Philip Baldwin speaks with actor David Ames about representation, community and what’s next for him.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

David Ames has played a number of groundbreaking roles in his TV career, challenging stereotypes and raising awareness around issues facing LGBTQIA+ people. He is perhaps best known for playing Dominic Copeland in Holby City (2013 – 2022). In this role he shone a spotlight on domestic violence, which often impacts queer relationships but is rarely spoken about.

As Cater Shepherd in Hollyoaks (2023 – 2024), David explored the dangers of conversion practices, and was rewarded with Rainbow Honours and a British LGBT Awards nominations. He has also had notable stage roles, including Horse Play at Riverside Studios and Steve at Seven Dials Playhouse, both in 2022. Recently, David has been filming for Changing Ends, the semi-autobiographical series about Alan Carr growing up in Northampton. Season three is out in the autumn.

David has often been outspoken about LGBTQIA+ rights and it was great chatting to him. I began by asking him about his Pride highlight of 2025.

I love the vigil on the Monday at the end of Manchester Pride, to honour those people who we’ve lost due to HIV/AIDS, or through hate crimes. It’s been particularly poignant recently for our trans siblings who have been under constant attack, both physically and politically. By the end of the weekend everyone is exhausted and emotional. We gather together and there is such a feeling of community spirit. I was at Brighton Pride this year, which was wonderful. At Brighton Pride you see a lot of families and people celebrating in Preston Park. London Pride was also magnificent. I enjoyed them all. The community spirit is high at the moment. It feels that – particularly watching what is happening in the United States – we are pulling together and closing ranks. This is very heartening considering everything that is going on in the world.

What do you perceive as the greatest threat to LGBTQIA+ rights at the moment?

What is happening in the United States – particularly under Donald Trump, is the rolling back of rights – for women with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, also people like Kim Davis trying to get the Supreme Court to consider rolling back gay marriage. It’s a terrifying reminder of just how precarious our rights are and how our movement can be used as a political punchbag. With the rise in popularity of Reform and with Labour not polling particularly well, we’re potentially on the cusp of something terrifying.

Do you think it’s becoming easier to come out?

Yes – I think it’s easier to come out to friends and to family. I was surprised by the drop in sponsorship from big companies for Pride – or even just putting rainbows on their logos. These huge brands clearly feel under pressure not to display diversity, a trend from Donald Trump’s politics. I think that has probably hindered a lot of people from being open in the workplace. The number of movies, music and art which are queer-heavy, that has definitely helped people in knowing they are not alone, especially with social media. I remember at university – I didn’t really use the internet. I went to university between 2001 and 2004, which was before MySpace. I feel like I would have had more of a community at university and found it easier to come out, had I known there were likeminded people who have had similar experiences. The internet does make it easier to come out and to find your tribe, but with that comes the backlash of trolls. It’s about being savvy in doing so.

Can you tell us about any projects you have coming up?

There are a few irons in fires. The biggest projects I have coming up – I am blessed to be in series three and series four of Changing Ends on ITV. I am absolutely thrilled to be involved, as it’s always been a dream of mine to do a sitcom. I love a good sitcom. I have always craved the chance to put my comedy chops to the test. It’s such an amazing crew and cast. It was such a joy to get to work on this over the summer. I’m really looking forward to the third series coming out this year, in the autumn, and the fourth series next year – we filmed them back-to-back.

You can follow David Ames here on Instagram. 

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Philip Baldwin speaks with actor and activist Charlie Condou about the importance of Pride in 2025, as well as the “battles” that are yet to be won.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Charlie Condou is maybe best known for his role as Marcus Dent on Coronation Street, but he has been on our screens almost continuously over the past 25 years, with roles including Unforgotten and Holby City. In May 2025 he also played Gary Gabbastone in ‘The Interstellar Song Contest’, an episode of Doctor Who.

Charlie often speaks out about LGBTQIA+ rights. He had a column with The Guardian from October 2011 until July 2012, where he wrote about gay parenting. As a gay dad, Charlie has done a huge amount in terms of visibility and changing attitudes.

Why is Pride important?

