What The Trans!?: The Transgender News Podcast

This week, our intrepid threesome (you heard me) of Ashleigh, Flint and Alyx, goes over: Political parties banned from major UK Pride events.  A rainbow map of Europe in which the UK is too red for comfort.  Our apparently regular update with the transphobe-in-chief at the EHRC. What is functionally a bathroom ban at Warwick University.  The regularly-scheduled programming of Loser's Corner and Pond Hoppin'. No meat this week! Enjoy your half an episode off. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep131  

In this densely-packed episode, Ashleigh, Flint and Alyx consider many of the different reactions to the UK supreme court''s recent judgement, including: Updates on the many, many protests taking place all over the UK, with a helpful list compiled by the WTT team. The interim guidance from the EHRC, what's wrong with it and why it's not fit for purpose. Reactions from different UK unions, including the BMA and UNISON. Policy changes from sports bodies, the British Transport Police and Barclays. Conflicting reactions and statements from within the Labour party, the SNP, Greens and others. So many open letters. Our experiences at protests and why it's important to go to them and show the government how unpopular this is. Loser's Corner and Trans Joy, for your amusement. Compilation of Protests and Actions Against the Supreme Court – What The Trans!? References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep130  

This week, on an unsurprisingly hefty episode, our long-suffering hosts talk about: Our usual visit to the U.S. of A, featuring Florida and fencing. A surprisingly sporty segment. Several stories from within the NHS, including a new service specification, new GP guidance and plans for a new detransition pathway. Wes Streeting at a Unison conference. Loser's corner, featuring Elon Musk's skill issue. And of course, the big news from the UK this episode is the recent Supreme Court judgement that did not go well for trans people, featuring an in-depth interview with Jess O'Thomson. Jess O'Thomson's article: UK Supreme Court Rules That Trans Women Aren't Women under the Equality Act 2010 - QueerAF References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep129  

This week on another exciting* episode of What the Trans?! Comrades Alyx, Flint and Ashleigh go over:  The Office for Students have fined a university more than half a million pounds in a row over Kathleen Stock. An update to the much-criticised Sullivan report. Catching up with news from the USA. Our regular romp through Loser's Corner. A story about a cute l'il cartoon racoon! For our main segment, an interview with some members of Trans Kids Deserve Better, talking about their recent protests and delivery of cardboard coffins to Wes Streeting's constituency office, which has now been going on for more than 200 days. *your mileage on the use of this term may vary.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep128  

APRIL FOOOOOOLS!!! This week Dan and Owen discuss bad comedians, woke videogames, and have an interview with a supposed ally that went... badly....  

On this extremely chonky episode of What the Trans?! Flint, Ashleigh and Alyx rake over the coals on:  A multitude of stories from the USA. The 'Sullivan Review' and why it's not worth the pixels you'll use to read it.  Stories from within the NHS, Metropolitan Police and International Olympic Committee. Stories from Hungary, Namibia and Russia. A visit to a double-trouble Loser's Corner An interview with Chay from TransActual. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep127  

In this extremely jurisprudence-heavy episode, Ashleigh, Alyx and Flint go over: An update on the increasingly bleak situation in the USA, as well as aspects of the Trump regime's many defeats in the courtroom.  Conversations about Scottish Labour and the UK Liberal Democrats and their two different ways of approaching anti-trans activists. Details of the now-funded puberty blockers clinical trial.  A smattering of updates from tribunals and legal cases here in the UK and one extremely focused meat about an Arts Council employment tribunal.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep126  

On this somewhat heavy episode of What the Trans?! Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh talk about: Is anti-trans sentiment on the rise in the UK? One single, solitary poll says yes, but the team are unconvinced. Several difficult stories coming out of the US, with trigger warnings included.  The tribunal around NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie rumbles on, now vocally supported by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Speaking of Labour, "gender critical" members of the party have performed their signature move and created another splinter group. And an interview with Dee Whitnell, a writer, creator and sex educator. Check out those two articles we mentioned! Did the Cass Review shred the truth? – What The Trans!? Trans Allies Systematically Intimidated Inside Tavistock References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep125/  

