THEGAYUK

Tag: Trans

This is where you can find all articles about and for the trans community. Are we missing something? Send an email to newsdesk@thegayuk.com

  • India Willoughby: Women like me are drowned out by the LGBT narrative

    India Willougby has hit out at the LGBT+ community saying that women like her have been silenced.

    Celebrity Big Brother housemate, India Willoughby has said that she feels that ‘women like her’ have been drowned out by the current “LGBT narrative that is going on”.

    The trans newsreader, who has already criticised the genderfluid and non-binary community for what she feels “cheapens” the seriousness around transgender issues, was expressing how she felt men in the house would be more comfortable flirting with Shane Jenek (Courtney Act) because “he’s a gay guy” than herself, because she’s a trans woman.

    Shane was quick to point out that perhaps it was most likely because of his demeanour not just because he was a gay guy.

    India went on to explain that it was part of the problem of being “hitched” to the LGBT community.

    Shane responded by reminding India that women like India have actually been “uplifted” by the community. He told India, “… the LGBT has enabled you to be here and have this voice… by lobbying, essentially, with the LG and the B… we now have an environment where someone can be trans and be a newsreader”.


    CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 at 9 PM

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Misgendering

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Misgendering

    What does Misgendering mean?

    What does UEqualsU mean?

     

    Misgendering is when someone accidentally or deliberately refers to a person with the wrong gender pronoun. It can happen to cisgender and transgender people.

    Referring to a trans woman as “he” saying “him” or “his” or a trans man as a “she” or “her” is misgendering.

    It is considered deeply offensive to some trans people – especially if the misgendering is done with malice or deliberately.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • India Willoughby: Trans can mean Bob on Monday, Barbara on Tuesday

    India Willoughby’s frank and honest chat about what “transgender” means might cause offence to some in the LGBT+ community.

    It didn’t take long for Celebrity Big Brother star India Willoughby to talk about what being transgender means to her. The star who became the UK’s first openly transgender newsreader was talking to Whistle-blower Maggie Oliver on why she doesn’t have many fans in the transgender community.

    India and Maggie were talking, when Maggie remarked that she thought that India was brave in her transition and that she would be a great advocate for others who want to transition, but India didn’t think she was.

    Speaking from her bed, India said, “A lot of transgender people don’t like me though, because of the LGBT thing and pointing out the differences… It’s because transgender now, they include drag queens. With people like me, it’s not a part-time thing and it’s not a really a choice. I hated being trans. It was horrible. For other people under than word, what is now transgender it can mean anything from RuPaul to somebody who is Bob on Monday and Barbara on Tuesday. I feel that soft of cheapens the seriousness…”.

    CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 from 9 PM

  • Katie Hopkins: Trans women are “Castrated Men”

    “don’t ask me to call a castrated man a woman”

     

    Katie Hopkins is under fire after saying that trans women are nothing more than castrated men. The controversial former columnist, former radio presenter, former TV talk show host and former Apprentice candidate was tweeting during launch show of this year’s Celebrity Big Brother.

    On Twitter using the Celebrity Big Brother hashtag, she insisted that she wasn’t transphobic by writing, “I am not transphobic. Live your life how you damn well please. Just don’t ask me to call a castrated man a woman”.

    Target of Katie Hopkins? India entered the Celebrity Big Brother house during the all-female launch of CBB 2018

    During the launch show, one of the new housemates was revealed to be the trans journalist, India Willoughby.

    Hopkins went on to Tweet that removing a person’s penis does not make them a woman “A man who castrates his penis is not a women. Just as a cat with no legs is not a slug”

    The outburst from Hopkins who was branded “awful” by some on social media, was liked 5,400 times and retweeted nearly 1,500 times within a few hours.

    One user responded that Hopkins’ Tweet was the “definition of transphobia.”

    Another warned that refusing to use the pronouns of a person was transphobic,

    Year of the woman

    India talking to Emma Willis before she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house.