Pride is important simply for visibility. I’ve always said that we have so many rights here in this country now, in a way that we never used to when I was growing up and yet there are still places around the world where it’s illegal to be gay. There is still prejudice abroad, and in this country. You just have to look at what is happening with trans rights at the moment. Trans people are being vilified and demonised. I think visibility is the best way that we can combat that. I think it’s the duty of the strong to protect the weak and I think the LGBTQIA+ community is quite strong in this country, while in other countries they are not, so Pride is incredibly important for all those reasons.

How do you use your platform to advocate for queer rights?

I’ve always been out, I’ve always been very vocal about being proud of being a gay man, being part of the queer community. I’ve never been particularly interested in fame for its own sake. I’m not bothered about being recognised or any of those things. What I do think having a profile gives you is a platform and the ability to speak out and to be heard. One of the reasons I spoke a lot about my journey to parenthood, as a gay man and co-parenting was because nobody else was talking about it at the time.

It wasn’t something that gay men did, certainly not publicly. I decided that I was going to be somebody that spoke about these things. I went to The Guardian and asked them for a column, which they gave me – bizarrely. I wrote about my experiences every week, on a Saturday, for almost a year and I’d try and talk about issues for the LGBTQIA+ community in interviews, on television, at public forum events and on panels, whenever I can. I think I’ve always done that and I will continue to do that.

Which of your acting achievements are you most proud of?

I’m proud of all of my acting achievements for different reasons, but I do think that when I started acting thirty years ago, if you had a queer character on-screen, they were often stereotypical and the parts were issue-based, so you were playing a gay man who had AIDS or who was struggling to come out. They were always very much about being gay. Now, the conversation has moved on so much.

I just played part of a gay couple in Doctor Who and what was lovely about the couple was they were just a couple who were bickering and having problems of their own, were in love, married and all sorts of ordinary things. It was nothing to do with their sexuality. Their sexuality was irrelevant. I’m proud of how far we’ve come – it’s not so much about the roles that I play, but how the conversation has moved on. That’s very much down to people like Russell T Davies, who have fought very hard to push that conversation forward.

Do you have a message for Pride?

Enjoy it, have fun, but also know that many battles have been won, but the fight isn’t over. Rights are just as easily lost as they are won. We can see it with the trans community here, who are so vulnerable and so need protecting and need our help. But you can also see it with women’s rights in America, which are being taken away. We still have huge problems with systemic racism. For Pride, absolutely, it should be a party – be proud in who you are, but remember that prejudice still exists. It’s still our job to keep challenging those things and to keep fighting.

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Philip Baldwin speaks with Tim Spoor about founding Queerwell, a radical new mental health charity by and for LGBTQIA+ people, and why tailored, affirming care is long overdue.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Tim Spoor is an award-winning CEO, of the newly launched mental health and wellness charity Queerwell, and campaigner for LGBTQIA+ rights for over 30 years. I first met Tim in 2014, and greatly admired his positive impact on our community. He has been at the forefront of many national campaigns, bringing forward policies which have benefitted our community. At this difficult time, nationally and internationally, it was great to catch up with Tim and learn more about what is motivating him at the moment.

I began by asking Tim about Queerwell?

Queerwell is a new and unique national charity founded in 2024 by LGBTQIA+ people with lived experience of mental health challenges, but also professional experience supporting LGBTQIA+ people accessing mental health services. Our mission is to champion positive mental health within LGBTQIA+ communities by offering inclusive, innovative, and accessible wellbeing support. We deliver therapy, coaching, skills-based workshops, and mindfulness based playshops – including puppy therapy. Our services are free or low-cost, co-created with the community, and led by experienced LGBTQIA+ qualified professionals.

How does Queerwell deliver its services?

We offer our mental health and wellness services both online and in-person, depending on what works best for people. Also, where people can afford to pay a contribution to their therapy, we have a “community kindness” access to donate approach. This helps keep the service free or low cost for others. Queerwell is about healing, building our own resilience, and joy – ensuring LGBTQIA+ people have somewhere that truly understands who they are. We need to address the mental health challenges LGBTQIA+ people face, because we are massively underserved.

Tim Spoor

What in particular impacts LGBTQIA+ mental health and wellness?

LGBTQIA+ people face unique mental health challenges, due to persistent discrimination, social exclusion, and systemic barriers in healthcare, housing and employment. Many of us have experienced rejection, bullying, or isolation. Even within healthcare, many LGBTQIA+ individuals report poor experiences, including misgendering or a lack of cultural understanding, leading to delayed care or opting-out altogether. Mainstream services often don’t meet our community’s needs, while private therapy is financially out of reach. People with intersectional identities are often impacted more. At Queerwell we focus on prevention, creating a sense of community, belonging and empowerment – creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people feel seen, heard, and supported to thrive.

