Dan Sohege
@danielsohege.bsky.social
Specialist in international refugee law, human rights policy, comms and advocacy. Also posting about being autistic and LGBTQIA+ rights. (They/them). My views, no-one else would want them.
Pinned
Sadly it is official, my current employment contract finishes at the end of March. It has been a fantastic three years at Migrant Voice. If you, or someone you know, knows of job opportunities for an experienced policy, advocacy and comms person, across multiple sectors, please do let me know.
A week and a bit into the job search, so obviously going to keep re-upping this. Pretty sure that this is the worst time of year to be looking for jobs in my area, but if you are looking for a Comms, policy, advocacy person, or know someone who is, please do let me know or share.
1/4
1/4
Reposted by Dan Sohege
I've been out of the country for most of the last 3 weeks, and have been pondering my response to this.
Most people expect the government to allow them to feel safe, and not target them without solid evidence. That's a reasonable position held for decades. Unless you're trans, especially young.
Most people expect the government to allow them to feel safe, and not target them without solid evidence. That's a reasonable position held for decades. Unless you're trans, especially young.
If you were trying to come up with more harmful guidance towards trans and non-binary young people you would be hard pressed to find it. The fact it is backed by Cass shows how wrong it is.
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Vast majority' of parents should be involved if children question gender, schools told
School leaders welcome the
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 11:26 PM
I've been out of the country for most of the last 3 weeks, and have been pondering my response to this.
Most people expect the government to allow them to feel safe, and not target them without solid evidence. That's a reasonable position held for decades. Unless you're trans, especially young.
Most people expect the government to allow them to feel safe, and not target them without solid evidence. That's a reasonable position held for decades. Unless you're trans, especially young.
Reposted by Dan Sohege
I agree with everything Dan says in this thread. I particularly like “This isn’t a bogof where you get a free bigotry with every vaguely humane policy you enact.”
Gotta disagree with this. This government has gone further in practice on anti-immigration, anti-trans/non-binary, anti-disabled policies than any in last three decades+. This isn't a bogof where you get a free bigotry with every vaguely humane policy you enact. 1/5
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
February 12, 2026 at 10:24 PM
I agree with everything Dan says in this thread. I particularly like “This isn’t a bogof where you get a free bigotry with every vaguely humane policy you enact.”
The sad reality is, as Labour enacts ever more harmful and hostile anti-asylum measures, this is liable to become the norm again. Policies like the "one in one out" policy don't stop people coming to UK, they just make it harder, so they have to use alternate routes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Birmingham arrests after lorry carrying 33 migrants stopped
Officers say migrants of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationality were in the lorry in Dover.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 10:15 PM
The sad reality is, as Labour enacts ever more harmful and hostile anti-asylum measures, this is liable to become the norm again. Policies like the "one in one out" policy don't stop people coming to UK, they just make it harder, so they have to use alternate routes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dan Sohege
Zack Polanski calls for a discussion on the legalisation and regulation of drugs and the right in the UK lose their collective shit.
The US Health Secretary gives a bizarre interview in which he says he's not scared of germs because he used to snort coke off toilet seats and...
The US Health Secretary gives a bizarre interview in which he says he's not scared of germs because he used to snort coke off toilet seats and...
a cartoon of spongebob saying " nothing " with his hands in the air
ALT: a cartoon of spongebob saying " nothing " with his hands in the air
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Zack Polanski calls for a discussion on the legalisation and regulation of drugs and the right in the UK lose their collective shit.
The US Health Secretary gives a bizarre interview in which he says he's not scared of germs because he used to snort coke off toilet seats and...
The US Health Secretary gives a bizarre interview in which he says he's not scared of germs because he used to snort coke off toilet seats and...