    This series of Celebrity Big Brother is focusing on women, with the launch show featuring a solely female audience and an all-female line up of celebrities entering the house to celebrate that women have had the right to vote for 100 years.

    The lineup included former Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe, American TV personality Malika Haqq, writer Rachel Johnson, “Social influencer” Ashley James, Channel 5 newsreader India Willoughby, Whistle-blower Maggie Oliver, Glamour model Jess Impiazzi and Corrie Legend Amanda Barrie.

     

  • Trump Bans CDC From Using These Seven Words

    Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly banned the Center for Disease Control from using seven words and phrases, including “science-based” and “transgender,” in documents it is working on for next year’s budget. (more…)

  • What’s Going On With Trump’s Transgender Military Ban?

    A second federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to change the military’s transgender policy. Trump’s July 2017 directive would have banned all new transgender recruits from enlisting, kicked out transgender people currently serving in the military and prohibited transition-related surgery for service members. In a ruling on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Marvin Garbis, the… (more…)

  • Grindr is no longer just for men – new update allows women and trans people

    One of the world’s biggest hookup apps for gay and bi men is about to get a massive update.

    In a new update, Grindr, one of the world’s busiest dating and hook up apps for gay and bi men will add options to cater for women and trans people. New options will include, trans woman, trans man, non-binary and “queer”.

    Users will also be able to choose which pronouns they prefer including “they” and “them”.

    In an article in Grindr’s online magazine, the company said, “The trans community navigates tricky waters when it comes to online dating, from confusion over their gender identity to harassment to sometimes worse.  Grindr gets this and they’re doing something about it.”

    To accompany the changes, Grindr has created an entire FAQ section, written in consultation with the National Center for Transgender Equality, and includes information on gender identity and help, it says, to help non-trans people “interact respectfully”.

    It also provides insight on how to go about hooking up with a trans person as well a helpful article on what it means to be transgender, non-binary and cis-gender. It also includes advice on asking a transgender person about surgeries that they may have had or not.

    It also has resources to help transgender people feel safe, with a number of numbers and contact details for people to call should they find themselves in trouble.

     

  • Transparent’s Jeffrey Tambor accused of sexual harassment

    Transparent star, Jeffrey Tambor is facing allegations of sexual harassment after two women come forward.

    The star of one of Amazon’s biggest hits, Transparent, has been accused of the sexual harassment of two women. Jeffrey Tambor who has starred in the hit since its debut denies the allegations saying he’s “never been a predator — ever”.

    Trans actor Trace Lysette, who appeared as the yoga instructor in the series, told Deadline that Tambor had pressed his body against hers in a sexual way.

    Lysette said in her statement that Amazon should, “remove the problem and let the show go on.”

    Answering to the allegations Tambor said,

    “For the past four years, I’ve had the huge privilege — and huge responsibility – of playing Maura Pfefferman, a transgender woman, in a show that I know has had an enormous, positive impact on a community that has been too long dismissed and misunderstood,

    “Now I find myself accused of behaviour that any civilized person would condemn unreservedly.

    “I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to work with. I can be volatile and ill-tempered, and too often I express my opinions harshly and without tact. But I have never been a predator – ever. I am deeply sorry if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being sexually aggressive or if I ever offended or hurt anyone. But the fact is, for all my flaws, I am not a predator and the idea that someone might see me in that way is more distressing than I can express.”

    Investigation Already Open

    The fresh allegation comes after Amazon had already opened an investigation on Tambor’s alleged behaviour when his former assistant Van Barnes alleged that he had made unwelcomed lewd and suggestive remarks to her.

    Amazon said that the investigation was on-going.

  • COMMENT | Utter Trash: Lord Tebbit, Pollution does not create transgender people

    Former chairman of the Conservative party Lord Tebbit has claimed air pollution is making people transgender. Probably the most offensive and mind-boggling suggestion I have heard in my whole life.