So, who inspires you?

Firstly, I’d like to mention Maari Nastari, co-founder of Queerwell, a trans woman of colour, who we sadly lost last December. She gave 19 years of her life to providing support to LGBTQIA+ people facing homelessness, housing issues and domestic violence. Queerwell delivers its work in memory of her. Secondly, the LGBTQIA+ community also inspires me, especially those who get out of bed every day and face a world where they may experience discrimination, isolation, loneliness, anxiety and other forms of poor mental health. That is the biggest achievement – getting up and facing the world. It can be so hard for many LGBTQIA+ people, which is why Queerwell will be there for them.

How can people support Queerwell?

Queerwell is creating radical, affirming support, including therapy, coaching, and creative healing spaces that actually work for our community. We’re done waiting. With your help, we’ll build a future where every queer person gets the care they deserve. Be the change. Please donate to our #BeWell25 campaign, so that we can launch our services this summer. For example, £25 could ensure a person can access a learning space workshop or PlayShop. We want to focus on delivering our services in places where there are fewer options. You can also provide support to Queerwell as a volunteer or practitioner – all our therapists, coaches and facilitators are paid. And, you can fundraise for us.

Head to Queerwell’s website, and follow them on Instagram.

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Philip Baldwin speaks with Nancy Kelley about the urgent need for visibility, solidarity, and justice for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people during Lesbian Visibility Week.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Nancy Kelley is the Executive Director at DIVA and a Director of the Trans Solidarity Alliance. She is an award-winning LGBTQIA+ and human rights campaigner. From 2020 to 2023, Nancy was the CEO of Stonewall and prior to that, the Deputy Chief Executive at the National Centre for Social Research.

Lesbian Visibility Week runs from 21 to 27 April, with Lesbian Visibility Day on 26 April. It was great chatting to Nancy about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ women.

I began by asking Nancy why Lesbian Visibility Week is important?

Lesbian Visibility Week is important, because it’s an opportunity to really focus on the experiences, the needs, the talents of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. It’s still the case that our experiences, needs and talents are not recognised, seen or attended to even within the LGBTQIA+ community. This year is particularly exciting because we’re focusing on celebrating rainbow families, in all the forms they take – from our chosen family to LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people having children, or looking after parents.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people’s families and also fight for equity. One of the things we’re doing this year is focusing on removing discrimination in family formation, in areas like access to IVF. It’s still the case that in England and Wales we can be forced to pay for thousands of pounds of private healthcare to access IVF, that a straight couple could access without private care. It’s great to be focusing on our families and the place they have in this world.

Are the rights of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people being rolled back in the UK?

It is definitely the case that the rights of trans women and trans people generally are under threat. For example, access to healthcare for trans and non-binary children and young people, which has been almost completely blocked in the UK, but also access to gender-affirming healthcare for trans adults where there is a huge waiting list. There’s enormous pressure around trans inclusion. There are court cases all the time trying to limit trans and non-binary people’s ability to access spaces that feel comfortable for them, or to participate fully in society. We should all care about this because trans and non-binary people deserve our solidarity and also because we know the LGBTQIA+ community stands and falls together.

How have disabled queer women been impacted?

The starting point is that LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people are more likely to be disabled than their peers. Around a third of us have a disability and many of us have disabilities that have a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. The government is bringing forward policies that implement enormous cuts in disability benefits, cuts for people whether they work or not. Those cuts are going to impact hundreds of thousands of people, including huge numbers of people in our community, and we know that they are going to push many people into poverty.

It’s really important for all of us to fight back, to be talking to our MPs and to be talking publicly about our opposition to those cuts. Sometimes we can think of LGBTQIA+ justice and disability justice as separate, but they’re not. Disability rights and LGBTQIA+ rights are deeply interwoven. As a disabled queer woman myself, I feel passionately about the need for us to be vocal in our opposition about balancing the Budget on the backs of disabled people.

What are you looking forward to most this Lesbian Visibility Week?

