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Reposted by Equality Amplified

Philippa East (Author) @philippaeast.bsky.social · Sep 4

Success! We delivered our joint letter demanding full scrutiny, meaningful debate & a free vote for MPs on the new Code of Practice.
www.thepinknews.com/2025/09/02/e...

Many MPs we’ve spoken to are now ready to help.

❗️BUT they’ve advised that they need you—as constituents—to keep writing in❗️
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LGBTQ+ groups have called on the UK government to table a debate regarding the updates to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) single-sex code of practice.

More than 80 organisations and groups signed a joint letter calling on equalities minister Bridget Phillipson to stage a “meaningful debate” once the revamped guidance had been published.

The UK’s equality watchdog proposed updates to its Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations, in April, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled on the definitions of “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act.

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 14

John Boyne has every right to tell his story about sexual abuse as a gay man. But that doesn’t excuse him punching down on trans people. You can’t claim to respect trans rights while framing them as a threat to women when they’re not.

Jay Hulme @jayhulmepoet.bsky.social · Aug 14

Polari prize update: John Boyne has now made a statement. I'm putting it below.

For 6 years, since the publication of My Brother's Name is Jessica I've been the focus of an extraordinary amount of bullying and intimidation not just at the hands of trans activists but also by a small group of toxic novelists

My views on trans rights have never changed and they're quite simple: All human beings should have the same rights, but if the rights of trans women come into conflict with the rights of what you call 'cis' women, then the latter must take precedence. There's 4 billion of them, after all, and it took them 2,000 years to achieve even a semblance of equality. That's pretty much my only thoughts on the subject

To the organisers and judges of the Polari Prize: thank you for standing strong in the face of extraordinary intimidation

To the writers who withdrew from the prize and those who organised petitions, I say this: You may have meant well. You may have thought you were doing an honourable thing. But you forgot one crucial fact. That the novelist you're protesting, and the novel you tried to exclude, is part of a sequence about sexual abuse from a gay man who endured that very trauma at school, was denied justice because my abuser died in the months leading up to the trial, and is still coping with not getting my day in court. And how do I cope?

When I published my debut novel in 2000, I would have given my left arm to find myself on a prize list. The attention it brings to a new writer - or, more importantly - a writer's work is terrific. You sell more copies, your publisher starts thinking about your next contract, and you get to continue doing the job you love. It seems absurd and wrong to me that so many debut writers are losing their opportunity for this either through misguided ideas about who I am or as I'm aware has happened in some cases because you too were bullied or intimated into withdrawing. I love fiction I love literature and I've always supported new writers through reviews and blurbs so this and this alone weighs on me.

So, I propose the following. I have shelves full of awards at home and my book sales are extremely healthy. I would encourage all the debut writers on the Polari Longlist to return to the list, to look forward to the shortlist announcement and, in time, the fun and excitement of the ceremony. One of you gets to win the prize, and that's as it should be. The organisers stood firm and didn't expel me from the longlist, which I appreciated. And I am not withdrawing from the longlist. However, should the debut writers all return, I would respectfully ask the judges not to consider Earth for the shortlist. I don't think I can say any fairer than that.

I came very close to the edge this week because of endless harassment at the hands of both strangers and fellow writers. I remained silent throughout but there's been a few moments where I thought it would be easier not to go on. There's really only so much abuse one person can take. However, I'm still here. Because I have too many books in me that I still want to write. And so do all of you.

The Elements, the combined edition of the novellas Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, will be published on September 9th in the US and September 25th in the UK and Ireland. I hope you get a chance to read it. I'm very proud of the book. But then I'm proud of all my books and of the fact that I've spent my 33-year career helping other writers, elevating them, and finding opportunities to promote them, rather than trying to tear them down.

Online bullying has has to stop.
John Boyne

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 10

M&S have responded to our letter regarding the complaint about a supposedly trans employee.
Yet more evidence that anti-trans obsessives lied about the incident to stoke hostility towards trans people.
We all have a duty to tackle such mis(dis)information to protect our community.

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Reposted by Equality Amplified

Thomas Jeram-West (they/them) @thefivetonine.bsky.social · Aug 8

M&S should pledge to support their trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming employees, and make it quite clear that transphobes are unwelcome in their shops. People should be desperately ashamed of their transphobic bigotry. Trans people should be empowered and protected in their workplaces.