On this hopefully-interesting episode of What the Trans?! Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh get into the gory details of:  Villain of the year 2024 Wes Streeting continues his hot streak by expressing sympathy for the families involved with the Bayswater group. A Women & Equalities Committee hearing where two scientists exposed the Cass Screwjob as ideologically motivated. A lesson on why you should never trust a single word the Telegraph says. Several surprisingly positive news stories. (I know, right?! We didn't think that was possible either!)  Our fortnightly foray into the field of failure, with Loser's Corner. Flint interviews Vera Drew, the creative mind behind movie The People's Joker, which is soon to be released in the UK. Ashleigh's Other Podcast: A life on the progressive side | MS Society Petition: Lift restrictions on prescribing puberty blockers to trans children. - Petitions The Trans Literature Preservation Project: A Practical Guide to Resisting Censorship – The Transfeminine Review References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep124  

On this bumper episode of What the Trans?! Ashleigh, Flint and Alyx go over: The court case around last year's hate crime in Harrow, where a young trans woman was attacked outside a roller diisco. More criticism of the Cass review, this time from the New England Journal of Medicine. Flint talks about a noise demo in support of trans prisoner Zoe Watts A triple-tastic Loser's Corner. Alyx's interview with a cis ally within the NHS, shining a spotlight onto new 'MindEd' guidance  and its many "gender critical" problems. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep123  

We're back! On our first episode of 2025, Ashleigh, Alyx and Flint go over: A look at Alasdair Henderson, a lawyer who has defended anti-trans viewpoints several times in the courts.  Meta's new guidelines for fact checking (or the lack thereof). The CPS and their new guidelines. Our regular romp to Loser's Corner, featuring Hilary Cass vs. France! A deep dive into the protest actions and people involved with resistance to a Nottingham GP's refusal to provide mandated healthcare.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep122  

In this special, mostly light-hearted end-of-year retrospective, we look at all that happened in 2024. The good, the bad, the complicated, the profane, the ugly and the yawning chasm of the human soul!! Featuring: Album, film, television show and video game of the year. Worst news story, loser and villain the the year.  Best news story, ally and coming-out of the year! Ally, journalist and activist of the year, And many more! References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep121  

For this New Year's Day episode of What the Trans?! USA, Clementine talks to Evan Urqhart of Assigned Media about the recent Supreme Court case. Assigned Media Evan Urqhart

On another "fun-packed" episode, Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh talk about:  The now-indefinite puberty blockers ban, the moral implications and the actions that have already been taken to protest it.  Accusations levelled at the PinkNews leadership of sexual misconduct. A double feature of Loser's corner, and An interview with Reactive Ashley about the recent UK supreme court case involving For Women Scotland.

This week on What the Trans?! Ashleigh and Alyx go over: More details of the upcoming Levy Review into adult trans healthcare. Girl band 'Eternal' proved anything but, due to transphobia. New prison service documentation about where to house trans offenders. Spoiler alert: It's not great.  A dose of some trans joy to pick you all back up again, just in time for... Some reflections on TDoR, and Ashleigh interviews Alyx about a TKDB action she witnessed firsthand.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep119  

On this episode of What the Trans?! USA, Lizzie and Clementine kick over: Mike Johnson's banning trans women from using Capitol restrooms, because there's nothing better for him to do with his time. A debrief on Trans Day of Remembrance 2024. A note: Details of the lives of USA victims are given, the cause of death is not included.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep09  

On this episode of What the Trans?! Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh spend precious minutes of their lives talking about: New segment Action Alley, a dedicated place to highlight protests, campaigns, and calls to action. The recent election. No, not that one, the other one, the one where Kemi Badench became leader of the UK Conservative party. A woman who was dismissed from her role due to her "gender critical" views is to receive a substantial payout from a tribunal. Developments in the EHRC, including Baroness Falkner remaining in post for another year and a deep dive with Sarah from Trans Safety Network about the EHRC's draft code of practise, which is open for consultation until early January. EHRC Consultation:  Code of practice for services, public functions and associations: consultation 2024 | EHRC References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep118/  

This week, Clementine, Quetza and Lizzie pick through the wreckage of the presidential election, look to the future of the trans community and discuss how to survive in the new reality. Stay strong, we love you Xx Website: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep08  