This Lesbian Visibility Week, I look forward to seeing LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about their families in all the forms they take. Our ability to build a family and have that family respected has always been such a huge and often painful part of our stories. Being able to see and hear LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people talking about and celebrating our families and talking about the families that we have will always bring a smile to my face. It lifts me, to see LGBTQIA+ and non-binary women talking about the beautiful lives they have been able to build.

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Jude Guaitamacchi speaks with Philip Baldwin about challenging political agendas, the importance of representation, and uniting allies for trans rights.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY YELLOW BELLY

Jude Guaitamacchi is a leading trans rights and LGBTQIA+ activist, as well as a public speaker. Jude is one of the founders of the Trans Solidarity Alliance and has been behind a number of key campaigns. From #LwiththeT to working with stars like Emma Bunton to increase awareness, Jude has worked tirelessly highlighting trans issues.

Jude was the first non-binary model for Harrods, was a “Voice for Change” nominee at the TikTok Awards in 2024 and has won multiple other awards.

I asked Jude who has inspired them both past and present?

I’ve been inspired by so many people, both within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. Change-makers throughout history have paved the way for the rights we have today. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk played pivotal roles in LGBTQIA+ activism, standing against oppression and mobilising communities for change.

In the UK, pioneers such as Christine Burns and Stephen Whittle, through initiatives like Press for Change, have been instrumental in advancing trans rights, challenging outdated policies, and reshaping legal frameworks. Their dedication to justice and equality is a powerful reminder of the impact advocacy can have – and the responsibility we all share in continuing their work. I’m also inspired by current movements such as young trans activist group, Trans Kids Deserve Better.

Can you tell us more?

When shaping the Trans Solidarity Alliance, we looked to the movements that came before us, recognising the foundations laid by past activists. Their work showed that real change comes not just from resisting injustice but from building structures that empower communities and create lasting impact.

Understanding our history is crucial to envisioning the future of trans equality, but it’s just as important to apply a modern lens. The landscape of activism has shifted – today, the internet and social media influence policy decisions, fuel discrimination, and create additional barriers for trans people seeking equality.

The internet and social media have been transformational. What about other types of representation?

Representation is a powerful force in shaping public opinion and driving change. Pop culture, in particular, has been a vehicle for shifting perceptions and opening doors to conversations that might otherwise be dismissed. From TV and film to music and social media, representation helps challenge stereotypes, humanise trans experiences, and inspire the next generation of activists and allies.

How do we create lasting progress?

I think that to push for meaningful progress, we need to learn from the past while actively addressing today’s challenges – countering misinformation, equipping allies with resources to stand against prejudice, and ensuring trans voices are heard at every level, from grassroots activism to political decision-making. By drawing on the legacy of past trailblazers and harnessing modern platforms, we can continue to drive real change.

@becomingjude Aren’t we all from a different generation? Generational differences shouldn’t be used when talking about trans equality, because if she can embrace us then so can the world. #Transtok ♬ original sound – Becoming Jude

What are some of the challenges the trans community are facing in the UK and abroad?

The challenges faced by the trans community in the UK and abroad are alarming. In the UK, transphobic rhetoric is rising – not just in the media but also within politics and public policy – fuelling societal division and discrimination. Many anti-trans groups receive ongoing funding to challenge the Equality Act, aiming to dismantle legal protections. Social media has become a tool for amplifying false narratives, distorting public opinion, influencing policy, and creating further barriers to equality.

How do these ani-trans groups operate, nationally and internationally?

Well-funded anti-trans groups in the USA and UK are working together to push harmful narratives into mainstream discourse. In the USA, the situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Some states are attempting to pass bills to deny gender-affirming care and restrict participation in sport. Meanwhile, restrictions on updating ID documents have already been enforced across the country.

These attacks create fear and uncertainty while setting a dangerous precedent that must be taken seriously in the UK. Anti-trans rhetoric has become a central weapon in politics, with trans people used as scapegoats. Some politicians who once showed support have now turned their backs, actively undermining years of progress.

What are the consequences of this?

The consequences are severe, affecting mental health, healthcare, housing, and employment. Support for trans rights is also steadily declining, as seen in recent polling. Now, more than ever, we need unity – to mobilise allies and protect trans rights, dignity, and safety worldwide. We must stand together, challenge disinformation, and dismantle the political agendas driving this global assault on trans rights.

Can you tell me more about your plans for the future?