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 8

Marks and Spencer must protect staff facing transphobic abuse, not apologise for them. Inclusion means safety & respect. Read our letter urging action to defend employee dignity & safety
www.equalityamplified.org.uk/lobbying-and-correspondence/when-inclusion-is-tested-an-open-letter-to-ms-leadership

When Inclusion Is Tested: An Open Letter to M&S Leadership — Equality Amplified

Marks & Spencer recently faced a transphobic complaint against one of their employees. Their response has raised serious concerns about their commitment to inclusion and staff protection. Equality...

www.equalityamplified.org.uk

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 8

All feedback is valid! We’re undergoing a rebranding exercise, so your comments are valued.
Thanks!

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 8

Thanks for the feedback!
If it’s difficult to read, we can look at changing it.

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 8

Marks and Spencer must protect staff facing transphobic abuse, not apologise for them. Inclusion means safety & respect. Read our letter urging action to defend employee dignity & safety
www.equalityamplified.org.uk/lobbying-and-correspondence/when-inclusion-is-tested-an-open-letter-to-ms-leadership

When Inclusion Is Tested: An Open Letter to M&S Leadership — Equality Amplified

Marks & Spencer recently faced a transphobic complaint against one of their employees. Their response has raised serious concerns about their commitment to inclusion and staff protection. Equality...

www.equalityamplified.org.uk

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 7

They really haven’t thought this one through have they, not that it’s a surprise.

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 7

This is state backed discrimination. The EHRC advising ministers to limit trans access to schools, hospitals, cinemas, and leisure centres is not “balancing rights” it’s fuelling exclusion. Trans people deserve safety, dignity, and equality. This is an attack on their basic freedoms, nothing less.

Jacqice @jacqice.bsky.social · Aug 7

Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance to be submitted to ministers this month will tell schools, hospitals, leisure centres and cinemas to limit trans access

Archive Link Via The Times
archive.ph/inGpF

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 7

Standing side by side 🏳️‍⚧️

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 7

If anyone has any contacts at Marks & Spencer to whom we can send our letter, please get in touch.

Thomas Willett @thomaswillett.bsky.social · Aug 7

Hey y’all.
We’re wanting to write to Marks & Spencer about this trans shop assistant moral panic.
Does anyone have any contacts at M&S head office?

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 6

We’re writing to Marks & Spencer to raise serious concerns about their handling of a trans staff member who was targeted for simply doing her job. We’ll be publishing our open letter shortly. No one’s dignity should be up for debate. #TransRights #StandWithTransStaff

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 5

These companies are making grave mistakes. Aligning with a ruling that actively harms trans people is not neutrality, it’s complicity. The fact it’s being cheered on by JK Rowling tells you exactly how exclusionary and cruel this moment is. Reconsider your values, Merlin.

GymTrainer:Matt @scribbleposts.uk · Aug 5

Absolutely disgusted that Merlin Entertainments who run Legoland, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and more have aligned with the UK Supreme Court’s hostile ruling. Their parks are no longer safe for trans people. Cowardly, shameful behaviour from a company that should know better.

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Aug 1

The EHRC’s appointment of Dr. Mary-Ann Stevenson, a figure with known anti-trans views, makes clear it no longer serves all people. Equality Amplified no longer recognises the EHRC as a human rights body.
Read our full statement here: www.equalityamplified.org.uk/blog/stateme...

Statement from Equality Amplified on the Appointment of Dr. Mary-Ann Stevenson as Chair of the EHRC — Equality Amplified

Equality Amplified no longer recognises the EHRC as a legitimate human rights institution. The appointment of Dr. Mary-Ann Stevenson—who holds anti-trans views—signals a clear and dangerous shift towa...

www.equalityamplified.org.uk

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 31

🚨 We’re disgusted, but not surprised. Labour has now fully sided with anti-trans voices. Bridget Phillipson just appointed gender-critical Dr Mary-Ann Stevenson as EHRC chair ignoring both human rights committees. The UK isn’t safe, it’s time to take this fight to the governments door!

Philippa East (Author) @philippaeast.bsky.social · Jul 31

Holy crap, Bridget Phillipson has appointed Dr Mary-Ann Stevenson as the new chair of the EHRC, despite the explicit objections of both @commonswec.parliament.uk and the Joint Committee on Human Rights here: committees.parliament.uk/publications...

www.equalityhumanrights.com/media-centre...
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The Minister for Women and Equalities has confirmed the appointment of Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as the next Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Dr Stephenson was announced as the UK government’s preferred candidate in June and completed a pre-appointment hearing in front of the Women and Equalities Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights on 1 July.

Dr Stephenson will take up the post from 1 December 2025, when Baroness Falkner’s extended term comes to an end.

