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QueerAF
@wearequeeraf.com
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Understand the LGBTQIA+ world 🏳️‍🌈 Support queer creatives to change the media

🏳️‍⚧️ @transhistoryweek.com initiative
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Cat Knight of @goodlawproject.bsky.social - who spoke to people who swim in the pond - told them that “the inclusive nature of the pond makes them feel safe and provides a haven for women away from the male gaze”.

“Why are we not listening to the women this actually impacts?”
Screenshot of a Good Law Project webpage titled “Hampstead women’s pond: No decision on challenge to trans inclusion,” dated 17 December 2025, with a photo of several women in swimsuits and swim caps standing on steps by a pond.
December 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
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Gender critical organisation Sex Matters has begun its attempt to force Hampstead Heath Ponds into banning Trans+ people from the single sex areas, despite the membership organisation overwhelmingly voting to be trans inclusive 🧵
Screenshot of QueerAF newsletter with text that reads: A gender critical organisation has been accused of “steaming in” where it was never welcome, in a high court case. Sex Matters began its attempt to force Hampstead Heath Ponds into banning Trans+ people from the single sex areas, despite the membership organisation overwhelmingly voting to be trans inclusive. In a High Court hearing this week, the gender critical organisation argued that the City of London Corporation was breaching the law by continuing to include trans women following the Supreme Court decision on the Equality Act 2010. The organisation is seeking permission to challenge the rules. But Daniel Stilitz KC, for the City of London, said Sex Matters had “steamed in”, bringing a premature legal action at a time when its officials were actively consulting pond users on its entry rules - The Guardian.
December 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
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Pornhub’s year-in-review shows searches for transgender people remain highest in some countries with the most restrictive, transphobic, repressive regimes - including Russia.

“Transgender” was the second most searched term worldwide.

Source: www.pornhub.com/insights/202...
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December 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
wearequeeraf.com
We have a lot more to say.

@vic-parsons.bsky.social's intial analysis is just the start of a detailed, nuanced and comprehensive explainer.

Join 9800+ newsletter readers who'll understand the ramifications of a significant report into Trans+ healthcare, Saturday 👇

📩 wearequeeraf.com/subscribe
Screenshot of upcoming QueerAF newsletter with QueerAF logo, and text that reads: The Levy Review: A scathing audit of NHS Trans+ healthcare that isn’t radical enough to fix the problems With picture of David Levy, white man with gray hair and glasses, in suit with white shirt and blue tie Byline of Vic Parsons, QueerAF's Lead investigative journalist
December 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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The Levy Review: A scathing audit of NHS Trans+ healthcare that isn’t radical enough to fix the problems.

@wearequeeraf.com and @whatthetrans.com take a first look at the long-awaited review into adult gender services in the UK 🧵

Reporting by @vic-parsons.bsky.social
Picture of David Levy, white man with gray hair and glasses, in suit with white shirt and blue tie alongside screenshot of Levy review that reads: NHSadult gender dysphoria clinics in England Publication (/publication) Content Foreword from the Chair About this review Key findings Service context Access Quality (including safety) Productivity Culture, leadership and governance What good looks like Appendix 1: Review methodology
December 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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The Levy Review into adult gender services - commissioned following the Cass Review - is now out.

We have a rapid response TLDR by @vic-parsons.bsky.social out this afternoon. Plus a larger, analytical look this weekend in the QueerAF newsletter.

👉 Join 9700+ readers: wearequeeraf.com/subscribe
Screenshot of NHS website with text: Date published: 18 December, 2025 Date last updated: 18 December, 2025 Gender identity, Specialised commissioning Operational and delivery review of NHS adult gender dysphoria clinics in England
December 18, 2025 at 2:16 PM
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Northern Ireland’s equality watchdog has applied to the court to decide what should happen following the Supreme Court’s April ruling on the Equality Act.

