Category: LGBTQIA+

  • Cervical Screening for Trans+ Autistic people: A Self-Advocacy zine

    Cervical Screening for Trans+ Autistic people: A Self-Advocacy zine

    Georgia Rivers and I have created a zine for trans+ Autistic people to be informed on their rights when thinking about, or engaging in cervical screening in the UK. The zine can be found here at Heyzine. And now available in print with a sliding scale price. Get your copy at Penfight. Text from the…

  • 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.

  • Exploring Trans and Autistic Healthcare Inequity

    Exploring Trans and Autistic Healthcare Inequity

    Katie Munday, a doctoral researcher at the University of Portsmouth, focuses on healthcare inequities faced by trans autistic individuals. Their participatory action research aims to address these issues through community collaboration, informed by their personal and professional experiences. The research aspires to offer new insights and enhance accessibility to essential healthcare services.

  • 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.

  • Understanding the Gender Gap in Autism Diagnosis

    Understanding the Gender Gap in Autism Diagnosis

    The historical perception of autism as primarily a male condition has led to a significant diagnosis gap for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. While theories like the Female Autism Phenotype have emerged, they often reinforce gender stereotypes and exclude marginalized groups, complicating access to support and erasing diverse autistic experiences.

  • Rejecting Academic Norms: Trans and Autistic Voices Matter

    Rejecting Academic Norms: Trans and Autistic Voices Matter

    I tried to write the positionality and reflexivity section of my PhD thesis today (the bit that tells the readers who I am and what lenses I see this work through). What I wanted to write is “I am trans, I am autistic, get over it”. I would love to say this, but of course…

  • 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.…