On this fortnight's edition of What the Trans, Ashleigh and Flint go through:  Scotland's GIC "pauses" all surgical referrals for patients under 25. Google providing thousands of dollars of free advertising to three anti-trans groups. A cis woman being sent to a men's prison due to her "masculine features". Our regular jaunt to Loser's Corner, and: A discussion about being trans and disabled, spurred on by the appointment of Dr Simon Wessely as chair of the Children and Young People's Gender Dysphoria Research Oversight Board. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep117/  

Welcome to a surprisingly spooooooky episode of What the Trans USA?! Lizzie, Val, and Quetza bringing you hot, hot Halloween news, of which very little is Halloween related! Kamala Harris's interview with NBC news and her complete sidestepping of a question about trans rights. Minnesota doctors continuing to provide trans healthcare despite the political climate. FUN TERMITE FACTS FOR HALLOWEEN! SCAAAAARY!  

On this week's episode of What the Trans!? Flint and Alyx spend talk about:  Trans people contributing to the legal case on whether GRCs should do what they were designed to do.  A new paper on the effects of puberty blocker bans. Our regular trip to Loser's Corner with the LGBA! Third party security at an event at Butlins assaulting trans people We speak to Trans Actual about GPs refusing to prescribe HRT, and exclusive information on the progress of the review into Adult Gender Services References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep116/    

On this week's episode of What the Trans!? Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh spend precious minutes of their lives talking about: The Levy Review into adult gender services. Updated definitions and diagnostic criteria for trans people in Japan. Our regular trip to Loser's Corner. The BMA confirming that they will conduct their review of the Cass Review (ding!) "from a position of neutrality" Following the resignation of Labours' Rosie Duffield, the team talk through some of her 'greatest hits' and her often-underwhelming performance as an MP References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep115/ Join our Discord!  

On the latest pod from the USA, Val and Lizzie take us through: 11th Circuit court of appeals give the go-ahead to an Alabama law saying trans people must undergo sterilising sex reassignment surgery before updating a drivers license.  Republican AG's threatening of American Academy of Pediatrics. Russia's funding of anti-LGBTQ conservative personalities. And as a palate cleanser, some trans joy! References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep06  

On this episode of What the Trans?! Alyx and Ashleigh go over; Edinburgh Rape Crisis CEO steps down, following an investigation and long-standing media criticism. Opposition to For Women Scotland as they take a case to the supreme court in late November. More JAQ-ing off in the House of Lords. The many problems with the 2024 edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, featuring an interview with Kate Hutchinson. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep114/  

On a regenerated WTT USA, Valeriya and new hosts Clementine, Quetza and Lizzie go over: ACLU Roadmap ACLU Memo on: Harris on LGBTQ Rights | American Civil Liberties Union Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Texas Gender Marker Registry Debacle Dylan Gurley ACLU Legislation Tracker Trans Joy References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep05  

For this week's What the Trans?! Ashleigh, Flint and Alyx talk about: The now-extended ban on puberty blockers for trans young people (but not cis ones). Alyx gives us the details from the Trans Kids Deserve Better protest outside the Department of Education. A lengthy Loser's Corner featuring the LGB Alliance, Tickle vs. Giggle and the sport of darts! Labour Women's Declaration and their weapons-grade bulls**t. The many ongoing misuses of the Cass report. Join our Discord! https://discord.com/invite/asCjUkk References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep113/  

On this definitely "fun" episode, Flint, Alyx and Ashleigh kick over the coals on: The LGB Alliance conference, scheduled for October 11th. An interview with Trans Kids Deserve Better. School librarians facing complaining parents. FOI data gathered about adult GIC's and their many failures. The NHS plan to undertake a Cass-style review into adult gender services.  Support Trans Kids Deserve Better! https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/transkidsdeservebetter?utm_term=5ZY43pkb7 References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep112  

CONTENT WARNING: Our first story this week deals with suicide. Please skip from 07.18 to 14.00 to avoid this, if necessary. This week, Alyx, Ashleigh and Flint go over:  The new Equal Treatment Bench Book for the UK's legal profession. A Glasgow council member cleared of wrongdoing after comments on a Let Women Speak event. Elon Musk getting thoroughly read by his daughter. The British Medical Association voting to peer review the Cass review. And a debrief of all the Pride events the team have attended over the past few months. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep111  

