Pretty Boy Letter to the Guardian, 24 June 2022 As an older trans woman who transitioned comparatively late in life, I read Luke Tryl’s article with interest (Forget toxic Twitter debates: the UK isn’t as divided on trans rights as you think, 23 June). He paints a rather rosy picture on social attitudes to transgender issues, but this is not what I have experienced.
What Tryl neglects to mention is a key element of this discourse: power. It has been depressing to witness those in a position of privilege and power – thus having the ear of the public – espouse outdated and dangerous notions about gender identity couched as “debate”. I cannot imagine any other marginalised group being treated as a pawn in a media “debate” where they have little or no voice. It is sadly common to have TV discussions about trans people without a trans person being present.
I am not averse to discussion about trans issues, but let’s call out transphobia for what it is when it comes from someone with power and influence, just as we would call out racism and misogyny.
Dr Eve Jeffrey
I read that article, and while it did point out a disconnect between the government's rhetoric on trans issues and what people think, there were some topics (the medical side of transitioning for example) that people had more conservative views on.
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