I see what you mean. Sorry
February 12, 2026 at 9:31 PM
I see what you mean. Sorry
That is what Labour's whole policy and communications statement is though: "it will be worse under Reform". It's saying to marginalised communities that they have to accept being treated like crap for some "greater good". Labour are only "left wing" if you accept minorities as sacrificial lambs. 5/5
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 PM
That is what Labour's whole policy and communications statement is though: "it will be worse under Reform". It's saying to marginalised communities that they have to accept being treated like crap for some "greater good". Labour are only "left wing" if you accept minorities as sacrificial lambs. 5/5
Labour isn't right wing enough for the likes of Reform to whom it is trying to appeal. For those whose "left wing" policies it does enact, and yes it does have some, it relies on them accepting throwing marginalised groups under the bus. That doesn't make it "too leftwing" 4/5
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Labour isn't right wing enough for the likes of Reform to whom it is trying to appeal. For those whose "left wing" policies it does enact, and yes it does have some, it relies on them accepting throwing marginalised groups under the bus. That doesn't make it "too leftwing" 4/5
It is to say that you cannot claim that this Labour government, as it stands, is "to the left" when it enacts the most hostile policies against marginalised groups in decades and repeats hostile anti-marginalised rhetoric and imagery, repeatedly. At least be honest and say what the score is. 3/5
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 PM
It is to say that you cannot claim that this Labour government, as it stands, is "to the left" when it enacts the most hostile policies against marginalised groups in decades and repeats hostile anti-marginalised rhetoric and imagery, repeatedly. At least be honest and say what the score is. 3/5
With attacks on marginalised groups Labour has built on foundations of previous government to go much much farther. They are now to the right of the last government on some fairly crucial human rights issues. Is that to say a Reform or Conservative government wouldn't be worse next election, no! 2/5
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 PM
With attacks on marginalised groups Labour has built on foundations of previous government to go much much farther. They are now to the right of the last government on some fairly crucial human rights issues. Is that to say a Reform or Conservative government wouldn't be worse next election, no! 2/5
Gotta disagree with this. This government has gone further in practice on anti-immigration, anti-trans/non-binary, anti-disabled policies than any in last three decades+. This isn't a bogof where you get a free bigotry with every vaguely humane policy you enact. 1/5
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Gotta disagree with this. This government has gone further in practice on anti-immigration, anti-trans/non-binary, anti-disabled policies than any in last three decades+. This isn't a bogof where you get a free bigotry with every vaguely humane policy you enact. 1/5
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
www.ft.com/content/c9a2...
Small mercy that they have at least, finally, updated the piece with a comment from @stonewalluk.bsky.social, but it doesn't change that this is a hideously biased article which quotes Cass without question on a policy which will undeniably harm trans and non-binary young people.
February 12, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Small mercy that they have at least, finally, updated the piece with a comment from @stonewalluk.bsky.social, but it doesn't change that this is a hideously biased article which quotes Cass without question on a policy which will undeniably harm trans and non-binary young people.
Oh please do fuck off.
Tell you what, now ask if pathetic far right incel ideology is doing the same, because let's be honest they are far more likely.
Tell you what, now ask if pathetic far right incel ideology is doing the same, because let's be honest they are far more likely.
February 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Oh please do fuck off.
Tell you what, now ask if pathetic far right incel ideology is doing the same, because let's be honest they are far more likely.
Tell you what, now ask if pathetic far right incel ideology is doing the same, because let's be honest they are far more likely.
Reposted by Dan Sohege
Help shape future transition-related healthcare research! This Priority Setting Partnership, delivered [email protected] and funded by @genderedintelligence.co.uk, works with trans, non-binary & gender diverse communities
February 12, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Help shape future transition-related healthcare research! This Priority Setting Partnership, delivered [email protected] and funded by @genderedintelligence.co.uk, works with trans, non-binary & gender diverse communities
Thank you so much for sharing this
February 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this
I am going to do my best, but honestly, I am struggling at the moment with worrying about not having a job come end of March and everything else going on. I will try my best to go through it and provide guidance though
February 12, 2026 at 7:43 PM
I am going to do my best, but honestly, I am struggling at the moment with worrying about not having a job come end of March and everything else going on. I will try my best to go through it and provide guidance though
Sorry, but I fundamentally disagree with every aspect of this guidance on "tell parents". It relies too much on perception of the safety provided by parents. My father was exactly the type of parent teachers trusted, because he made sure the bruises weren't visible. Safety isn't negotiable.
February 12, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Sorry, but I fundamentally disagree with every aspect of this guidance on "tell parents". It relies too much on perception of the safety provided by parents. My father was exactly the type of parent teachers trusted, because he made sure the bruises weren't visible. Safety isn't negotiable.
Also noticeable in this guidance is how it reinforces gender stereotypes, you know exactly the type of messaging used, as in US, but obviously elsewhere, to attack women's rights. This may seem minor, but why is girls playing with trucks treated as something to "grow out of"
bsky.app/profile/lous...
bsky.app/profile/lous...
Rewind a bit, we can see that the transphobic assertions from Cass, based on repeatedly debunked pseudoscientific work and opinion pieces, have been directly transcribed into this as "fact".
