The Trans Agenda #36

[9 September 2024]

Welcome to The Trans Agenda, a newsletter that will arrive in your inbox Monday if you are subscribed. You can also read it on Substack and on Trans Writes.

Well, I’m finally back after a summer of trying to make money to live, apologies for the absence, but the work I did over the summer affords me the time to do this now.

Anyway, it is safe to say that things have not got any better for trans people since I was last here and, despite a change of government in the UK, Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting are more than happy to continue with the Tories’ attacks on trans healthcare, albeit while pretending to care.

I’m not going to round up everything that happened while I was away as that would take too long, so I’m going to get back to it with stories that have got less traction than others, while also referencing the main stories currently at the forefront of the most recent attacks on trans people.

I also have something of an exclusive and we will start with that.

NEWS & POLITICS

Claims Sinn Fein representative said Keir Starmer threatened legal action over puberty blocker ban [Trans Agenda exclusive]

  • On Thursday 29 August, a Sinn Fein representative met with Sinn Fein LGBTQ+ to ‘explain’ the recent decision by Michelle O’Neill to abandon the party’s support for the use of puberty blockers and, alongside the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly, sign in an ‘urgent’ ban in Northern Ireland, bypassing the Executive.At the time, Sinn Fein issued a statement saying they had followed the advice of Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Sir Michael McBride on the matter but, at this meeting, they allegedly said something much different. They allegedly claimed that Keir Starmer, who was on a visit to the province a few days before the ban was announced by the NI Health Minister, the UUP’s Mike Nesbitt, threatened to sue Stormont if they did not implement the ban.

    Few seem inclined to believe this version of events from Sinn Fein, although I trust my source enough to be in no doubt that, in my opinion, this is what was said.

    However, few seem inclined to believe that this sort of move would be beyond Starmer, either.

    Is this a one-off decision or a move that points to a wider rollback of Sinn Fein’s support for trans rights? It is not clear, although some Sinn Fein supporters are confident it is the former. Others, however, believe that Sinn Fein are happy to sacrifice trans people, believing their voting power and support to be of negligible consequence.

    While it all remains murky, what is clear is that Sinn Fein believe puberty blockers are unsafe for trans children in the north of Ireland but perfectly safe for children in the south. If that doesn’t point to a political decision above all else, I’m not sure what does.

    At Newry Pride last weekend, Sinn Fein had the audacity to insert themselves in the parade immediately in front of Mermaids. The contingent, which included an MLA, did not react well when goaded by a trans ally, who upon seeing Sinn Fein’s banner, positioned themselves between the two blocks and began chants of “When trans rights are under attack, Sinn Fein stab them in the back” and “Sinn Fein are not welcome here” through a megaphone.

    The ally reports being told to ‘fuck off’ by multiple people in the group.

Good Law Project to stop taking trans cases

  • The Good Law Project has made the decision to stop taking legal cases that involve fighting for trans rights.Their email said, “We’ve been working together to stand up for trans rights, so I thought you’d like to hear how Good Law Project’s work in this area is going to evolve.

    “In 2025 we’ll be shifting our focus. Instead of funding or taking on legal cases ourselves, we’ll be supporting a trans and queer organisation with a three-year funding commitment. We’ve thought long and hard about the best way to keep fighting for trans rights and lives, and we feel that this is the moment for us to put our weight behind an organisation led by trans people.

    “It’s getting harder and harder to win rights for the trans community through the courts, and it doesn’t feel right to keep asking the community and its allies to carry on contributing to the enormous costs of this increasingly difficult litigation.

    “We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done in this space over the last five years. We’ll keep acting as allies, speaking out when we can make a meaningful contribution to the debate and supporting the tireless work of others standing up for trans rights. But for now, at least, we’ll be focusing our legal campaigns elsewhere.

    “We still have important work to do between now and the end of the year. In November we’ll be making sure the voices and experiences of trans people are heard, when a case affecting the freedoms they have relied on for 20 years is heard in the Supreme Court.

    “And through our colleagues at Good Law Practice we’ll carry on supporting The Clare Project to get answers at inquest about the tragic loss of a trans person’s life.”

    It is not clear who this trans group is, how much will be donated or how that is supposed to help trans people in legal fights.

