional identity service in Northern Ireland after having it on his desk for over a month. Just under half the £1.9m that was needed has been approved. This money is expected to be released in June which, I'm sure entirely coincidentally, is when updated guidance from the Equality Commission on the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling for Northern Ireland is expected. The Equality Act does not apply in NI but it is widely expected that they will be pressured to follow England's commands by politicians at Stormont.
Labour will not renew Falkner's contract [Exclusive]
Many were surprised when Labour granted Baroness Falkner a 12-month extension to remain in her role as Chair of the EHRC, wreaking havoc on the lives of trans people. Doing so has allowed them to palm off a lot of their dirty work to the woman put in place by Liz Truss. I've been told that her contract will not be renewed, so it now becomes about how much more damage she can do before she leaves at the end of September.
NHS and ministers accused of suppressing suicide data linked to trans care cuts [Jolyon Maugham]
Jolyon Maugham KC has accused Wes Streeting’s department and the NHS of “naked dishonesty” after reporting that a key report on the suicide of young trans people was being withheld. The Good Law Project director said the National Child Mortality Database completed a report in March 2024 to support suicide prevention efforts after the death of Jason Pulman, a trans teenager. Officials initially said that the document was being withheld until 2026, but later claimed it was “not intended for publication” at all.
The UK has dropped from 16th to 22nd in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map of LGBTQ+ rights following the Supreme Court’s ruling redefining “sex” in equality law. The decision, and supporting guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, have weakened trans protections, prompting a steep fall. According to Trans Europe and Central Asia, this marks a turning point, with more human rights reversals than gains for trans people.
Huge rise in children on gender care waiting list sparks renewed concern [Mail]
The number of children waiting for specialist gender care on the NHS in England and Wales has risen sharply, with 6,225 now on the list (a 12% increase) and 157 under the age of 10. Average waiting times exceed two years. Dr Roman Raczka, president of the British Psychological Society, warned that “demand is currently outpacing supply” and said access to timely support is “essential” to avoid crisis.
EHRC extends consultation after backlash over trans guidance [source]
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has extended its consultation on formal guidance following the Supreme Court ruling. The EHRC’s interim advice was rushed out without internal discussion (see below for more on this), prompting distressing (and illegal) changes in workplace policies.
The EHRC will now allow six weeks for feedback instead of two. MPs on the Women and Equalities Committee urged the watchdog to ensure its final code protects all people, including trans people. They also wrote to the EHRC to ask for the extension, applying more pressure on the compromised watchdog.
EHRC faces internal revolt over trans guidance rollout [Guardian]
The EHRC is facing growing unrest among its own staff over interim guidance issued in response to a Supreme Court ruling. The guidance, published without warning, advised that trans people could be excluded from single-sex spaces, sparking fear, confusion and anger.
Staff reportedly had no prior knowledge of the advice before its release, and many were left fielding public criticism without being briefed. Insiders described the process as “shambolic” and “secretive”, with some staff now considering leaving the organisation. Stakeholders have also begun to distance themselves, citing a loss of trust.
One person told the Guardian, “Most people, including some fairly senior ones, had no idea the interim guidance was coming until it was published late on the Friday evening … Staff working on sex and gender issues hadn’t been told, and nor had the duty press staff who were meant to explain it to the media. It was completely shambolic …
“The pushback has been really strong. Some stakeholders are saying they can no longer work with us. Loads of staff say they’re looking for other jobs.”
At a recent all-staff meeting, questions to Chair Kishwer Falkner and CEO John Kirkpatrick were said to be combative over the handling of the guidance and fears it undermines the EHRC’s commitment to protecting trans rights, a ship that sailed long ago.
Legal experts warn Supreme Court ruling breaches trans rights [Attitude]
Over 60 MPs, Lords, and parliamentary staff attended a trans-led legal briefing in Westminster warning the Supreme Court’s ruling could breech human rights obligations. Speakers, including Jess O’Thomson, Robin White, Crash Wigley, Oscar Davies, Olivia Campbell-Cavendish, and Dr Sandra Duffy, highlighted that the ruling deepens discrimination against trans people and undermines case law. They criticised the Equality and Human Rights Commission's interim guidance as misleading and harmful. Hosted by Nadia Whittome MP, the session called for parliamentary opposition to any rollback of rights.
