Transvox

On Transvox, Gillian interviews CJ Webb, a neurodivergent, disabled, non-binary person (sometimes describing their gender as gender fluid) and an NHS talking-therapy therapist who is also building a private practice called Quiet Reflections.

CJ explains that their drive to become a therapist came from wanting to understand people and their own place in the world, a perspective shaped by later receiving an autism diagnosis and recognising past masking.

They discuss early experiences of not fitting into “boys” or “girls” lines at school, the distress of early puberty and being perceived, and family expectations such as wearing...

In an ‘emergency’ solo Transvox episode, Gillian explains the uncertainty created by the UK Supreme Court ruling that “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex and by the EHRC statutory Code of Practice laid in Parliament on 21 May 2026 and effective 5 August 2026, noting it is guidance (not primary legislation or criminal law) and may be reshaped through case law and future revisions.

The code affects services, public functions, and associations, especially single-sex spaces and services, while employer guidance has not yet been updated; the host also cites a February 2026 High Court decision requiring workplace facilities to operate on a bio...

In this episode, Gillian interviews London-based electronic musician and recording artist Dyvr, who uses dance floors as spaces for processing grief, shame, and abandonment, with a focus on making trans+ people feel seen and accepted.

Dyvr discusses growing up in a multicultural part of London as mixed race (Pakistani mother, Scottish-Irish/Midlands father), the complexities of belonging, racism as erasure, and how queer and trans+ identity intersects with diaspora experience, including not learning their mother’s language.

They describe music as a lifelong emotional conduit, beginning to make music in their early 20s after living in...

Gillian and Jenny discuss how Pride began after Stonewall as political protest, later became a celebratory, commercialised community event during periods of progress (e.g., repeal of Section 28, equal marriage), and is now facing funding pressures and backlash that may push it back toward protest, especially amid anti-trans legislation.

They compare big-city Prides with smaller-town events, noting Newcastle’s two-day Pride and Gateshead Pride’s success after community support replaced withdrawn council funding.

They describe reduced police and emergency services visibility at Pride, arguing that pulling back is itself political. The conversation covers councils restricting LGBT...

Gillian interviews Chloe Kelly (not that one!) a trans woman who realised she was transgender at 45 after using FaceApp in October 2023, began hormones in January 2024, and went full-time in August 2024 after encouragement from her boss.

Chloe describes early signs like cross-dressing, wishing to wake up as a girl, and lifelong fascination with trans topics, plus the shock of NHS waitlists (Wales) and using private providers (GenderGP, then Harley Street).

She discusses changes in social treatment and loss of male privilege, supportive reactions overall but losing some friends, and finding community at Leeds First Friday.

Gillian and Jenny discuss politics and what a likely Andy Burnham premiership could mean for trans people. They review Burnham’s history in Labour, note his “normal guy” public persona, and describe his LGBT+ record: marching against Section 28, voting for repeal, civil partnerships, same-sex marriage, IVF rights, opposing discrimination and conversion therapy, and previously backing Gender Recognition Act reform.

They also raise concerns about a past meeting with the LGB Alliance and his cautious response to Supreme Court-related EHRC guidance, questioning whether he would fight publicly for trans rights.

The conversation shifts to how leadership, the NH...

This week, Gillian interviews Ash Sekhon, a historian and gender-fluid trans author living in the Netherlands after time in the US, Scotland, and Canada. They explain leaving adjunct university teaching in the US after Trump-era DEI cuts and now writing full time while supported by savings and investments, and choosing the Netherlands for its tolerant laws and culture.

They discuss Ash’s Victorian-tinged Gothic novella Assumptions, which opens with a man waking in a London morgue and centres on how rumours and respectability culture can destroy lives, paralleling past panic about gay people with modern mi...

Gillian and Jenny discuss what trans people can learn from World Cup footballers about surviving scrutiny, online abuse, and long-term pressure, using sport as a metaphor.