I’ve been behind several impactful global campaigns, starting with #LwiththeT in 2018. As part of the original group that launched the campaign, I helped organise it in direct response to anti-trans lesbians who hijacked the front of the London Pride parade. I led PR and communications while also co-organising and leading the Brighton and London Pride parades in 2018 and 2019.

What did you do next?

The viral success of #LwiththeT sparked global solidarity, inspiring #WiththeT groups worldwide. By creating a resource for allies, we provided a way for people to be vocal and visible in their support for the trans community. I later developed inclusive campaigns like #TransPeopleAreLoved and #TransYouthAreLoved, designed to enable anyone – inside and outside the LGBTQIA+ community – to stand behind a message of love and support.

How did the Trans Solidarity Alliance come together?

In 2024, alongside fellow directors of the Trans Solidarity Alliance – Executive Director of DIVA Nancy Kelley and Paramount Commissioner Kit Morey – we launched #TransYouthAreLoved. Over 60 celebrities publicly supported trans youth, using their platforms to spread messages of love and solidarity, including the likes of Emma Bunton, Elliot Page and David Tennant.

Beyond campaigns, I’ve worked to counter the anti-trans agenda by repurposing its own tactics – leveraging social media to build solidarity and rally allies. The Trans Solidarity Alliance naturally evolved from this work, stepping into political spaces to educate decision-makers and advance trans rights in the UK.

You can follow Jude on Instagram and TikTok. 

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For LGBT History Month, Philip Baldwin sits down with Baroness Liz Barker to discuss the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ equality.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2005. Although there have been many advances in LGBTQIA+ equality in the UK, it is clear that we are seeing an attack on our rights nationally – and internationally.

I sat down with Baroness Liz Barker, a Liberal Democrat Peer since 1999. Liz famously came out during the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 debate in the House of Lords, but has always been an advocate for our community. Liz is now Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.

What will you be doing for LGBT+ History Month?

Firstly, this year I want to make sure that younger people know how our community has developed and to know, in particular, the stories of older brave people who stood up and campaigned for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ throughout history. Secondly, for Baroness Barker’s Book Club, I’m going to get together some authors. The theme of LGBT+ History Month is “Activism and Social Change” so I’m asking authors who have written books chronicling different parts of the overall LGBT+ campaign for equality. For example, the HIV/AIDS movement, but also individuals representing each of the initials in the LGBT+ acronym. Hopefully we will have an interesting discussion and it will lead people to some books they haven’t heard of before and might enjoy.

Which historical figure is inspiring you in 2025?

Eleanor Roosevelt was famously married to Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the First Lady, but she maybe had the odd dalliance with people who weren’t all blokes. If she wasn’t part of our community, she was definitely a big supporter. More than that, she was instrumental in drawing up the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). That is such an important document. It states that anyone in the world, no matter who they are, has certain rights as a human being, which cannot and must not be violated. It was drawn up after the horrors of the Second World War, but it is needed now more than ever. Human rights are under direct attack, not least from right-wingers in America and Russia, as well as dictators across the world. Going back to Eleanor being brave and standing up for people who are different and their rights, that is the inspiration for me this LGBT+ History Month.

Which LGBTQIA+ issues concern you in the UK?

The attack on human rights is international and the United Kingdom is not immune from that. The campaign has several different tactical objectives, stopping access to abortions, stopping people have Relationships, Sex and Health Education, stopping surrogacy, but also stopping LGBTQIA+ equality. The particular focus of it in this country is the anti-trans movement. Let’s be clear, what starts with trans people doesn’t end with trans people. They’re just first in the firing line. They’re coming after all of us. We need to expose the poisonous nature of that campaign, exposing the fact that members of our own community have chosen to be part of it, are acting against our best interests and the best interests of women’s equality and women’s reproductive rights, is a really big focus for me at the moment.

Which international trend concerns you most in 2025?

It’s the attack on human rights. It began in Europe, but it was fanned and greatly augmented by Evangelical right-wing nationalists in America. They have put billions of dollars behind it and they have exported that poisonous, politicised and weaponised religious campaigning all around the world, to Africa, to the Caribbean, bits of Latin America, as well as the United Kingdom. It is a campaign which is very clever. The people behind it don’t put their head above the parapet. They get other people to spread their message of hate instead. It is deeply damaging, politically and socially. We need to think about how, as a community, we can counter that. We have to withstand this barrage of politicised hate which is being directed against us and never ever give up.