Labour delays schools guidance on trans pupils as legal challenge looms [Mail]
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declined to confirm whether updated guidance for schools on supporting trans pupils will be published before the summer holidays and this was enough for the Mail to declare the guidance will be delayed.
The Good Law Project has launched legal action against the government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Labour rejects Tory pressure to scrap gender-neutral toilets [Mail]
The Labour government has confirmed it will retain gender-neutral toilets in government buildings, rejecting previous plans introduced by Kemi Badenoch to remove them.
Unison backs trans woman’s run for female seat [Telegraph]
Unison, the UK’s largest trade union, has no issue allowing Ellie Waple, a 23-year-old trans woman, to stand for a female seat on its national executive committee, much to the Telegraph's annoyance.
Civil servants consider strike action over trans exclusion in workplace facilities [Mail]
Civil servants are threatening legal and industrial action over government guidance that restricts access to facilities based on sex assigned at birth. Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, the largest civil service union, argue the policy amounts to workplace segregation of transgender staff and say it undermines both equality and dignity. A motion set for debate at the union's annual conference calls for coordinated opposition to the rules and rejects the framing of sex as biologically fixed. Their conference is due to take place from Tuesday 20 May until lunchtime on Thursday.
Health boards defend inclusive policies amid misleading claims of legal defiance
Several Scottish NHS health boards have said they will await updated guidance before making any changes to inclusive gender policies, following the UK Supreme Court's April ruling on the Equality Act. Contrary to claims in the Daily Telegraph, which misrepresents both the ruling and legal obligations, the court did not mandate a blanket ban on trans people using facilities suitable for their gender.
Organisations including NHS Lothian, NHS Fife, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have taken a responsible approach by awaiting formal guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, expected this summer.
Despite pressure from anti-trans groups and politicians, these boards are acting in line with public health best practice, and a duty of care to all service users.
Dr Elizabeth-Jane Peatfield has resigned from the magistracy following backlash over a post that misgendered murdered trans teenager Brianna Ghey. Peatfield’s comments, made on the day of sentencing for Ghey’s killers, caused outrage for their cruelty and disregard for Brianna. Her resignation follows an investigation into whether her remarks breached judicial conduct and undermined public trust. Ghey’s murder was confirmed in court as a hate crime rooted in anti-trans hostility.
Stroud Pride bans gender-critical views, citing harm to trans inclusion [Telegraph]
Organisers of Stroud Pride have stated that people holding gender-critical or “LGB” views will not be welcome at this year’s event. A call for performers included a warning that those who do not recognise trans people as part of the LGBTQ+ community will be excluded.
Topless protest outside Holyrood denounces ruling on trans rights [Pink News]
A group of trans women staged a topless protest outside the Scottish Parliament on 17 May in response to the UK Supreme Court ruling. Protesters described the action as a "public act of grief, resistance and solidarity", marking what they called the death of trans rights in the UK. Wearing red paint and tape over their mouths, they denounced both the ruling and Holyrood’s new policy enforcing access to facilities by birth sex. Protester Sugar called the judgement "an act of erasure" and warned of "a descent into fascism."
Sinn Féin banned from Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin over puberty blocker stance [source]
Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has banned Sinn Féin from participating in this year’s march, citing the party’s failure to provide sufficient clarity on its position regarding trans healthcare and the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex. Despite multiple engagements with senior figures, including Mary Lou McDonald, David Cullinane, and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, organisers said the party failed to oppose the ban on puberty blockers in Northern Ireland or commit to resisting similar measures in the Republic of Ireland. The group described Sinn Féin’s stance as inadequate and disappointing.
I am told that, internally, Sinn Féin are furious about the all these Pride bans. If only they were as angry on behalf of the trans people whose healthcare they helped take away, and not solely because their front as an ally is being shown for the sham that it is.
Omagh Pride dedicate this year's event to trans people [Omagh Pride]
In a statement on socials, they wrote, "On Saturday 14 June, Omagh will once again open Pride season in Northern Ireland with its fifth annual parade. We've decided our theme this year is ‘Trans Lives Matter’, and we'll be putting trans rights front and centre."
Government rejects call to legally enshrine right to transition [UK Govt]
The UK government has declined a petition calling for a law to guarantee access to physical transition via NHS services for adults. In response, the Department of Health insisted that such a law is unnecessary, stating that NHS patients already have the right to clinically appropriate care (if they can get past the gatekeepers). The government acknowledged long wait times and lied, saying services are expanding.