They explore “microclimates” and how adapting to different social contexts can support safety and wellbeing while still valuing authenticity, including how transition often involves constant social and presentation adjustments.

They emphasise building a “team” or “posse” through friends, volunteering, charities, arts, and online spaces, while noting the harms of being bullied off social media and the loss of inclusive groups.

They compare the responsibility felt by visible trans people...

Hosts Jenny and Gillian discuss the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission’s finalised guidance following a Supreme Court judgment defining sex in the Equality Act as biological sex at birth, and reactions to earlier draft guidance that suggested excluding trans people from toilets and other single-sex spaces.

They note some “most insane” proposals were removed, an early day motion has nearly 100 MP signatures, and UNISON is campaigning against implementation, while businesses say the guidance is unworkable.

The conversation focuses on practical impacts on single-sex services—especially NHS patient accommodation—alongside the guidance’s case-by-case proportional...

This week, Gillian interviews Melissa D from Loving Me, who discusses her background as a late-transitioning trans woman from the West Midlands, her career shift from accounts clerk to social worker, and work in substance misuse and mental health before transitioning in her 40s.

Melissa explains Loving Me’s mission and services as the first UK domestic abuse service solely by and for trans and non-binary people, founded in 2022 after trans people were failed by existing domestic abuse systems, including inappropriate accommodation placements.

She describes how domestic abuse affects trans communities, highlighting identity-based and familial ab...

Gillian interviews returning guest Abi, a PR consultant focused on trans inclusion, and Jacqui, a physio, meditation teacher, writer, and mother of a young trans woman, about their work with NION Women/Not In Our Name.

They were part of the team that formed the collective to counter media and political narratives that pit cisgender women against trans women, particularly after the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent EHRC draft code, arguing trans people are scapegoated to distract from male violence against women and girls.

They created an open letter/mission statement calling on non-trans women...

Gillian and Jenny begin Transvox season two by catching up on major trans-related UK stories from recent months. They discuss the Women’s Institute and Girl Guides planning to exclude trans girls, describing these moves as cruel fallout from a Supreme Court judgment being used to justify wider exclusion, including in amateur sport.

They revisit puberty blockers and the Cass Report, linking restrictions on blockers and hormones for 16–17-year-olds to increased distress and criticising “both sides” framing.

They note political and public allies (including Olly Alexander and Green Party support), Labour’s exclusion of trans women from...

In this episode of Transvox, we’re joined by Abigail Parkes from Beyond Reflections and Emma LeatherBarrow from the Wessex Cancer Alliance.

They discuss innovations and challenges in cancer care for the trans community, including the importance of early diagnosis, and the barriers trans people face in accessing adequate healthcare.

Key initiatives like the 'Trans Aware Cancer Care' project and the introduction of a healthcare navigator service are highlighted as steps towards providing equitable and effective care.

The episode emphasises the need for personalised support, education for healthcare providers, and collaborative efforts to re...

In this episode of Transvox, Jenny and Gillian delve into the complexities of self-medication among trans+ individuals in the UK.

They explore the reasons behind the rising trend of hormone self-administration due to long NHS waiting lists and the high costs of private healthcare.

The conversation highlights the risks associated with unsupervised hormone treatment and emphasises the importance of seeking reliable sources and community support.

The hosts stress the need for better healthcare access and systemic change to ensure safer and more effective gender-affirming care.

00:00 Introduction

00:14 Winter Olympics Obsession<...

In this episode, Joanne Lockwood shares her extensive experiences in leadership wwith Gillian, spanning from her early days in the military to her current roles in various organisations.

The discussion delves into her philosophy on leadership, emphasissng the importance of continuous momentum, imperfect plans, and adaptive leadership.

Joanne also explores the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), highlighting the need for well-being-focused initiatives and the challenges of implementing DEI effectively within organisations.

The conversation touches on the importance of creating environments where everyone can thrive, the significance of leadership training, and...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny Harvey discuss how the UK TV show 'The Traitors' provides insightful lessons applicable to trans people and therapy patients.