    Personally, I think air pollution is polluting this narrow-minded man’s brain and causing him to make completely ludicrous claims.

    He also claimed that transgender people were a new phenomenon, stating he could not recollect any such individuals among his fellow pupils at school. Maybe, Lord Tebbit, this is because you attended a posh private school where you were wrapped in cotton wool and sheltered from the real world.

    If you’d lived a normal person’s life, seeing the real world, I’m sure such claims would not even enter your head. You’ve only got to read a factual novel or even watch a historical drama or documentary and you’ll be educated in the fact that transgender is not a new phenomenon.

    He says his theory that air pollution triggers being transgender, is the belief of some scientists. Now, I have Googled and researched into this and it’s very unclear exactly which scientists he is referring to. There seems to be no scientific evidence to support his claims. Probably because even a non-scientist, such as myself, can work out that his theories are simply narrow-minded bigotry.

    In an attempt to absolve his bizarre and offensive opinions, he said that he knows “voicing such thoughts will probably bring coals of fire upon my head.” I’m sorry Lord Tebbit but even anticipating that what you are saying will cause offence offers you no absolution.

    Last week, Mrs May said and I quote, “Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have still not been defeated and they must be.” Yes, I agree with you, Prime Minister. They must be. Maybe a good first step will be ridding the Conservative party of such people as Lord Tebbit. And then you may stand a chance.

  • Investigation begins after alleged hate crime against transgender woman in Cumbria

    Police in Cumbria are investigating an alleged hate crime against a transgender woman on a bus.

    Investigators have released a CCTV still of a person they would like to speak to in connection with alleged verbal abuse hurled at a woman at a bus stop in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria.

    According to a statement from the police at around 6:20 PM on Saturday 23 September 2017 a 43-year-old woman from Barrow was sat at a bus stop when she was approached by a man who has been verbally abusive towards her.

    The man officers would like to speak with is described as a white, aged in his 60s and around 5ft 6ins tall. He is of medium build with balding hair to the back of his scalp.

    At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white shirt and grey or brown trousers.

    It is believed that the man has got onto a bus heading towards Holbeck.

    Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident and anyone who may be able to identify the man pictured to come forward.

    Email: 101@cumbria.police.uk
    Call:  PC Josh Jones on 101
    Or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • INTERVIEW | Amanda Lepore: Always have the highest heels in the room

    Icons draw attention, but none quite like Amanda Lepore. Her blonde hair and highly accentuated form are the stuff of legends. There are no double takes when Lepore walks into the room. Just one look and instantly you’ll recognise that you’re with a commanding presence and a persona that demands that all eyes follow. In 2015 we spoke with Lepore about plans for her new album and how she might be coming to a wedding near you.

    JH: So do you ever get tired of being called fabulous?
    AL: No!

    JH: (Laughs) and that’s it! You dress to impress and it gets a lot of column inches. Tell me a bit about constructing the Ms Lepore look.
    AL: Well, I love makeup, I’m very girly, I really enjoy perfume, and I like to take my time doing makeup and stuff. I’m really good at hair lately, I have a hair stylist too once in a while so that’s really fun and they do a more sculpted type of thing. I do like to show my body off a lot! Even as a child when I was visiting a psychiatrist to get the whole sex change thing, they said I was extremely body conscious because I always wore tight clothes and everything, so it’s just something I liked even before I was in the spotlight.

    JH: You’re a bit of an exhibitionist then?
    AL: Errrm, I think so. I wear what I like too so it’s sort of for myself too.

    JH: Is it important to be talked about?
    AL: I kind of just go with the flow. Before all this happened, I had no idea and I wasn’t a very ambitious type of person so I just went with what the cards were giving me. I guess I’m used to it, and I would probably miss it because I’ve had the taste of it, and I’ve made a career of it. So I guess it’s important at this stage but not initially no. I’ve always liked the attention though. Like when I worked at disco 2000 in the 90s, I was on the Joan Rivers show, and people were writing about me that “I was the girl of the minute” and a “Jayne Mansfield lookalike.” so I would always get them (the newspapers) and read them, so I did like it.

