Tessera

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 11mo ago

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❗️ 1/2

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.

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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 · 12mo ago

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.

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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.

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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

Thomas JW (they/them)@thefivetonine.bsky.social · 12mo ago

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 · 12mo ago

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

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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...

equalityamplified.org.uk

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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 · 12mo ago

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

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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

Thomas Willett@thomaswillett.bsky.social · 12mo ago

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?

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · 12mo ago

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.

Matt@scribbleposts.uk · 12mo ago

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.

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

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...

equalityamplified.org.uk

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

🚨 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 · last yr.

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... 1/

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.”

Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · last yr.

“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

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

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

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

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.

The Gayly Digest @thegaylydigest.bsky.social · last yr.

🚨🚨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!

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

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 · last yr.

📣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...

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

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.

Thomas Willett @thomaswillett.bsky.social · last yr.

MP’s who spread and engage in transphobic rhetoric and behaviour should be held to account, and they certainly shouldn’t be sitting on the Women and Equalities Committee. Take a look below at our letter concerning Rosie Duffield MP’s conduct. There’s not room in politics for transphobia.

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

📣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...

🏳️‍🌈 Dolly Darren 🏳️‍⚧️@dollydarren.bsky.social · last yr.

An excellent expose of many of Duffield's failings. A very strongly worded letter, worth a few mins to read. Well done to @equalityamplified.org.uk for this! Let's hope those with the power will listen.

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

📣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...

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

📣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...

equalityamplified.org.uk

The Gayly Digest @thegaylydigest.bsky.social · last yr.

🎙️ New episode is live! We’re diving into slurs, language, and who gets to say what — plus a one-month check-in on the Switch 2. The Complaint Closet is open and Josh is still a moany old bitch. Go on, give it a listen!

Thomas Willett @thomaswillett.bsky.social · last yr.

Over the weekend, we received a number of deeply disturbing emails, laced with homophobia, racism, and violent rhetoric. Read with caution. I debated with whether or not to share them. But I concluded that silence only allows this kind of hatred to fester in the shadows. (1/4)

Holly Brigstocke @hollybrigstocke.bsky.social · last yr.

I have a strategy email to my MP I've been slowly drafting. Parliamentary standards is one component and this action is long overdue. I'm really fed up with MP's abusing parliamentary privilege and who think they are above the rule of law and decency.

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

🚨 The signatory form is now closed. Thank you to everyone who has co-signed our letter re: Rosie Duffield MP. Over 300 impact statements from trans people, allies and constituents will also be submitted to humanise the serious impact of her conduct. It’s time she was held to account! 🏳️‍⚧️

Equality Amplified @equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

🚨 The signatory form is now closed. Thank you to everyone who has co-signed our letter re: Rosie Duffield MP. Over 300 impact statements from trans people, allies and constituents will also be submitted to humanise the serious impact of her conduct. It’s time she was held to account! 🏳️‍⚧️

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

Here is our draft letter to the Women and Equalities Committee regarding Rosie Duffield MP’s transphobic conduct. You can read it here: equalityamplifiedltd-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/person... You can add your name as a signatory here: forms.office.com/e/gwpJsm6ZMH.

@seaweed-dreams.bsky.social · last yr.

If anyone wants to write to the their own letter in support, I did an example/template focused on the language and misrepresentation in her tweet here: docs.google.com/document/d/1... You may want to adapt some stuff based on the much appreciated and more extensive open letter!

Letter to WEC re: Rosie Duffield/Stephenson Hearing

Letter to Women and Equalities Select Committee Chair re: Rosie Duffield leaving Dr Stephenson’s pre-appointment hearing Email to: womeqcom@parliament.uk orPost to: Women and Equalities Select Commi...

docs.google.com

Alec Burrett @alecjburrett.bsky.social · last yr.

You can still add your name to this open letter concerning the member for Canterbury; who's never there; until 21:00 tonight. So you have three hours to do so. 🫡

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

Here is our draft letter to the Women and Equalities Committee regarding Rosie Duffield MP’s transphobic conduct. You can read it here: equalityamplifiedltd-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/person... You can add your name as a signatory here: forms.office.com/e/gwpJsm6ZMH.

MissBloomy @missbloomy.bsky.social · last yr.

Please sign if you can. A person who is a member of equalities should not be constantly attacking one of the groups they are meant to protect.

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

Here is our draft letter to the Women and Equalities Committee regarding Rosie Duffield MP’s transphobic conduct. You can read it here: equalityamplifiedltd-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/person... You can add your name as a signatory here: forms.office.com/e/gwpJsm6ZMH.

Libby @captainlibatron.bsky.social · last yr.

This is a very thorough letter that details Duffield's recent conduct which should be investigated by the House. You've got til 9pm to add your name!

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

Here is our draft letter to the Women and Equalities Committee regarding Rosie Duffield MP’s transphobic conduct. You can read it here: equalityamplifiedltd-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/person... You can add your name as a signatory here: forms.office.com/e/gwpJsm6ZMH.

Just Joshua @noshayminthat.bsky.social · last yr.

I'm signing this open letter to hold Rosie Duffield MP accountable for her conduct on July 1st. Elected officials must uphold standards, and I'm joining the call for the Women and Equalities Committee to investigate. Accountability matters. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Equality Amplified@equalityamplified.org.uk · last yr.

‼️Just over 12 hours left to sign our open letter concerning Rosie Duffield MP’s transphobic conduct. Links to the letter and signatory form in quoted post. It’s time MPs are held accountable for their harmful rhetoric and behaviour that’s impacting trans lives. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · last yr.

Thank you! Plus… bsky.app/profile/phil...

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · last yr.

Under the header of this specific e-petition,(if we get a debate, we can brief MPs to raise: -The PB ban / PB trial -Conversion practices ban -Cass report -Levy review -Sullivan review -GIC wait times -segregation on NHS wards -Withdrawal of GP/shared care petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70... 2/