Discussion – Andro & Eve

Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Equality Act

12th June 202512th June 2025 by androandeve

Pride Progress flag with 6 stripes and black and brown stripes and trans equality flag, on pink background

Following the Supreme Court ruling in April on the definition of the term ‘woman’ in the Equality Act, the Andro and Eve team have taken time to reflect and review the range of responses that have since emerged.

As an organisation committed to celebrating queer culture, creating spaces of joy and hope for our community, and working towards a more just world for LGBTQ+people, we are appalled and extremely concerned by the lack of fairness, overt exclusion of trans voices, and, in some cases, the cruelty that has since been expressed by the media, parts of the UK Government, as well as some employers and sporting bodies across the UK.

On 16 April 2025 the Supreme Court gave its judgement in the appeal of For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers. It ruled that for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, the terms ‘woman’, and ‘man’ are defined exclusively based on biological sex. It explicitly excludes trans people with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) from being recognised as their legal sex under the Equality Act.

The Supreme Court ruling represents another significant and alarming step in what is an increasingly aggressive, well-resourced campaign to reduce or restrict the rights and protections afforded to trans+ people in the UK. It is also part of a broader trend, both nationally and internationally, of the erosion of democratic protections, and efforts to roll back the hard-won rights, freedoms and protections afforded to the LGBTQI+ community. Together, these actions align with a growing shift towards the far right.

It also signifies a regressive step towards outdated and essentialist ideas regarding what constitutes a woman. Ideas that feminists have been fighting against for decades*, and which are now being resurrected in the interests of a small minority, as part of well coordinated attempts to restrict bodily autonomy for women including access to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court Ruling will undoubtedly have negative consequences not only for trans women but for all women, especially those who live their lives in ways that differ from gender or sexuality norms.

_{Bunting created in May 2025 by the Sheffield community in response to the Supreme Court Ruling and displayed at The Kingdom Come event. Organised by Corvus Coaching}

We know that this ruling has understandably created a lot of fear and uncertainty among members of our community and left many trans people not only feeling excluded and unsafe, but already experiencing discrimination and ostracisation during their day to day activities. The range of unknown legal and practical consequences of the ruling is of significant concern, especially regarding trans peoples’ access to essential services and gender segregated spaces.

As existing data shows, trans people, especially trans women from racially minoritised groups, are already at increased risk of violence and abuse, with the rates of hate crimes against the trans community rising dramatically over the last decade. Trans people also face continual struggles regarding healthcare access, housing, and employment. This ruling will have substantial and long-lasting consequences for the safety and well-being of trans, non-binary and gender expansive people living in the UK and the extent to which they are safe from violence and discrimination in their daily lives.

We stand firm in our commitment to stand up for the rights of trans and gender expansive people and share our solidarity, love and rage with our trans siblings. If you are trans and need support, seek help from Mermaids, Switchboard or through a local group, friends or loved ones if you are able.

This is a crucial moment to stand up for the rights of trans people in the UK, and take action to ensure every person, regardless of gender identity or sexuality is respected, protected and can live safely and free from harm.

Take Action

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is updating the statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations affected by the Supreme Court ruling and are seeking feedback from members of the public through a public consultation.

We urge you to contribute to this public consultation, holding at the forefront of your mind the rights of trans people, and the care and compassion each and every trans person deserves. There is guidance available on how to complete it provided by Scottish Trans, Mermaids and TransActual. Participate by completing the online survey. There is not much time to respond – the consultation closes on Monday 30 June 2025.

If you would like further information about the ruling, and how your workplace can remain trans inclusive, we are also hosting a free webinar on 18 June at 12pm.

You can also write to your local MP to share your concerns regarding this ruling. Scottish Trans have created a useful tool which enables you to write a letter in minutes – you can adapt the text and follow this link if you are a trans or non-binary person, or this link if you are an ally to our community. For further actions associated with the EHRC consultation and in support of trans rights, the LGBT+ Consortium have created this EHRC Consultation webpage to collate useful resources, including links to planned protests.

As we await further guidance regarding what the legal, political and social implications of this ruling will be for trans people, it is important to remember that the lives of trans people and their right to exist and be protected under the law should NEVER be up for debate.

Now is the time for allies to visibly support their trans+ peers and demand they are protected.

If you are looking for further information on the situation for trans and non-binary people in the UK and how to support trans inclusive practices, we offer Gender Awareness Training for organisations. For more in depth support and advice around trans equity and inclusion in the workplace, or to talk through a specific situation, please reach out about our consultancy services.

* As the Combahee River Collective stated in their statement of 1977 – ‘As Black women we find any type of biological determinism a particularly dangerous and reactionary basis upon which to build a politic’.

A Spring Fling with the Drag Kings!