Jenny, donned in her Saturday football-watching attire (a green cloak...!) describes her fascination with the show's dynamics, revealing how it mirrors real-world anxiety and the emotional toll of concealing one’s true identity.

They delve into concepts like confirmation bias and the pressures of hiding one’s true self, particularly for trans individuals.

The conversation then shifts to broader cultural and psychological implications, including the chal...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny discuss a variety of topics ranging from ongoing cultural and political developments to personal anecdotes and hopes for the future.

They touch on the symbolic relevance of items like the unicorn and the 'Blojhaj' shark in the trans community.

A considerable portion of the conversation focuses on the potential impact of the Levy Review in improving gender-affirming care and mental health support for trans people in 2026.

The hosts express cautious optimism about political shifts, particularly within the Labour Party, and discuss the importance of...

Hosts Jenny Harvey and Gillian Russell discuss the key events and themes impacting the trans+ community in 2025.

They reflect on the political climate, noting the ongoing challenges despite the change in government.

Key topics include the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on trans rights, legal battles regarding workplace and healthcare discrimination, and the broader sociopolitical context affecting trans+ individuals.

The episode also covers positive moments, such as increased visibility and allyship in the media and advances in healthcare recommendations. The discussion sets the stage for an upcoming episode focused on hopes and...

This week, Gillian and Jenny have decided in the midst of all the gloom of recent news (and the weather) to have a more ‘light-hearted’ episode.

Subjects include:

Happy Christmas and/or Happy holidays to all our list...

In this week's episode of Transvox, Jenny and Gillian dive deep into recent legal battles impacting the trans community, focusing on two major judgments regarding trans women’s rights to access facilities.

They discuss the influence of various funding sources like JK Rowling and Elon Musk on these cases.

The episode also covers the controversial ban on trans girls in the Girl Guides and changes in the Women's Institute policies, emphasising the broader implications for trans rights and societal inclusion.

The hosts reflect on the relationship between media narratives, litigation risks, and social in...

In this engaging conversation, Joseph Harwood discusses his recent experiences and projects in the fashion and beauty industries.

He reflects on a project called 'Trans as Human,' which aimed at showcasing the diverse humanity within the trans community.

The discussion also delves into the current challenges faced by trans individuals in the fashion and beauty industries, including issues of representation and equity.

Joseph shares personal experiences dealing with industry biases and the impact of current socio-political climates on his career. Additionally, he teases upcoming projects, including launching his own brand and a...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian Russell and Jenny Harvey engage in a critical conversation about aging and healthcare considerations for transgender individuals over the age of 50.

The discussion centres around a blog post from the Transvox site titled 'Aging as a Transgender Person: Planning Care and Considerations after 50.'

Key topics include the impact of hormone therapy, the challenges of accessing appropriate healthcare, mental health and emotional well-being, the importance of legal and financial planning, maintaining social connections, and the potential realities of aging in a care facility.

Jenny shares personal...

In this episode of Transvox, Gillian welcomes Suzanne Coleclough and Jace Bulger to discuss their efforts in addressing challenges faced by the trans community in accessing gender-affirming healthcare.

Suzanne, a retired barrister, is a parent of an adult trans child, and Jace, a recent university graduate and young trans man, share their personal experiences with healthcare systems in various countries.

Highlighting the high costs and long waitlists in public healthcare, they introduce their project, the Gender Pathway, which aims to fundraise and provide grants to trans individuals for essential healthcare services.

They discuss...

In this episode of Transvox, the Gillian sits down with Dr. Lexi Webster, Associate Professor of Digital Culture at the University of Southampton.

They discuss Lexi's academic journey, including her background in linguistics, her PhD on social reform opportunities via corpus-driven cultural political economy analysis, and her current research on trans politics and queer communities.

Lexi elaborates on the academic hierarchy, the challenges in publishing and gaining international recognition, and the importance of engaging in research that leads to social action.