Puberty blockers a ‘safe, effective and reversible’ form of gender-affirming care, finds Australian review [ABC News]

  • A recent review by the Australian healthcare system has reaffirmed that gender-affirming care, including the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments, is safe, effective, and reversible. The review, which looked at multiple studies, found that gender-affirming care has positive mental health outcomes for transgender and gender-diverse youth. It also confirmed that puberty blockers, used to delay the onset of puberty in transgender adolescents, are reversible and provide young people with time to explore their gender identity without long-term consequences.The findings reinforce that such treatments remain crucial in supporting the mental well-being of transgender individuals. The review also calls for better access to healthcare services for gender-diverse people across Australia, urging policymakers to improve support systems.

    In short, it affirmed the global medical consensus when it comes to treating trans people.

    This is what the Cass Review would have looked like had it been in anyway impartial or independent and not deliberately stacked with anti-trans activists.

Fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square to become monument to 850 trans women murdered since 2016 [Novara Media]

  • From September, London’s Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square will feature a new artwork celebrating transgender and non-binary people.Created by artist Teresa Margolles, the installation consists of white plaster casts of the faces of 850 trans and non-binary individuals from 65 countries. The work, titled 850 Improntas, is a tribute to the global trans community, spotlighting our struggles and resilience.

    Margolles, known for her work as a forensic pathologist, aims to highlight the challenges faced by transgender people worldwide, particularly violence and discrimination.

    The Fourth Plinth, a platform for provocative and socially relevant public art, will showcase this powerful trans monument, bringing attention to often marginalised voices in the heart of one of London’s busiest public spaces.

Bar regulator to impose new diversity and inclusion duty for barristers [Law Gazette]

  • The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has proposed a new rule requiring barristers to actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as part of their core duties. This change would expand barristers’ responsibilities beyond avoiding unlawful discrimination to actively advancing EDI principles when providing legal services.The BSB’s proposal has sparked ‘debate’, with ‘critics’ like Allison Bailey [see below] expressing ‘concern’ that the requirement could lead to regulatory overreach.

UN reminds everybody trans women have rights [UN]

  • Taking to Twitter, they said “Trans women have the same right to protection from violence and discrimination as everyone else, both as women and based on their gender identity, as emphasised by numerous UN agencies and human rights experts.”

Teacher jailed for third time after protesting trans ideology at school that fired him [Gay Today]

  • Enoch Burke has been jailed for the third time after repeatedly ignoring legal rulings to protest against what he describes as “trans ideology” at the school that previously dismissed him. The teacher, who is against transgender inclusion policies, continued his protests despite legal orders preventing him from doing so. In short, the courts keep telling him to stay away from the school and he keeps turning up anyway.This, of course, is being reported by most outlets as him being jailed over pronouns.

MEDIA

The Trans Agenda: The papers target Petrillo, Sutton United & The BMA

  • In this week’s edition of The Trans Agenda: The Papers, there is an increase in anti-trans articles across the media, with 16 pieces published – a 60% rise from the previous week. Two key stories drove the uptick in coverage.First, Valentina Petrillo’s participation in the Paralympics garnered significant attention, particularly from The Telegraph’s Oliver Brown, despite Petrillo failing to make the final. Brown, alongside The Mail’s Ian Herbert, used Petrillo’s story to continue framing trans women a threat to cis women.

    Second, there was a continuation of the effort from media outlets to shield the Cass Report from scrutiny, with several articles criticising the BMA for questioning its findings on puberty blockers.Check out this week’s Trans Agenda: The papers here for the full breakdown and analysis.

PinkNews threatens legal action against former staff over whistleblower Twitter account [Press Gazette]

  • PinkNews has reportedly threatened legal action against former staff members believed to be behind a whistleblower Twitter account called @pinkwashnews. The account has posted allegations about the company’s internal operations, including claims of a toxic work culture and poor treatment of employees. PinkNews has denied the allegations and stated it would pursue legal action to protect the company’s reputation.