3rd June 20253rd June 2025 by androandeve

King Tito Bone sings on the mic holding his walking cane. Tito is w hite drag king with a grey mullet and turquoise glitter beard

On 8 May, we returned again to Crookes Social Club for a Spring Awakening edition The Kingdom Come, with our line up of drag kings sharing all sorts of transformations and talents!

We adorned the venue with blooms, butterflies and blossom, and many of our community showed up in some spring inspired outfits, working floral looks or turning over a new leaf in fresh fits. The vegan cake from Little Town Pantry just about lasted until the interval, but only *just*. It’s always tricky knowing how much to order!

Two white women smile with their backs to camera showing off colourful butterfly wing capes — _{Attendees dressed in their spring finest!}

Our host for the evening was well travelled, but Sheffield based, Tito Bone, your average non binary blind bisexual drag king. Their musical flair and comedy got the crowd warmed up from the get go, with witty acts featuring live singing and ukelele. (Pictured above)

Drag king Awesome Swelles plays ukelele dressed as a satyr. He is a larger white performer — _{Drag king Awesome Swelles. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

We also felt the warmth and affection from Awesome Swelles, who shared his songwriting with us along with some intricate costumes, adding layers of meaning to his powerful message that trans people can and should be making plans for beautiful futures!

drag king Chiyo, performs on stage showing off his washboard abs — _{Chiyo. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

CHIYO brought the fire to the evening, with two electric performances that had us very hot under the collar and gagged in equal measure, with his display of power and self acceptance a radical stand against mainstream narratives that seek to dehumanise trans people.

South Asian drag king Harddeep Singh lipsyncs seated onstage wearing military jacket — _{Harddeep Singh. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Harddeep Singh also shared a powerful abolitionist and anti colonial message with us, wrapped in a crowd pleasing emo themed act. Richard Melanin the Third had the audience weeping with laughter at his whimsical performances, making magic that entranced us all.

Drag Richard Melanin the Third performs onstage wearing battered top hat and tailcoat — _{Magic from Richard Melanin the Third. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Finally we were also treated to a debut act from Hot Pot, featuring Quiche Lorraine, aka Lorraine Kelly in a surreal turn, and Hot Pot also kept to the spring theme as they hatched from a giant egg!

White drag king Hot Pot lipsyncs with a yellow face inside a giant white egg — _{Hot Pot hatches! The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

This event was a fundraiser for Andro & Eve, supporting our current crowdfunding campaign, with cash donations on the night and online donations boosting the campaign by £1,035. Additional funds from the raffle will also be used to provide discounted and free tickets to those who need them at future events. Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts. Our Go Fund Me campaign is still live if you haven’t had a chance to donate or share.

A huge thanks also to the Andro & Eve team, tech team and volunteer crew who helped everything run smoothly on the night and of course a massive thank you to all the drag kings who joined us!

A diverse audiences smiles and waves their arms in the air — _{The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a planned July edition of The Kingdom Come owing to another Arts Council funding bid rejection. Like many other independent producers of drag and cabaret, each year this work gets harder. So if you can, we’d really appreciate any more donations to our crowdfunder to help us deliver a year-round programme of culture and community activity supported by an affordable membership scheme.

We do have plans for other activities this year, and of course the launch of that membership scheme in the Autumn, so if you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter to be first to hear more about our plans! Enjoy the rest of the photos below!

Group shot onstage of Chiyo, Awesome Swelles, Hot Pot, Tito Bone, Harddeep Singh and Richard Melanin the Third — _{The cast of The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Drag king Awesome Swelles sings on a mic playing the ukelele. — _{Awesome Swelles. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

An audience smiles looking at the stage out of shot

Black Drag king Richard Melanin the Third exclaims with his finger in the air — _{Richard Melanin the Third. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

an older white woman smiles looking up at a stage out of shot

drag king Chiyo, performs on stage with a whoop sound coming from his mouth. — _{Chiyo. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Blind, white drag king Tito Bone sings on a mic playing the ukelele. — _{Tito Bone. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Two white queer people smile and wear spring themed floral clothing — _{Spring looks at The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Handmade flags saying love trans people! — _{Flags made by the Sheffield community to show support for trans people. Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Hot Pot dressed in pink business suit with a quiche mask and brown wig — _{Hot Pot. The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Audience exclaims with eyes wide open — _{Eyes wide at The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Two white people laugh with scrunched eyes and their arms around one another

Smiling audience members of all ages — _{The Kingdom Come (2025). Credit – Nelly Naylor}

Just launched – Consultancy Services for Trans Inclusion

20th May 202520th May 2025 by androandeve

Finn is speaking in front of a screen with a session plan projected onto it

We are excited to share that we are now offering consultancy services focused around our Gender Awareness Training.

This service, available for organisations of all sizes, is about sharing our in depth knowledge and lived experience around trans equity and inclusion.