Our analysis 👇
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December 16, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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One of the “biggest waves of censorship” of accounts supporting LGBTQIA+ rights has taken place across Meta in the last month, campaigners say
Screenshot of QueerAF newsletter. Section on Meta censorship.
December 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
wearequeeraf.com
The initiative makes a huge difference, which is clear from what people have said in response to opening presents in the previous three years of the project
My daughter received her gift today. The card made her cry, the messages were so beautiful. Her gift is under the tree. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful effort. Trans Secret Santa Feedback The difference it made in previous years is clear to see I’m spending my Christmas with my unsupportive family which really takes its toll. It meant the world to me to open this up and see the amazing messages from everyone who contributed and the amazing stickers (most of which are on my laptop!) I showed my boyfriend and he hugged me too. We both love the items. The trans rights are human rights poster will be getting a frame and will be taking pride of place in our future shared apartment ❤️ Trans Secret Santa Feedback My daughter was so happy this afternoon when she opened her card, she doesn't always show her emotions but she was smiling from ear to ear and had little watery eyes ❤️ thank you so so much for brightening so many faces this Christmas 💖 😊 Trans Secret Santa Feedback
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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Organisers Jude and Octavian say, they want Trans+ youth to know "authenticity is your superpower"
Trans Secret Santa UK co-founder Octavian Starr (he/him) said: "It's a privilege to be able to bring joy and messages of hope to trans youth after what has been a horrible year for them and for all of us. The winter period can be especially difficult for young trans people, a lot of whom can feel really isolated, and supporting almost 900 people with joyful festive gifts will hopefully bring some cheer to the end of the year for many.” “The message I really want to send to trans youth is that your authenticity is your superpower, a light that helps others find themselves in the dark. Remember that the most powerful thing you can do, in a world that tells you who to be, is to unapologetically be who you are.” Jude Guaitamacchi Co-founder Trans Secret Santa, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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Organisers say it's so important to spread joy, in a year where Trans+ youth have been facing healthcare restrictions, a proposed bathroom ban, restrictions on joining youth groups like Girl Guiding, and controversial new schools guidance.
Two people wrapping presents, in colourful Christmas jumpers with text: This year’s record demand of nearly 900 trans and gender diverse young people signing up comes after a horrific year for the UK trans community; facing healthcare restrictions, a proposed bathroom ban, restrictions on joining youth groups like Girl Guiding, and controversial new schools guidance.
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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For the third year in a row, Trans Secret Santa UK brought together volunteers, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and allies to send gifts to Trans+ children and young people who may otherwise feel isolated during this time of year.
Trolley with boxes pushed by three people in Christmas hats, and text: TL;DR For the third year in a row, Trans Secret Santa UK brought together volunteers, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and allies to send gifts to Trans+ children and young people who may otherwise feel isolated during this time of year. The initiative, open to Trans+ people under 25, was supported by a number of Trans+ icons coming together to sign a card with messages of hope and solidarity, including Ella Morgan, Abigail Thorn, Jasmine.4.T, Danielle St James, Zelah Glasson, Munroe Bergdorf and Airyn De Niro.
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
wearequeeraf.com
🎅 Trans Secret Santa is coming to town… again!

@transsolidarity.bsky.social are delivering a whopping 896 presents to Trans+ youth all over the UK, who may otherwise feel isolated during this time of year 🧵
Christmas wrapping scene, with text that reads: It’s been a difficult year for the Trans+ community in the UK, especially for Trans+ young people. This initiative is delivering hope. Trans Secret Santa has sent 896 presents to bring holiday cheer to Trans+ youth across UK
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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Starmer accused of being in ‘moral retreat’ as Labour sets out its hope to reform the UK's most important backstop for human rights.

More in our latest newsletter 👉 www.wearequeeraf.com/understand-t...
Screenshot of QueerAF newsletter. Headline reads European Court of Human Rights.
December 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
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ICYMI: Woman loses discrimination case against her former employer over its toilet policy for transgender staff.
Screenshot of QueerAF newsletter that reads: Engineer loses ruling A former gender-critical employee has lost a tribunal over her concerns about Trans+ people using the bathrooms at her former workplace. Maria Kelley, who objected to trans women being able to use bathrooms at her former employer, the aerospace company Leonardos, has lost her employment tribunal - Sky News Kelley brought a discrimination case, but the tribunal dismissed the case, finding Leonardo's policy did not place females at a significant disadvantage compared with male staff. In her ruling, Judge Michelle Sutherland said the toilet policy was a "proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim" to create an inclusive workplace environment for trans staff - BBC Employment lawyer Hina Belitz of Excello Law said the ruling illustrates the “complicated picture” facing courts and employers following the Supreme Court’s clarification of biological sex in equality law - Business Matters
December 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
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“What was supposed to be narrowly focused on the definition of a woman, in the eyes of the Equality Act, has become a tool for anti-Trans+ campaigners to push a hateful narrative that seeks to force Trans+ people out of society” - @jamiewareham.co.uk
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December 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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"It’s unsurprising that queer activists in the British imperial core are among those on hunger strike.

"It is a dangerous strategy, but one that reflects the strength of queer and Trans+ solidarity with Palestine." 🧵
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December 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
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5/ Our analysis @jamiewareham.co.uk 🗣️

"It’s unsurprising that queer activists in the British imperial core are among those on hunger strike. It may be a dangerous strategy, but that reflects the strength of queer and Trans+ solidarity with Palestine.
Screenshot of text that reads: Analysis: Queer bodies, have always been a site of protest It’s unsurprising that queer activists in the British imperial core are among those on hunger strike. It may be a dangerous strategy, but that reflects the strength of queer and Trans+ solidarity with Palestine. Under the banners of groups like Queers for Palestine, No Pride in Genocide and Dykes Against Airstrikes, queers have led many pro-Palestine direct actions and protests over the past two years. We’ve also seen the consistent presence of London Trans+ Pride stewarding at Palestine solidarity marches. As those in prison use the last thing under their control – their bodies – to resist and to draw attention to British complicity in the Gaza genocide, it’s impossible not to think of people in Palestine, where “widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease” are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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Kevin Blowe of @netpol.org told QueerAF that hunger strikes are a “very dangerous strategy”.