On this episode of What the Trans?! Ashleigh, Alyx and Leigh talk about: Wes Streeting's decision to keep the Tory ban on puberty blockers. A court case over trans people's marriage rights in Japan. Legal 'Losers Corner', featuring a Ms. Bailey and a Mr. Orwin... An extended interview with Susie Green, former CEO of Mermaids and current leader of Anne Healthcare. Recent accusations levelled at GenderGP for their working conditions, workplace culture and standards of care, among other things. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep110

On this bumper episode, Alyx, Ashleigh and Leigh talk about: The election and the fallout from it. Kier Starmer's unfortunate statements about trans people. Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and her sniping at David Tennant. The RCPsych International Congress suppressing questions about trans people. New suggested anti-bullying guidance for use by the Church of England. EHRC Consultation - Draft Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028 | EHRC References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep109/

To tide you all over until July 15th, we present Who The Trans?! Episode 3: The Giggle The final episode of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary special dropped on December 9th 2023. It went in a creepy direction and had a twist at the end…  Listen in to hear Alyx and Ben's thoughts on this episode of Doctor Who, in Who The Trans?! This episode was released last year as part of our Patreon rewards. If you'd like to receive bonus content like this as it happens, subscribe to our Patreon where we've made an episode for each instalment of the most recent series of Doctor Who. https://www.patreon.com/Whatthetrans  

On this entirely exciting episode, Ashleigh and Alyx talk about: Kier Starmer's inconsistent statements on trans people Victor Madrigal-Borloz's report on the EHRC  And, of course, the upcoming UK general election, We speak to: Steph Richards, CEO of Translucent and Labour Party activist, Charley Hasted, Chair of the LGBT+ Liberal Democrats and Ani Stafford Townsend, an openly trans Green Party candidate for Bristol East. Tactical voting guide: https://stopthetories.vote/ References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep108  

In this episode, Ashleigh and Alyx break in one of our new hosts, Amber, by talking about: Current Health Secretary Victoria Atkins bans the use of puberty blockers for trans young people, but not for cis ones. Sarah Jane Baker, held prisoner since July 2023 at the direction of the then-Home Secretary, is freed! Attacks on the Equality Act 2010 ramp up as the election looms. An update on the UKCP's decision to withdraw their signature from a key document opposing conversion therapy. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep107  

Our collection of Cass review research and interviews, all helpfully together in one place.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/cass  

On this lengthy episode of What the Trans?! Ashleigh and Alyx talk about A brief talk about the upcoming UK general election New suggested school guidance that's basically a new Section 28 Also featuring an interview with Robin Moira White, a barrister with expertise in equalities law, and... Part 2 of our Cass Review deep dive, speaking extensively with Dr Reubs Walsh NHS Consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/nhs-constitution-10-year-review References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep106  

On this extremely chonky episode, Ashleigh and Alyx walk you through; Proposed changes to the NHS constitution, why they're bad and how you can resist them (spoiler warning, it's another consultation) Calamitous Kemi's call for evidence of a non-existent problem A poorly-sourced article about DIY HRT for trans people And part one of our deep dive into the Cass Review, mapping out some of the connections between the Cass team and figures in the American far-right, among other things. Featuring Dr Cal Horton, Dr Reubs Walsh and Dr Natacha Kennedy NHS Consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/nhs-constitution-10-year-review References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep105  

On this "fun-packed" episode of WTT?! Ashleigh and Alyx go over: Some rare good news from Sweden and our own Court of Appeals. That 'Memorandum of Understanding' we spoke of last time. The EHRC sent several trans organisations a letter! Isn't that nice? (Hint; no it isn't) And we pass the mic to Dr Cal Horton, who has some very well-expressed thoughts on the Cass review.