The conversation also touches on the role of students in driving social...

In this episode of Transvox, the Gillian and Jenny discuss a variety of topics, beginning with a light-hearted chat about TV shows like 'Celebrity Traitors' and 'Only Connect', and moving into serious discussions about trans issues.

They delve into the challenges faced by trans individuals, including public safety, community interactions, and representation in media and politics. Insights are shared on the political stances of major UK parties concerning trans rights, including the trust issues with Labour and the Tories.

The episode also covers recent data from the Good Law Project on safety and trust among...

In this episode, the third of a three-part series, Gillian welcomes Joanne Lockwood back to discuss thought leadership around the future for trans people, navigating societal and legal challenges, and potential solutions.

They explore the evolving interpretation of the Equality Act 2010 and the tensions faced by employers and service providers in creating inclusive environments.

Joanne proposes the concept of 'gender citizenship'—a structured, defensible process similar to acquiring British citizenship that supports the rights of trans individuals.

They delve into the impact of public opinion, the need for cohesive community and strategic planning, an...

In this episode, Jenny and Gillian discuss the current political climate in the UK concerning the trans community, focusing on the distrust towards both the Labour and Tory parties. They explore the potential impact of political decisions and recent events like the Manchester Pride's financial issues, a trans postal worker winning a discrimination case, and the challenges faced within the NHS regarding trans inclusivity.

They also touch upon Transgender Awareness Week and provide advice for trans individuals on how to navigate these turbulent times. The episode offers a mix of personal experiences, political analysis, and community updates.<...

In this episode of Transvox, host Gillian is joined by Emma Cusdin, a director at Global Butterflies, an LGBTQ+ consultancy. Emma discusses her extensive background in HR and her work at Global Butterflies, which specialises in LGBTQ+ and trans and non-binary inclusion.

The conversation explores the evolving role of HR, the impact of AI, and the importance of creating inclusive workplace cultures.

Emma and Gillian also delve into the challenges and future of the LGBTQ+ sector, the potential for greater collaboration, and the need for a unified voice in advocacy.

They emphasise the...

In this lively episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny reconnect after a brief hiatus to discuss the joys and distractions offered by current TV shows and entertainment.

They talk about Jenny's early Halloween costume, their shared love for 'Celebrity Traitors' and 'Taskmaster,' and the importance of finding pleasure in everyday life. They also dive into topics like diversity and representation in shows like 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Star Trek,' pointing out the significance of seeing diverse characters and storylines on screen.

The conversation also touches on the nostalgic joy of radio comedies...

In this episode of Transvox, Gillian is joined by Michaela Pashley, a seasoned financial advisor and entrepreneur.

They discuss Michaela’s journey in finance, her creation of a unique financial planning qualification focused on soft skills, and her establishment of Roseum Financial Planning.

Michaela introduces the concept of 'Pink Portfolios,' investment portfolios designed to align with LGBT-friendly values. The conversation covers the importance of starting retirement planning early, the evolving nature of company pensions, and the bespoke services Michaela offers to individuals, small companies, and charities.

Michaela emphasises the personalised, thorough approach of...

In this episode of Transvox Gillian is joined by the engaging Joanne Lockwood, a long-time advocate. They discuss the challenges and milestones of Joanne's life, from navigating her gender transition to her entrepreneurial journey.

Joanne shares anecdotes from her past, including her time in the military and the pivotal moments that shaped her career and personal growth.

The conversation explores resilience, personal responsibility, and the importance of maintaining a forward-thinking attitude in both life and business. Joanne's insights provide valuable lessons on how to turn adversities into opportunities for growth and success.

00:00 Introduction

In this episode of Transvox, Gillian and Jenny discuss the challenges and fears faced by trans and non-binary individuals when stepping out into the world for the first time or after periods of isolation.

They share personal experiences, practical advice, and techniques to build confidence. Tips include starting small, going out with a purpose, and ensuring personal safety.