“It becomes a game of chicken between those people who are wondering how far they're prepared to push a hunger strike and how far the government is prepared to do nothing."
Screenshot of text in QueerAf article. Text that reads: The decision to go on hunger strike is, according to Kevin Blowe of the Network for Police Monitoring (Netpol), a “very dangerous strategy”. “It becomes a game of chicken between those people who are wondering how far they're prepared to push a hunger strike and how far the government is prepared to do nothing,” Blowe tells QueerAF. It’s “who blinks first”, he adds. “From the state's point of view, they're the ones that have got the power in this relationship. I don't know if anybody really knows what this government is capable of, in terms of how trenchant it's likely to be.”
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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3/ What has been the response?

Deputy Leader of Green Party @mothinali.bsky.social is so far the only politician to have visited the strikers.

He said “their cheekbones were sticking out, their eyes had sunken in - they looked visibly frail."
Screenshot of Mothin's Instagram reel. The caption reads: Today I visited Amu Gib, who has been on hunger strike for 32 days. Their cheekbones were sticking out, their eyes had sunken in — they looked visibly frail. This is someone who has been neglected by the prison system. For the first 10 days of their hunger strike, the prison refused to even acknowledge what was happening or provide medical care. I also saw John — so thin he looked almost skeletal. It is not an easy thing to witness. And I learned that Qesser, just 20 years old, is in a highly dangerous medical condition — extremely low blood pressure but a very high heart rate. Her own doctors say she needs hospital treatment, yet nurses are blocking her from being moved.
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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Gib has been on remand since 3 July and spent their 30th birthday inside HMP Bronzefield.

In a recorded message they said: “It’s not my birthday; it’s the 707th day of a genocide against Palestine.”
Text that reads: Amu reflects on their time in prison in a recorded message on their 30th birthday. Their first words are, “It’s not my birthday, it’s the 707th day of a genocide against Palestine.” “Maybe I do have one wish,” they say, “that every year of my life will act as a handful of sand in the gears of this imperialist killing machine. And that we live to see the day it eventually, inevitably, grinds to a halt. Free Palestine.”
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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They also call for an end to censorship of their communications, de-proscribing Palestine Action and immediate bail.

So far, government has ignored all demands.
Text that reads: The government has so far ignored the prisoners’ demands, which include scrapping a proposed £2.7 billion contract between the Ministry of Defence and Elbit Systems, as well as permanently closing all of Elbit’s UK arms facilities. They also demand an end to the censorship of their communications, de-proscribing Palestine Action, immediate bail and the disclosure of all documents relating to their cases.
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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A queer activist is at the centre of one of the largest coordinated prison hunger strikes in the UK in over 40 years - and the British government is yet to acknowledge it.

Let’s look at what’s taking place with @vic-parsons.bsky.social ky.social 🧵

CW: Descriptions of starvation
Screenshot of QueerAf article with headline reading: Queer activist among eight people on hunger strike for Palestine in UK prisons
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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ICYMI: Top court rules all EU countries must recognise same-sex marriages that were registered in the EU - even if that country does not allow them to take place.

A striking rebuke to Poland 👏
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December 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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Puberty blocker clinical trial for Trans+ youth “is not about the safety of these medications.

"It is the result of an ideological view at the very top of the NHS that being trans is a ‘less desirable outcome," says @transactualuk.bsky.social Health Director Chay Brown👇
Screenshot of the QueerAf newsletter. Text that reads: Details of a puberty blocker trial, hailed by the NHS as the first of its kind, have now been revealed. Participants will either immediately start puberty blockers or have to wait a year to start, and the effects will be measured alongside "a wider package of care and support" - The Guardian The details have not inspired confidence in either those opposed to the use of puberty blockers for trans youth or those who are advocating for them. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch called for the trial to be scrapped altogether, while many Trans+ organisations set out how the 50+ tests that make up the program go beyond a clinical trial. NION’s Caroline Litman called it "cruelty". TransActual health director Chay Brown said, "This research is not about the safety of these medications, which have been used for this very purpose since 1989. It is the result of an ideological view at the very top of the NHS that being trans is a ‘less desirable outcome.'" In other revelations, the Trans Safety Network have set out how the Department for Health and Social Care solicited feedback on a “puberty blocker risk form” from Bayswater Support Group and other anti-trans groups in September 2025. QueerAF has repeatedly shared investigations that show the Bayswater group, who Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed sympathy for, brag about abusing their children with the Department for Health.,
December 3, 2025 at 6:41 PM