Since we launched our Gender Awareness Training in 2021 we have worked with businesses, charities, educational establishments and public bodies across the UK, delivering Gender Awareness training to over 900 people. Through working with such a diverse set of organisations, our public advocacy about trans rights, and continued development of our training offer, we have gathered a broad evidence base and examples of best practice to support trans liberation.

The UK is growing increasingly hostile towards trans people, fuelled by media narratives, some politicians and a small minority of well resourced anti-trans voices. Now more than ever, we see the need for bespoke support for organisations as they navigate this complex situation.

If you are looking for support with a specific area of work around trans equity and inclusion we can offer tailored support and guidance. We are also offering discounts on our consultancy service to charities and not for profit organisations in order to make this service more accessible.

If you are interested in our consultancy services please get in touch via the contact form on our Gender Awareness Training page.

Trans People are losing access Essential Healthcare

2nd April 202526th March 2025 by androandeve

We are posting this today to raise awareness of the grave and harmful situation many trans and non-binary people in Sheffield and thousands across England find themselves in.

At Andro & Eve we are working hard behind the scenes to raise awareness of this issue with elected officials, but we wanted to take some time to raise awareness more widely and encourage allies to stand up for trans healthcare. Actions you can take can be found at the end of this post.

Transgender adults taking HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) are being forced to medically detransition by local GP practices, resulting in medical neglect of the transgender community.

This is not a new issue and has been ongoing for some time now. Adults who have been assessed and diagnosed through NHS pathways and have been receiving hormonal medication for years without issue, are now having their prescriptions stopped. Many GP practices are claiming this is an ‘additional service outside of their expertise’ and that GICs (Gender Identity Clinics) should prescribe. GICs, however, as a secondary care provider, have consistently stated that prescribing falls under the responsibility of a patient’s primary care provider i.e. GPs.

Two weeks ago in Sheffield, in a particularly shocking example, one GP practice wrote to all their transgender patients to say they would no longer be prescribing HRT. This is particularly outrageous, given that cisgender adults taking these hormones for hormone differences or menopause are not having these medications removed from them. It is a case of wilful transphobia and medical neglect of the transgender community.

This medical neglect is dangerous for trans people, and is likely to cause huge impacts on trans peoples’ mental and physical health ** It is unacceptable that transgender adults, who will have already endured unacceptably long waiting times to access gender affirming care, are then having this care stopped by GP’s. With increasing numbers of GP’s ceasing treatment, trans people in Sheffield and elsewhere are being left with nowhere to turn for their healthcare.

There are different reasons for the cessation of HRT prescriptions for trans people. These include guidance that was issued wrongly by the Royal College of GP’s (RCGP) in 2024 that was then updated, (read more about this via TransActual). Misinformation that HRT is dangerous, spread by those with transphobic agendas, is also having an impact and also the fact that many GP’s are currently working to rule, short of strike action. Much of these issues stem from a lack of action by the government to tackle the mounting issues in the NHS.

Whatever the reasons, stopping essential healthcare for trans people is unjust, discriminatory and yet another example of how political inaction leads to harms for the most marginalised.

At Andro & Eve we are working hard behind the scenes to advocate for those affected by these harmful and transphobic practices and will be writing to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) who oversee NHS patient care for local populations.

How Can I Take Action?

If you are trans or non-binary and have been refused HRT by your GP, we would encourage you to complete TransActual’s survey. They are collating data in order to advocate on this issue. Trans Actual also have a useful guide ‘My GP is Refusing to Prescribe my HRT’ with steps to take in terms of complaints. Remember, the General Medical Counsel has stated that GP’s

“ must not refuse to provide a patient with medical services because the patient is proposing to undergo, is undergoing, or has undergone gender reassignment.”
– General Medical Council

We’d also encourage you to seek support, whether that be from friends or local services or groups. We include a list of local support groups in our regular newsletter and national helplines are listed below. Trans Unite also lists trans specific support.

If you are not trans but want to take action we would encourage you to write to your local MP. They need to be aware of this issue and the way it is causing distress and harm to those in their constituencies. Trans people should not be discriminated against in this way.

We have attached a template to write to your MP below. If you are in South Yorkshire and write to your MP, please let us know if you get a response and the outcome.

If you would like to be kept informed of our work on trans liberation, you can subscribe to our Gender Awareness specific newsletter here.

Letter-to-Mp-Trans-Healthcare-2025 Download

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Helplines

Switchboard are the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Call them on 0800 0119 100 or email hello@switchboard.lgbt

Samaritans are available to lend an ear 24/7 Call them on 116 223

Notes

** Trans people who have undergone surgeries rely on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for normal hormone function. With access to HRT, transgender individuals can be at severe risk of decreased bone density, cardiovascular issues and metabolic issues.