February 12, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Also noticeable in this guidance is how it reinforces gender stereotypes, you know exactly the type of messaging used, as in US, but obviously elsewhere, to attack women's rights. This may seem minor, but why is girls playing with trucks treated as something to "grow out of"
bsky.app/profile/lous...
bsky.app/profile/lous...
I highly recommend reading all of this thread by @lousadzak.bsky.social detailing the guidance, and significant issues with it, for a more detailed look at everything, and there is a lot, which is wrong with this government's approach to ostracising trans young people.
bsky.app/profile/lous...
bsky.app/profile/lous...
This draft guidance reproduces Cass insisting that clinicians must be involved in decisions about *social transition* which actually should be none of their damn business
They take the line that this "non-directive" intervention should force things to be "keeping options open and flexible"...
They take the line that this "non-directive" intervention should force things to be "keeping options open and flexible"...
February 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I highly recommend reading all of this thread by @lousadzak.bsky.social detailing the guidance, and significant issues with it, for a more detailed look at everything, and there is a lot, which is wrong with this government's approach to ostracising trans young people.
bsky.app/profile/lous...
bsky.app/profile/lous...
H/t to @ameresolicitor.bsky.social for sharing this. I will try my best to do same as I did with the earned settlement route consultation to come up with some simple guidance for filling it out.
Please fill it out and stand with trans and non-binary individuals against this
bsky.app/profile/amer...
Please fill it out and stand with trans and non-binary individuals against this
bsky.app/profile/amer...
Also the link for the consultation is up.
Everyone needs to respond to this:
consult.education.gov.uk/independent-...
Everyone needs to respond to this:
consult.education.gov.uk/independent-...
Keeping children safe in education: 2026 proposed revisions
- Department for Education
- Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education
consult.education.gov.uk
February 12, 2026 at 6:03 PM
H/t to @ameresolicitor.bsky.social for sharing this. I will try my best to do same as I did with the earned settlement route consultation to come up with some simple guidance for filling it out.
Please fill it out and stand with trans and non-binary individuals against this
bsky.app/profile/amer...
Please fill it out and stand with trans and non-binary individuals against this
bsky.app/profile/amer...
Telling parents is downright dangerous. It will very clearly put many trans and non-binary young people at risk of abuse, bullying, potentially homelessness, among other things. This is the exact opposite of "protecting children". It's transphobia as policy.
February 12, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Telling parents is downright dangerous. It will very clearly put many trans and non-binary young people at risk of abuse, bullying, potentially homelessness, among other things. This is the exact opposite of "protecting children". It's transphobia as policy.
Labour has brought back section 28 against trans and non-binary individuals. I lived through section 28 last time. I suffered the harms of it. This will do the same thing. Not even allowing young people to socially transition is plain wrong. It prevents them finding their own identity.
February 12, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Labour has brought back section 28 against trans and non-binary individuals. I lived through section 28 last time. I suffered the harms of it. This will do the same thing. Not even allowing young people to socially transition is plain wrong. It prevents them finding their own identity.
Worth noting that in their continued "unbiased" reporting (sarcasm) the BBC doesn't cover how the Cass Review has been repeatedly discredited by peer reviewed studies, that suicide rates among trans young people have increased or, not a small matter, QUOTES A SINGLE TRANS OR NON-BINARY INDIVIDUAL.
February 12, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Worth noting that in their continued "unbiased" reporting (sarcasm) the BBC doesn't cover how the Cass Review has been repeatedly discredited by peer reviewed studies, that suicide rates among trans young people have increased or, not a small matter, QUOTES A SINGLE TRANS OR NON-BINARY INDIVIDUAL.
If you were trying to come up with more harmful guidance towards trans and non-binary young people you would be hard pressed to find it. The fact it is backed by Cass shows how wrong it is.
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Vast majority' of parents should be involved if children question gender, schools told
School leaders welcome the
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 5:42 PM
If you were trying to come up with more harmful guidance towards trans and non-binary young people you would be hard pressed to find it. The fact it is backed by Cass shows how wrong it is.
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We are already seeing an increase in suicide rates among trans young people.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Holy shit. I mean they are really shouting it now, and yet still keep seeing Trump supporters claiming they are protecting women and children, along with more than one prominent UK GC.
February 12, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Holy shit. I mean they are really shouting it now, and yet still keep seeing Trump supporters claiming they are protecting women and children, along with more than one prominent UK GC.
Category:People educated at Merchant Taylors' Boys' School, Crosby - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:28 PM