Anti-LGBTQ+ right-wingers reportedly working for Russian-funded propaganda outlet [LGBTQ Nation]

  • A recent report reveals that several anti-LGBTQ+ right-wing commentators in the US are working for a Russian-funded propaganda outlet, RT (Russia Today).
    The outlet, funded by the Kremlin, has employed these individuals to create content aligned with Russia’s political agenda, including anti-LGBTQ+ messaging. The revelation has raised concerns about foreign influence in US media and the spread of disinformation, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. The report highlights the growing connection between US right-wing figures and foreign-funded media pushing divisive and destructive narratives.It is believed that they did the same in the UK but the UK government, at present, shows no interest in uncovering Russian interference or releasing the long over due report into Russian interference.

PR company behind Sharron Davies’ ‘grassroots campaign for women’ linked to firm used to repair Prince Andrew’s reputation [source]

  • The PR company managing Sharron Davies’ latest ‘grassroots campaign for women’ is reportedly owned by the same man who was hired by the palace to discredit Virginia Roberts and restore Prince Andrew’s image.

Scotsman remove trans positive article after GC dogpile [source][source]

Sade reportedly working on new album featuring transgender artists [Advocate[

  • Legendary singer Sade is reportedly working on her first album in over a decade, which will feature transgender artists. The project marks a significant return for the artist, known for her soulful music and timeless hits. While details about the album are still emerging, the inclusion of transgender voices reflects Sade’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in her art.

Sade to release new song dedicated to her trans son [LGBTQ Nation]

  • Sade is also set to release a new song dedicated to her transgender son, Izaak Theo Adu, marking her first new music in years. The song reflects Sade’s deep love and support for her son, who publicly came out as transgender in 2016.

Will Ferrell’s road trip with his trans friend will make you cry in Will & Harper [LGBTQ Nation]

  • Comedian Will Ferrell stars in an emotional new road trip movie, Will & Harper, alongside his transgender friend. The film tells a heartwarming and tear-jerking story about friendship, acceptance, and personal growth, highlighting the bond between the two characters as they embark on a transformative journey together. Ferrell’s portrayal, combined with the touching narrative, has already resonated with audiences, positioning Will & Harper as a must-see film that celebrates love, friendship, and inclusivity.It will be released on 27 September on Netflix and in selected cinemas.

Six big-name publishers sue Ron DeSantis’ Florida over “unconstitutional” book-banning law [LGBTQ Nation]

  • Six major publishing companies, including Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group, have filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state over a new law that they argue amounts to unconstitutional censorship and book banning. The law, which restricts certain materials in schools and public libraries, is part of DeSantis’ broader agenda to censor educational content, particularly regarding race, gender, and sexual identity.The publishers, supported by the Authors Guild and other free speech advocates, claim the law violates First Amendment rights by limiting access to a wide range of books and materials, including LGBTQ+ content. They argue that the law’s vague guidelines create an environment of fear, leading to the removal of books from shelves even without formal challenges.

What’s on in Parliament this week?

I have selected things happening in Parliament that caught my attention. You can view a full list of what is on in Parliament here.

Monday, 9 September

House of Lords

Tuesday, 10 September

House of Commons

House of Lords

Wednesday, 11 September

House of Commons

House of Lords

Thursday, 12 September

House of Lords

Friday, 13 September

House of Lords

Parliament will now go to recess for Conference season, returning on 7 October.

Conference dates

SNP (already over)

  • Friday 30 August – Saturday 1 September

Trades Union Congress

  • Sunday 8 September – Wednesday 11 September

Lib Dems

  • Saturday 14 September – Tuesday 17 September

Reform Party (UK)

  • Friday 20 September – Saturday 21 September

DUP

  • Friday 20 September – Saturday 21 September

Labour

  • Sunday 22 September – Wednesday 25 September

Sinn Fein

  • Friday 27 September – Saturday 28 September

UUP

  • Saturday 28 September

Conservatives

  • Sunday 29 September – Wednesday 2 October

SDLP

  • Saturday 5 October

Plaid Cymru

  • Friday 11 October – Saturday 12 October

Green Party of England & Wales

  • Saturday 26 October – Sunday 27 October

Alliance

  • Took place in March

GCs LOSING

Lesbian action group’s bid to ban trans and bisexual women rejected by human rights commission [The Guardian]

  • The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has rejected a request by a lesbian action group to exclude transgender and bisexual women from their events. The group had applied for an exemption from anti-discrimination laws, arguing that their events should be for “biological women” only. However, the AHRC ruled that such an exclusion would violate anti-discrimination laws, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and protection of the rights of all women, including trans and bisexual individuals.

