Category: LGBTQIA+

  • Connecting Through Queer Academia: Highlights from Three Trans+ Conferences

    Connecting Through Queer Academia: Highlights from Three Trans+ Conferences

    I’ve been very lucky and honoured to share conference spaces and stages with so many amazing queer and trans academics in the last few months. I wanted to share my experiences of three conferences, the first three of many to come I am sure! Beyond Reflections: Trans+ Conference 15th May, Bournemouth University I was privileged…

  • The Importance of Community Support at Pride Events

    The Importance of Community Support at Pride Events

    The Portsmouth Pride parade featured a giant trans pride flag carried by a diverse group of supporters. Amidst challenging weather, the author felt emotional, appreciating their PhD supervisor Steven’s support despite not being trans. This moment served as a reminder of the love and solidarity present for the trans community.

  • Healing from the Gender Binary: A Call to Action for Allies

    Healing from the Gender Binary: A Call to Action for Allies

    The recent Supreme Court ruling has revealed strong support and unexpected silence regarding trans+ rights among my colleagues and friends. While some offer unwavering allyship, others remain disengaged, demanding emotional labor without acknowledgment of existing bigotry. True allyship requires rejecting harmful attitudes and addressing personal biases shaped by patriarchal systems.

  • Why Trans+ People Aren’t Here to Educate You

    Why Trans+ People Aren’t Here to Educate You

    The post emphasizes that women and marginalized genders (MaGes) are not obligated to manage the feelings of cis men or educate them on trans+ issues. It calls for respect of their boundaries and encourages men to seek resources independently, highlighting the importance of consent and advocating for active allyship without exploiting personal experiences.

  • Understanding the Supreme Court’s Definition of Womanhood

    Understanding the Supreme Court’s Definition of Womanhood

    On April 16, the UK Supreme Court defined “woman” biologically, limiting protections for trans women and marginalized communities. This decision perpetuates patriarchal norms, harming those who don’t conform to narrow gender definitions. Advocates urge collective action: supporting vulnerable groups, attending protests, and collaborating to combat state-endorsed violence and promote inclusivity.

  • Challenging Illusions of Inclusivity in Workspaces

    Challenging Illusions of Inclusivity in Workspaces

    Through my deepening journey with social justice I feel I am finally opening my eyes. With this new found clarity I am no longer able to be in spaces where people don’t champion and validate diversity and prioritise the psychological safety of all within their space. This includes the psychological safety of Global Majority people,…

  • 2024 in Review: Advocacy Work and Community Connections

    2024 in Review: Advocacy Work and Community Connections

    2024 was another very busy year for me and a very turbulent time for many of us worldwide. In the UK political violence towards transgender people, disabled people and other marginalised groups has continued to grow. The ban on puberty blockers for all transgender young people is the most recent attempt to bring us down.…

  • Open Letter Against Puberty Blocker Ban

    Open Letter Against Puberty Blocker Ban

    The team at AIM for the Rainbow have written an open letter airing our concerns about the puberty blocker ban. The open letter at a glance: The Autistic community widely and with great indignation condemns the recent ban on puberty blockers for transgender youth and demands its immediate reversal. We call on the government to…

  • Improving Cancer Care for Trans+ Individuals

    Improving Cancer Care for Trans+ Individuals

    Trans Aware Cancer Care is concluding its initial phase, focusing on the experiences of trans+ individuals with cancer services. Participants created expressive squares to form a large trans flag, which will be showcased in hospitals. The project emphasizes the need for inclusivity, sensitivity, and normalizing pronoun sharing in healthcare practices to enhance trans+ patient experiences.

  • Autistic and living with cancer: What you need to know

    Autistic and living with cancer: What you need to know

    This piece was written with Dr.Char Goodwin who is the lead researcher for the Autistic Experiences of Breast Cancer research project, a three-year project funded by Breast Cancer Now. They are exploring the cumulative effects of autism-specific barriers to healthcare in relation to cancer care, directly from Autistic people themselves. Katie Munday (me!) has been…