The hosts also emphasise the importance of community and support systems while highlighting the bravery within the trans community. They conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves despite external challenges.

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Ov...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Jenny and Gillian discuss the current challenges facing the trans community.

They reflect on and highlight the importance of addressing recent news affecting trans rights. The conversation focuses on the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) new guidance and its potential impact on trans people, emphasising the need for community action and contacting MPs. They also discuss the broader implications of freedom of expression versus freedom of speech, illustrated through the controversial figure Graham Linehan and recent legal interpretations.

Additionally, they touch upon the departure of Angela Rayner from...

In this episode of Transvox, host Gillian welcomes Petra Wenham, a prominent figure in the trans community, known for her significant contributions and public presence.

Petra shares her life story, starting from her early realization of being different, through her academic and professional journey in engineering, to her eventual acceptance and embrace of being a transgender woman.

She discusses her experiences with bullying, her marriage of 52 years, and her coming out journey, highlighting the pivotal moment of acceptance inspired by Jenny Boylan’s blog.

Petra also delves into her involvement in trans awareness th...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Jenny and Gillian catch up on recent events, aiming to stay light and positive but getting distracted and ending up having an argument about the state of US politics before moving into a deep discussion about contemporary political challenges for the trans and broader LGBTQ+ community in the US.

They explore the repercussions of anti-trans legislation, the Supreme Court's potential reexamination of same-sex marriage, and the alarming rise of right-wing authoritarianism in America. They also discuss the importance of engaging with friends and those of differing viewpoints and highlight the significance...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Jenny and Gillian discuss the fascinating condition known as Aphantasia, characterised by a lack of visual imagery.

Jenny shares her personal experience with Aphantasia, including how it affects her memory and daily life.

The conversation delves into how Aphantasia intersects with neurodiversity and the trans experience, particularly in relation to gender dysphoria.

They highlight the importance of understanding and recognising this condition, which is often overlooked, and encourage listeners who might relate to reach out for support.

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Exploring Neurodiversity and Aphantasia

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In this episode of Transvox, host Gillian chats with Michaela Pashley, a proud transgender woman and entrepreneur from Glasgow.

Michaela shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur after her idea was rejected by her employer, emphasizing the resilience and self-awareness often seen in the trans community.

They discuss the intersection of being trans and running a business, the importance of sales skills, and the challenges posed by transphobia.

Michaela also talks about her blog, 'The Reluctant Activist,' on LinkedIn, where she writes about transgender issues.

The conversation touches upon the...

In this episode of Transvox, Gillian welcomes guest Lilly-Emma Thynne, a geography and politics teacher turned researcher, who shares her incredible journey and contributions to trans healthcare.

Lilly-Emma discusses her work in academia, including her involvement in national conferences and her role as co-founder and director of Trans Plus Health Research UK.

The conversation covers the challenging landscape of trans healthcare research, the importance of lived experience in shaping impactful studies, and the objective to create a more inclusive and safer environment for the trans and non-binary community.

Key topics include DIY hormones...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny discuss with Laura from Beyond Reflections, the experiences and challenges faced by trans+ parents, particularly focusing on Laura's journey of transitioning while raising a teenage daughter.

The episode touches upon the emotional struggles, societal pressures, and practical strategies for managing family dynamics during and after transition.

Key tips include how to prioritise the child's needs, understanding the grieving process for family members, and finding supportive communities.

Laura also shares insights from her work with Beyond Reflections, a charity offering support for trans individuals and...

In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny dive into practical ways to advocate for and support the trans community. They have collected into one place a blog of thoughts about how you can feel better by ‘making a difference’ - however small…this podcast references that blog at transvox.co.uk/blogs

They discuss the significance of self-education, amplifying trans voices, engaging in political action, and creating inclusive communities.

The conversation also highlights the importance of challenging misinformation, participating in protests, and leveraging platforms for greater impact.

They emphasize solidarity, especially in tim...