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Philip Baldwin speaks with presenter, author and DJ Gok Wan about his new single ‘Deeper Love’, LGBTQIA+ activism and his proudest career moment.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Gok Wan is a TV and radio presenter, as well as an author and DJ. He has long been a familiar face, as well as a powerful advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Over the past two decades Gok has been one of the most visible gay men in the UK. How To Look Good Naked first hit our TV screens on Channel 4 in 2006. We have seen massive change in the UK around LGBTQIA+ rights and representation across this period. It was great speaking to Gok about his career and charitable work.

I asked Gok how he uses his profile to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights?

Being in the public eye and being a known person, I attend as many LGBTIA+ events as possible because I think visibility is important. I talk across my social media about LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as discussing my own story. Whether that’s my coming out story, the difficulties our community is facing, getting behind campaigns, working with Stonewall, just being as visible in front of the community as well as part of it. I want to talk about the injustices, but also what I love about being a gay man.

What would you describe as your career highlight?

There have been so many moments where I’ve thought I can’t believe I’m stood on this red carpet, stage or doing this event. From an LGBTQIA+ point of view, working on a Pride campaign a few years ago stands out. The guise of it was, telling people how to get dressed for Pride, flamboyant, on show and feeling yourself. The other section of the video was talking about parts of the world where people aren’t allowed to show their sexuality or identity, where people are punished or it’s a crime. Probably working on that campaign was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever done and also one of my proudest moments.

Can you tell us about your single ‘Deeper Love’?

My best friend Allison Gordon-Parry passed away this year, after a six and a half-year battle with cancer. We shared a common love of music. She came to many of my DJ gigs and she even sang with me on stage. After Allison passed away, I decided that I didn’t want her life to be forgotten. She was always so public about her fight with cancer and we wanted her death to help other people. I spoke to my management and we got in touch with Aretha Franklin’s estate in America.

What happened next?

We managed to get permission to cover the track. I then spoke to the House Gospel Choir, who are friends of mine and they sang on it. We are now releasing it this Christmas. Hopefully it’s going to get into the charts. Maybe a number-one track. All the profits are going to Macmillan, who are an incredible cancer support charity, helping millions of people. Like every other charity, they need more money to continue the services; for example, their helpline.

You’ve already touched on it, but is there anything else you would like to discuss about Macmillan?

The work that they do is phenomenal. In 2023, they helped 2 million people – only two-thirds of the people that need support. Their goal is for every person who has been diagnosed with cancer to have a cancer nurse. Inflation has really affected them, so their services are costing more. They have no government funding whatsoever. It’s purely by donation. The money that they receive is going towards helping more people, particularly marginalised communities who are really affected by cancer.

Gok Wan and House Gospel Choir release ‘Deeper Love (A Tribute to Allison)’ on 13 December 2024 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Available to pre order here.

Visit here for more information on Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Philip Baldwin speaks with activist and founder of Trans in the City, Bobbi Pickard, about ongoing ‘injustices’ faced by trans and non-binary people in business.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Bobbi Pickard is a prominent voice on trans and non-binary rights and has been campaigning for over 20 years.

In 2017, Bobbi founded Trans in the City, the largest organisation for trans and non-binary people in business. It was privilege speaking Bobbi Pickard, learning more about what motivates her and the inspirational work of Trans in the City.

What motivated you to campaign on trans and LGBTQIA+ rights?

Firstly, what I saw in business, is huge injustice. For example, injustice for trans and non-binary people in getting jobs and promotions. I’ve seen trans people paid less after transitioning. Secondly, I’ve been an activist for 23-years and when I first started campaigning, I lost a friend through suicide.

How did that impact you?

I can’t accept a society that makes people feel so bad about themselves, that they feel the only option is to take their own lives. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her and she was the person that helped me come out. I don’t know where she’s buried and I don’t know when her funeral was. It’s still an incredibly hard thing for me to deal with now. It made me want to try and make things better. Unfortunately, five other people I knew have taken their lives through suicide and so many other people have had their mental well-being ravaged by the way society treats trans and non-binary people.

Which areas concern you the most on trans rights?