    JH: Is it quite addictive?
    AL: Yes, I think so, and it goes along with how I shaped my career too.

    JH: So what is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
    AL: Well, the first thing I do is usually order breakfast and coffee and take vitamins. I’m like a vitamin freak. I learned one time, when I went to an Alexander McQueen sample sale, I took the vitamins without eating. Then I threw up. It was really embarrassing, so I had to get a banana from the deli. I learned that you have to eat if I was going to take all the vitamins and hormones. The last thing I do is either wear something sexy for a man or take off my make up and just sleep naked.

    JH: So you say you order breakfast? Do you have room service where you live?
    AL: Errrm no, but there are lots of restaurants and delis in my area. So I tend to just shop in my neighbourhood.

    JH: It’s been a great couple of years in terms of visibility for trans people. How does that feel for someone like you?
    AL: It feels really good, I mean I was ok without being visible and I made myself visible after David LaChapelle. I was always flamboyant about it and made a thing about it but I think it’s good for young people. Especially the super young people with their parents.It’s just much easier to transition and have your parents help. There’s more role models for them as well, there wasn’t really any when I was young, I had no transsexual friends when I first did treatments. It wasn’t until I moved to New York and met other transsexuals, I mean, I would see them at the doctor’s office and everything but I was super young when I went and they were older than me so it just wasn’t really right. I was with a dominant man at the time too so he kept me away from all of that. It’s really important for kids to have a role model.

    JH: You’re part of that visibility obviously and part of the story for young people to have a role model. How does that make you feel?
    AL: Even before the super visibility, I’d always get Facebook messages and people telling me, “Oh, like you gave me the willpower to transition and do it and everything,” so I knew that I was a role model and it would make me feel really good. I felt like I was spreading happiness. It always felt good being out as most transsexuals didn’t want people to know. Like, they would be more blending in the supermarket and like not have their boyfriends know. So, I think I helped make it more visible.

    JH: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
    AL: Go blonde? (laughs) I always remember that when I first transitioned that she (the doctor) said it was good that I was young when I first had hormones. So I always tell people to do it before you’re 24. You can change everything but afterwards, it’s harder to take away certain male characteristics. So, I say, if you do want to do it, you shouldn’t wait.

    JH: And who would you like to musically collaborate with?
    AL: Marilyn Monroe, she’s kind of like an idol. Elvis would be great too!

    JH: Which has been the happiest period of your life?
    AL: I think now, for sure, like things are the best now for me.

    JH: And what is left on your bucket list to be done?
    AL: I want to do more music, but have it more theatrical sort of like a Vegas show or like a Broadway show. Hopefully, I could get bigger audiences and more elaborate stage sets and stuff. That would be a dream! I’d like to do acting too, like a nice juicy role that I’m comfortable with. I think film more than theatre because they have more control over it (laughs).

    JH: Are you a bit of a control freak?
    AL: Yeah!

    JH: What are your three top requirements for being a class A socialite?
    AL: I think it’s really important to look people in the eyes and be nice with everyone because you never know who everyone is. It’s good karma! I think it’s important to smell nice too… And have the highest heels in the room. Just smelling good is the most important I think. Beautiful makeup!

    JH: Is there new music coming?
    AL: Well, there is new music coming out, but I was touring so much that we didn’t finish it. I did four new songs though so I’m excited about the new stuff as well but it’s a little delayed. I’m coming out with a book in spring and I’ll probably have a book tour with that. Also, I’m now an ordained minister so I’m doing weddings too which is really fun. I just married a couple and I can kind of do myself and just dress really glamorous and everything. I can look how I like and dress how I want.

     

    This interview appeared in Issue 15, October 2015