Pride Is a Celebration—And a Call to Action

Across the UK and beyond, there’s a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, particularly aimed at trans people. Misinformation is spreading fast. Hate speech is on the rise. Hard-won rights are being questioned, and in some cases, rolled back. From policy changes to public rhetoric, the message from some corners is loud and clear: we’re under attack.

In the US, Donald Trump has vowed to strip trans people of our rights, promising to enforce policies that deny our very existence. Many trans people have already been forced to carry passports that misgender them, with their sex assigned at birth listed instead of their lived and legal gender. It’s dehumanising! – and it’s dangerous!

Here in the UK, we’re seeing a weaponisation of reports like the Cass Review, which — despite its nuance— is being used as a blunt instrument to justify removing support for trans youth. The narrative is shifting from inclusion to exclusion, and that shift is happening fast.

It’s a time to come together in celebration but also a chance to push back against this rising tide of hostility. Pride gives us the platform to speak, to educate, and to remind the world that equality isn't a given—it’s something we must protect and fight for, especially now.

As a speaker, I’ve spent years sharing the joy of transition, the freedom, the self-discovery, the wholeness it can bring. I love showing people the amazing side of what it means to be trans. But I’ll be honest, this year feels different. It’s harder to tell that story without also naming the fear, the frustration, and the relentless wave of attacks our community is facing.

For organisations, this isn’t the year to play it safe with a rainbow logo and a few cupcakes. It’s the year to dig deeper. To create space for learning. To show real, active allyship.

As a trans speaker working with organisations across the UK and internationally, I help teams understand the realities behind the headlines and how they can be part of meaningful change. My talks aren’t about shaming or blaming. They’re about opening eyes, building empathy, and empowering people with the tools they need to stand up for inclusion.

This Pride, let’s celebrate boldly and recommit to the work that still needs to be done. If your organisation is ready to have that conversation, I’d love to be part of it.

Oh, and don’t worry, cupcakes are very much allowed—and encouraged!