The overarching problem is the amount of funding that is coming from right-wing organisations into media and government circles. We’ve seen the impact in court actions, the vilification of the trans and non-binary community and introducing fake threats, that trans women are supposed to be inflicting on society! That’s my main concern.

There’s an ongoing issue with access to healthcare and it’s not just around transitioning, it’s healthcare generally. Most trans and non-binary people won’t see a doctor because of the level of abuse they receive from clinicians, so trans and non-binary people are dying earlier because they’re not getting conditions diagnosed. We’ve seen hideous consequences from the push back on healthcare for young trans and non-binary people.

Can you briefly expand on how non-binary people are impacted?

For non-binary people, especially, there’s still no recognition for their identity. If you don’t recognise a person in your society, how can you afford them equal rights? There are so many areas where trans and non-binary people are not thriving but barely surviving.

Do you have a key tip on how we can be allies to trans people?

An ally isn’t just somebody who thinks what happening is wrong and it should be changed. That’s an interested bystander. An ally is somebody that stands up, defends and changes things. No minority in history has gained equality or more rights alone. A minority does not have that power. A minority has to raise the injustice, get the majority interested, but it’s the people in the majority that need to open the door for equality.

What about allyship within the LGBTQIA+ community?

Being an ally, you need to understand the power you have. In the LGBTQIA+ community, the people who are empowered to make a difference are white gay men. We need that group of the community to be really involved. There’s this misconception that people who aren’t trans can’t talk for trans people, but they absolutely can.

People who aren’t trans or non-binary can’t speak from lived experience, but it’s the job of an ally to amplify those trans voices, either directly or by saying what you’ve learned and been told. We need people to be our shield, amplify and support us. There’re so few trans and non-binary people, and so few that have the platform to be role models, a handful of people, so we need people to be allies.

How can people support Trans in the City?

If you’re an organisation then you can become a sponsor, if you’re a trans or non-binary individual you can join us as a member, if you’re an ally, we’ve got a very active allies’ stream. I’m extremely keen on building and empowering our allies’ group. We’re here as a collaboration. Our 350 global corporates and other businesses are here to work together and that’s the whole point of Trans in the City – come and join with us. Bring your ideas and we’ll collaborate with you. Trans and non-binary rights need everybody working together.

Follow Trans in the City and Bobbi Pickard on Instagram. 

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Philip Baldwin speaks with BAFTA Award-winning presenter, author and columnist Dr Ranj about the importance of Pride and speaking up for minorities within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Every year Pride falls in June, but across the summer there are over 150 Pride events taking place in the UK. It was great chatting to Dr Ranj Singh, doctor, BAFTA Award-winning TV presenter and author to find out about his plans for 2024 and which issues he considers particularly important this year.

I began by asking Ranj why it’s important to mark Pride?

Pride is important all year round to me, but it’s good to have an anchor to organise our celebrations, campaigns and activism. Pride is getting more and more important because, in many places around the world and even in the UK, there is a move to reverse our rights. On top of that we still don’t have equality, especially if you’re trans. It feels like our identities are being weaponised, which I don’t think is fair or acceptable.

What was the first Pride you attended?

My very first Pride was 10 years ago this year, it was London Pride 2014. The hashtag was #FreedomTo. For me it was freedom to be myself, freedom to be happy, freedom to be healthy, freedom to be whoever I am and freedom for everybody else to do the same. I was on a bus in the parade, so it was a very special occasion. It was my first public experience of that level of validation, acceptance and understanding. It was joyous and it’s really nice that I get to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that.

Have Pride events become too corporate?

I think we ask ourselves this every year. Pride events have to be corporate, to some extent. Obviously, we must never forget what Pride is about: Pride is a celebration, it’s a protest, it’s activism, and it’s a way to highlight important issues and remind people that we are here. We deserve the same rights as everyone else. But Pride will always be corporate too. Firstly, we need the support of as many people as possible and that includes corporate organisations, which helps us to do a lot more. Secondly, these organisations have queer people as part of their workforce. And there are queer businesses and corporations that want to take part, and it is important to try to include everyone. I understand the concerns about pinkwashing though. I believe if an organisation is going to be part of Pride then they need to be part of it all year long.

Is there an issue you would like to highlight?