Responding to the confirmation of her appointment, Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the next Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission at such a critical time.

“I have spent over 30 years building my career across the equality and human rights sector and I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring my insight and experience to lead the EHRC with compassion, honesty and dedication.

“I look forward to working with the Government and all stakeholders alongside my new colleagues at the EHRC to uphold equality and human rights and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.”

John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

“We welcome confirmation of the appointment of Dr Stephenson as our next Chair.

“She brings a track record of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and her experience in addressing inequalities and human rights issues will be invaluable as we deliver our new Strategic Plan and continue our work to make Britain a fairer country.

“Now our next Chair has been confirmed, we look forward to progress being made on the appointment of additional Commissioners, including a Wales Commissioner, and a new Deputy Chair and Scotland Commissioner to replace Dr Lesley Sawers, whose term will also end on 30 November 2025.”

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Reposted by Equality Amplified

Good Law Project @goodlawproject.bsky.social · Jul 30

“Trans people still have human rights protections in this country, and at Good Law Project, we plan to defend them.”

Read our full update on today’s decision for a two-day hearing in November in our challenge against the EHRC’s transphobic guidance:
goodlaw.social/z5bw

EHRC challenge: The fight goes on

We challenged the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s transphobic guidance. The High Court will consider our case in full in November

goodlaw.social

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 26

We stand in full solidarity with #LondonTransPride today. While we can’t be there in person this year, please see our statement below in our absence.
Protest safely, look out for each other, and show up as your full, authentic selves.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #TransPride #TransRightsMatter 🏳️‍⚧️

Statement from Equality Amplified – London Trans+ Pride 2025

Today is London Trans+ Pride. While we’re not able to be there in person this year, our solidarity is unwavering. We were proud to stand with you last year, and we continue to stand with you now in spirit and in purpose.

This day matters. It exists because it has to. It’s a reminder that trans rights are human rights, and visibility, safety, and justice are still being fought for.

We’re sending love and strength to everyone marching, speaking, showing up, and supporting,especially those facing hostility, discrimination, or silence. We see you. You matter.

We hope to return in person next year and join you once again. Until then, be safe, be bold, and be proud.

— Equality Amplified

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 20

You also said you welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, a ruling now being actively leaned on to justify the rolling back of trans rights across the UK. This is already beginning to alienate Green voters and rightly so. Future voters deserve clarity, especially if you seek leadership so…what say you?

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 20

Hi @elliechowns.bsky.social You called trans rights a “contested issue” but trans people aren’t up for debate. They exist. The Greens say trans rights are human rights. Do your words reflect party policy or personal view? We ask respectfully. The public awaits your reply.

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Reposted by Equality Amplified

The Gayly Digest @thegaylydigest.bsky.social · Jul 20

🚨🚨NEW EPISODE ALERT🚨🚨

Our latest episode drops tonight! We discuss the controversy over a road crossing, LGBTQ+ representation in vintage comedy, and @noshayminthat.bsky.social moans about things again…

Don’t miss it!

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify from 6pm BST tonight!

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 15

Thanks, Philippa! Although it’ll bring absolutely no relief if this remains in place or worse so let’s wait and see 👀

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 14

And here in lies the problem, we suspect that those groups aren’t getting the same types of responses and are being listened to without any scrutiny etc.

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 14

Furthermore what was most interesting was that in one response they explained they do not accept concerns or correspondence from organisations only individuals 🤨

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 14

We’ve heard back from both the Women and Equalities Select Committee and the Commissioner. Their responses were disappointing but not unexpected, neither took responsibility, instead shifting blame to the political party involved.

Accountability matters. We’ll be challenging this in our reply.

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 9

📣We’ve submitted a formal letter to the Women & Equalities Committee & Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, raising serious concerns about Rosie Duffield MP's conduct.
Thank you to the over 300 personal testimonies we received. Your voices matter!
www.equalityamplified.org.uk/lobbying-and...

Letter concerning Rosie Duffield MP’s conduct — Equality Amplified

On 9 July 2025, Equality Amplified submitted a formal letter of concern to the Women and Equalities Committee and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards regarding the conduct of Rosie Duffield M...

www.equalityamplified.org.uk

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Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · Jul 14

Today is International Non-Binary People’s Day, a time to celebrate those whose identities exist beyond the binary. Non-binary people are real, valid, and deserve respect. Whether you’re out, questioning, or just learning, you belong. We see you. We support you. We stand with you.
💛🤍💜🖤

Image celebrating international non binary people’s day.

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