AROUND THE WORLD
US: Defense department to begin screening for trans people [source]
The US Department of Defense has issued implementation guidance for Executive Order 14183, titled "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness." This directive mandates that service members with a current diagnosis, history, or symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria are ineligible for military service. The policy also rescinds previous guidance supporting transgender service and requires all military records to reflect only male or female designations based on what they think is biological sex.
EU: Court makes “unprecedented” decision for trans man in France [Huffington Post]
A Strasbourg court has ordered the Bas-Rhin health authority to cover a trans man’s mastectomy in a landmark ruling described as “unprecedented” by his lawyer. The court found that requiring additional documentation created inequality based on gender identity, breaching Articles 8 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The man, who began his transition in 2017, was also awarded €3,000 in damages. His legal team hopes the judgment sets a precedent, with further cases pending across France. The decision marks the first time a French court has recognised such treatment denial as discriminatory.
MEDIA
Irish papers see uptick in anti-trans content [source]
Posting on Bluesky, JesALady reported, "In the last week I found around 28 articles in Irish media with non-trivial mentions of #trans topics. - 5 on SF ban from T&I Pride Dublin - 3 on healthcare - 2 on transphobia - 1 on the ex-teacher - 6 on ex-TV writer - 8 on UK Supreme Court ruling and/or sport - 3 general cultural articles
Lineker defends Gaza stance and speaks out in support of trans people
Gary Lineker has defended his support for Palestinians, stating “if you’re silent on these issues, you’re almost complicit” in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph. The outgoing Match of the Day presenter, who faced a confected backlash after sharing a pro-Palestinian Instagram post, insisted his criticism targets the Israeli government, not Jewish people, and called the Gaza conflict “beyond depraved”. He also addressed trans inclusion in sport, expressing sympathy for trans people and pushing back against “bigoted views”. Lineker added: “They’re some of the most persecuted on the planet. I genuinely feel really badly for trans people.”
The author of the piece, Oliver Brown, is furious throughout when Lineker will not agree with him as he trots out line after line of GC nonsense. Brown followed this piece up the next day with an article attacking Lineker as 'arrogant' and demanding to know why he didn't address this issue when he was hosting the BBC's FA Cup final coverage on Saturday.
Lineker's quotes from the interview include:
“They’re some of the most persecuted on the planet, trans people. You’ve got to be very careful not to have bigoted views on that. I genuinely feel really badly for trans people. Imagine going through what they have to go through in life. Is there even any issue? It’s the same swimmer, the same weightlifter, the same boxer. They’re the only people I ever see.”
“Are you telling me that there are many people who pretend to be women just so they’re going to be good at sport?”
“We’ve got the Women’s Euros in the summer. Let’s see if there’s one issue – I don’t think there is.”
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Labour licensed exports of more military equipment to Israel in the final three months of 2024 than the Tories did for all of 2020-2023, new figures have revealed [The National]
🚨Debate, Westminster Hall, 4.30pm, e-petition 701159, relating to transgender people self-identifying their legal gender.
🚨Oral questions, House of Lords, 2.30pm+, Discussions with Sports England on the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010, following the Supreme Court decision in "For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16" on 16 April.
Legislation, House of Lords, 2.30pm+, Data (Use and Access) Bill - consideration of Commons amendments and / or reasons - They attempted to get an anti-trans amendment in the last time which was rejected by the Commons.
Keir Starmer hosts EU-UK Summit in London.
Keir Starmer is expected to address Parliamentary Labour Party meeting.
78th World Health Assembly begins.
Wednesday 21 May
Prime Minister's Questions, House of Commons, 12pm.
Committee, Women and Equalities, 2pm, Misogyny: the manosphere and online content - Oral evidence.
Report: UK consumer price index.
Thursday 22 May*
Donald Trump meme coin contest winners' dinner.
Friday 23 May
Report: NHS bed availability and occupancy.
Laurence Fox in court on sexual offence charges over an upskirt photo of TV star Narinder Kaur.
Saturday 24 May
Arsenal face Barcelona in UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Sunday 25 May
Trans rights protest in London.
Venezuela holds legislative and regional elections.
Five years ago: George Floyd murdered.
*Parliament goes into recess on 22 May and will return on 2 June.