Allison Bailey angry again [source]

  • Allison Bailey, who previously lost a lawsuit against Stonewall, has expressed her opposition to the Bar Standards Board’s proposal to amend the Core Duty of barristers. The amendment would require barristers to “promote equality, diversity, and inclusion” (EDI) in their practice. Or, in other words, ‘don’t be a bigot’.Bailey argues that EDI has become closely associated with trans activism and the erosion of single-sex protections, to the detriment of addressing other forms of discrimination, such as those based on disability, race, and age. She believes barristers should focus solely on upholding the rule of law and their clients’ best interests, claiming the current core duties are sufficient.

    Written responses to the consultation are due by 29 November 2024.

Another ‘Harry Potter’ star disagrees with JK Rowling’s transgender stance [Newsweek]

  • Actress Rakie Ayola, apparently known for her role in the Harry Potter franchise, has weighed in on the ‘controversy’ surrounding JK Rowling’s views on transgender people. Ayola expressed her support for the transgender community, distancing herself from Rowling’s controversial statements. In an interview, Ayola emphasised the importance of inclusivity and standing with those who face marginalisation, including transgender people.

AROUND THE WORLD

New Russian-style law censors mentioning LGBTQ+ in Bulgarian school system [Global Voices]

  • A new law in Bulgaria, modelled after Russian anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, has been enacted to censor any mention of LGBTQ+ topics within the country’s school system. The law, passed in late August, prohibits discussions or materials related to LGBTQ+ issues in educational settings, raising concerns about the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ students. Activists warn that the law will further marginalise LGBTQ+ people and suppress essential conversations about gender and sexual diversity.

Massachusetts trans teen attacked in Gloucester [Them]

  • A transgender teen in Gloucester, Massachusetts was allegedly attacked by a group of peers at a local school. According to reports, the incident involved the teen being physically assaulted while enduring transphobic slurs. The attack has raised alarm within the local community, prompting calls for action against anti-trans violence and better protection for LGBTQ+ students in schools. Local authorities are investigating the incident, while the community rallies in support of the victim.

Trans prisoners in Idaho regain access to hormone therapy after federal court ruling [Gay Today]

  • A federal court has ruled that transgender prisoners in Idaho are entitled to receive hormone therapy, marking a significant legal victory. This decision comes after a period during which access to hormone treatment had been restricted for incarcerated transgender individuals. The court’s ruling reaffirms the rights of transgender inmates to necessary medical care, a move hailed by advocates as a step forward in ensuring fair treatment for all prisoners.

Donald Trump vows to bar transgender children from schools if elected [HuffPost]

  • Donald Trump has announced that, if re-elected as US President, he would push to ban transgender children from schools. In a speech, Trump argued that transgender students are negatively impacting the school environment, and he vowed to enforce policies that would prevent them from attending. He is also claiming that kids are going to school and receiving operations to change their sex.

The Supreme Court case on trans health care explained [ACLU]

  • A pivotal case regarding transgender healthcare is heading to the US Supreme Court, addressing whether states can ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. This case could determine the legality of state-level restrictions on healthcare for transgender youth, particularly treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapies. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argues that such bans violate constitutional rights to equal protection and healthcare access. As the case moves forward, it will have significant implications for the future of transgender rights and healthcare across the US.

Walz administration settles trans inmate lawsuit [Fox News]

  • The administration of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has settled a lawsuit brought by a transgender inmate to the tune of nearly $500,000. The lawsuit, backed by advocacy groups, alleged that the inmate was denied adequate gender-affirming care while in prison. As part of the settlement, the state has agreed to cover the legal fees and provide additional healthcare for the inmate.

Census questions on trans and gender-diverse people critical for health care, experts tell Labor [The Guardian]

  • Health care experts in Australia are urging the Labor government to include questions about trans and gender-diverse individuals in the upcoming census. They argue that such data is crucial for improving healthcare services and policies tailored to the transgender community. Without accurate census data, experts warn that health disparities affecting trans and gender-diverse people will remain unaddressed. Advocates stress the importance of visibility and representation in national statistics to ensure adequate healthcare resources are allocated to meet the community’s needs.

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