While LGBTQIA+ people may be regarded as a minority, there are minorities within our minority. There are queer people of colour, queer trans people, queer less able-bodied people. Whilst we strive for inclusion, let’s be careful about who we may be inadvertently excluding. For a long time, Pride has given a voice to a certain kind of queer person. We are a massively diverse community, full of lots of different people and not everyone gets a seat at the table. Let’s remember those people who don’t often get a chance to speak up as much as others. Let’s make sure that they are heard and seen and given a voice as well.

What would your advice be to someone attending Pride for the first time?

Have fun, enjoy it, take a moment to celebrate who you are, enjoy your community and your chosen family. No matter who you are, where you’re from, what your background, what your experience of being queer might be, just take a moment and enjoy Pride. Logistically speaking though, because I like to have my sensible hat on as well, make sure you’re safe and surrounded by people who will look after you. Make sure you are being careful, because it’s so easy to get carried away. And make sure you’ve got funds to get home and have somewhere to stay if you’re travelling down! Have fun, but be safe, be sensible, but above all be you!

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Philip Baldwin speaks with Richard Angell, the Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, about the recent developments in HIV medication. 

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

Richard Angell is the Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s largest HIV charity. It was great catching up with him about the latest developments in HIV and what THT has planned for Pride across the summer.

How are demographics around HIV changing in the UK?

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM) and those of Black-African heritage and it prays on the health inequalities in our society. As we hopefully near the end of the transmissible element of the epidemic and strive to end new cases by 2030, we are seeing the proportion of newly diagnosed MSM going down. This is because of great advances in testing, the adoption of PrEP and people living with HIV’s adherence to medication, particularly highest among those that are gay and bi. What we have also seen is that reduction not going down in other communities and proportionately they are now playing a much larger part in the newly diagnosed figures. We’ve had some developments in recent years changing how we report new diagnoses in the Latinx community, so we can really make sure we are understanding transmissions. In the last year we’ve seen younger queer people have a slight increase in new diagnoses and queer people that are Black or Asian see a small increase. We need to make sure that this doesn’t become a trend. We’re working hard to put HIV testing where those communities use the NHS. We have been very successful in certain A&E departments.

How can people best access sexual health services?

Sexual health services are funded by the government through the Public Health Grant and commissioned by local authorities, and we’ve seen that access diminishing because the fund is worth significantly less than when it was created (£1.4 billion less). You’re seeing sexual health clinics limit their opening hours, changing their provision and moving to online testing. Those services are capped or limited to certain demographics, different age ranges, or for certain viruses. Mpox further tipped the system over the edge and in truth it has barely recovered.

Can you explain this further?

We had a mystery shopper trying to use sexual health services across the UK and in 51% of instances they were turned away and encouraged to use online and postal services. Particularly those in rural areas, who live furthest from a sexual health clinic, have the longest wait lists and are least likely to be covered by a postal HIV service.

Can you tell us about the Infected Blood Inquiry?

This is the biggest public inquiry to date, looking into the four-decade long scandal where the NHS and the doctors that were looking to protect haemophiliacs and others who needed blood products were given products with viruses in them. From very early on they knew blood products could transmit hepatitis and that heat treatment could prevent the virus living in those products. That advice wasn’t heeded in the late 1970s and 1980s. We’ve seen through testimonies to the Inquiry, that doctors who were there to protect people were often conducting trials on their patients without their consent and that led to the transmission of viruses and people being infected with both hepatitis C and in some cases HIV. Many people have already passed away due to complications with those viruses. We’ve seen at different points the system be complicit in withholding information and not being transparent. We’ve seen remarkable campaigners and brave people continue to raise this issue and seek redress. No more victims or survivors should die before they’ve had justice.

What does THT have planned for the summer in terms of Pride events?

We’ll be at Pride events across the country engaging with our supporters and letting them know that it’s free and easy to test for HIV, that it’s always best to know your status, that being in control of your sexual health is something we can make easy. Also, that we haven’t ended this epidemic yet. Too often people go undiagnosed for too long and when they are diagnosed, they experience stigma in the system and we will not put up with this. Medicine means that the virus does not attack the immune system and that you can’t pass it on to your sexual partners or if you decide to have a baby. That is phenomenal and we must celebrate where we are, but as a country we are not deploying those tools sufficiently. We’ve got about 5,000 people across the country who are undiagnosed and about half of those are queer. It matters to us that everyone has access to testing and treatment. Some of those people may be visiting a Pride festival for the first time.

Head to the THT website to learn more.

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