In this episode of WTT US, Alyssa and Valeriya talk about: Slightly less anti-trans legislation than last episode! SCOTUS and the Idaho trans healthcare ban Libs of TikTok and Planet Fitness bomb threats Oklahoma declares wrestling is real?! References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep04  

On this episode of What the Trans?! Alyx and Ashleigh go over; Problems with GenderGP as highlighted by YouTube's F1nnster. The UK Council for Psychotherapy removing its' signature from the 'Memorandum of Understanding of Conversion Therapy in the UK'. Trans healthcare for young people in the UK and its' many problems, including but not limited to... THE CASS REPORT!! Yes, it's here and it's not very good. We take a look at it, featuring an interview with Dr Cora Sargeant. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep103  

In this episode of WTT US, Alyssa and Valeriya talk about:  Anti-trans legislation, as always! Updates on Nex Benedict Conservatives declaring the end times over TDOV Joe Biden, who owes me $1,000, failing trans people yet again References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep03    

On this week's episode, Ashleigh and Alyx talk about The bizarre things Doncaster MP Nick Fletcher has said in the House of Commons. A teacher who was fired for refusing to respect a trans student. A judge disciplined for his social media outburst to a trans person. And Alyx talks about her experiences at the recent protest outside the Royal College of General Practitioners. References:  https://whatthetrans.com/ep102/  

In this episode of WTT US, Alyssa and Valeriya talk about: Updates on anti-trans state legislation The tragic death of 16-year-old trans student Nex Benedict The tragic deaths of other trans people in both 2023 and 2024 References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep02 Check our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/asCjUkk  

Our new episode! Sorry this one is so long (and yes, that's what she said) On this edition, our intrepid hosts talk about: The conversion therapy bill non-debate. The NHS making access to puberty blockers for trans teenagers much more difficult, some might say unethically so... Kier Starmer's unfortunate views on trans women in sport. We go over what the trans community would see banished to Room 101 (the BBC one, not the George Orwell one) Join our Discord! References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep101/  

In this episode of WTT US, Alyssa and Valeriya talk about: Four nightmarish anti-trans LGBTQ+ bills that have passed in 2024 The insidious leaked WPATH internal forum posts, feat. Evan Urquhart The blessed silver linings of hateful legislation A very special Episode 02 References: https://whatthetrans.com/usa-ep01  

On this special edition of What the Trans?! Ashleigh and Alyx go over; The resignation of Victoria McCloud, the UK's only trans judge. House of Lords debate about the proposed education guidance. Liz Truss blaming trans people for her own failures We discuss the exciting future of the show and make a big announcement!  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep100 Respond to the education consultation here! 

On this episode of What the Trans?! Ashleigh and Alyx go over Rishi Sunak and Kier Starmer's crossed words at PMQ's NHS Rainbow Badge scheme ended by the government Another blasted consultation and the guidance our team has made for it The sentencing of the two teens found guilty of murdering Brianna Ghey, featuring an interview with Jess O'Thomson References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep99/    

On this episode, Alyx and Ashleigh talk about: Laura Pascal and the Hackney By-election Kemi Badenoch's obsession with sex Wes Streeting. Nuff Said.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep98/  

On this episode, Ashleigh and Alyx go over; The Hackney by-election A new hormone clinic for young people The EHRC (again) And Alyx interviews Evan Urquhart from Assigned Media about the many difficulties facing trans people in the USA References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep97/  

On this episode, Ashleigh and Alyx discuss; The new guidance for UK schools. Kemi Badenoch's new ideas for passports The trial of Boy Y and Girl X, the two teenagers convicted of murdering Brianna Ghey. We include an interview with Jess O'Thomson. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep96/

Who The Trans Episode 2! Wild Blue Yonder A new Doctor Who episode dropped on Saturday 16th December, something spookier and further than The Doctor and Donna had ever gone before! Listen in to hear Alyx and Ben's thoughts on the second episode of Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary specials, in Who The Trans?! Episodes of Who the Trans?! are released early for our Patreon supporters! https://www.patreon.com/Whatthetrans  

Who the Trans?! Episode 1: The Star Beast! Check out the early release on our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/who-trans-1-star-93693896?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link On the 25th November, The Star Beast was released. And in it was the largest trans representation in the show's 60 years history! Listen in to Alyx and Ben talk about and excitedly nerd out over the special in our brand new podcast series Who The Trans?!. The first Who The Trans?! episode will be released after the BBC releases the final episode of the 60th anniversary special series.