New Training Offer for 2025

4th February 202521st January 2025 by androandeve

Finn, a slim androgynous person with short brown hair sits in front of a screen presenting to a group of people

Booking is now open for our first Gender Awareness training dates for 2025.

And this year we are launching a new training offer – From February we will be taking bookings for Training Days tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Our training sessions raise awareness of different issues affecting trans and non-binary people in the UK today and are pitched at different levels to support team members at different stages of learning and development.

Our training offer includes;

> 1 hour Gender Awareness Online Introductory Session
> 3 hour Gender Awareness Foundation
> Gender Beyond the Binary
> Gender Awareness training: Going Further

And new for 2025 – Training Days incorporating one or more of the sessions above and/ or a bespoke session tailored to your organisation.

If you’re looking to enhance your organisation’s trans inclusive policies and practices in the coming year, these online training sessions are a great way to kick start this work.

We’re also hosting a free live Q&A on 5 February. The Q&A Webinar will give you an overview of our Gender Awareness training and discuss our new Training Days.

12pm, 5 February – Free Training Q&A Webinar

10am, 28 February – Gender Awareness Foundation

1pm, 26 March – Gender Awareness – Going Further

Our Gender Awareness Foundation session is designed to build the foundations of knowledge – helping freelancers, businesses and organisations who want to support teams to build more equitable and inclusive policies and practices for trans and non-binary clients and customers.

Our Going Further Session is designed to deepen knowledge, share leading research and best practice, further increasing the confidence of participants to support trans, non-binary and gender minoritised people in professional and social situations.

Book now via Eventbrite. You can get 25% discount for the Going Further training if you’ve booked onto our Gender Awareness Training in 2024 or in February.

If you’re interested in booking some Gender Awareness Training solely for your organisation, you can find out more and contact us via our Gender Awareness Training page.

Statement on proposed amendments to Equality Act

7th June 20247th June 2024 by androandeve

Andro and Eve work year round to serve the LGBTQ+ community, working towards queer liberation.

This week, in Pride Month, the Conservative Party announced a pledge that if elected, the Equality Act 2010 would be amended to change ‘sex’ to refer to ‘biological sex’. We will call this announcement what it is, transphobic, discriminatory and dangerous.

The Equality Act 2010 is an excellent piece of legislation that has been effective for 14 years, ensuring the protection of many different people with a variety of protected characteristics (including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).

In its current guise, trans people can legally access single-sex services based on their gender. Services can also legally exclude trans people, whether or not they hold a Gender Recognition Certificate, if it is deemed ‘proportionate so as to achieve a legitimate aim’.

Amendment of the Equality Act is not necessary. Attempts to alter the definition of ‘sex’ reflect a concerning trend towards the rejection of gender identity in favour of strictly biologically defined notions of sex which are both highly essentialist and racialised (Pearce et al., 2020).

This is regressive and threatens the hard won gains for women’s rights and liberation of the early Feminist movement. It is also part of a growing resistance to sexual and gender rights in the UK (Nash et al., 2021) and is part of an increasingly prominent anti-gender politics (Tudor, 2021). This is further evidenced last month when The Conservative party announced a prohibition of the teaching of gender in schools. This threatens the rights of all citizens.

The intensifying academic, political, and public focus on ‘gender ideology’ and sex-based rights has a significant bearing not only upon the everyday existence of the people most affected – namely trans and gender diverse people, but also on the provision of key services and places of safety for people experiencing gender-based violence (GBV). This includes diverting vital resources and disrupting service delivery for all victim-survivors.

Political debates centred on gendered spaces incorporate questions regarding trans women victim-survivors’ access to, or eligibility for services such as domestic abuse refuge or rape crisis and their right to live safely. In this, trans women are wrongly constructed as ‘predatory’ and their access to support a threat to (white) cisgender women’s safety (Phipps, 2020). This is despite mounting empirical evidence to strongly counter this false and dangerous claim (see for example, Pain et al., 2021; Stonewall & nfpSynergy, 2018).

The voices of victim-survivors are woefully absent in this discussion, particularly those of trans and gender diverse people and those who are racially minoritised. These peoples’ views are vital, and their lived experiences of, and safety from, GBV, including domestic and sexual violence, a significant and urgent issue.

Violence against women and girls (including many LGBTQ+ women) is a huge concern that should continue to be challenged. Long term investment is needed to tackle this violence and misogyny. However, it is not necessary to re-define sex in the Equality Act in order for the provision of a range of services supporting diverse needs. Services have been delivering support and intervention to trans and gender diverse victim-survivors for decades without issue or incident.

In our Gender Awareness Training we talk about transphobia being a set of actions or discourse that end up denying trans people the possibility of living freely, openly and safely in society. This proposed change in legislation would mean trans and gender diverse people could not access many of the services and public spaces that enable their full, safe and meaningful participation in public life. For victim-survivors of violence and abuse, it could also mean a risk to life.

The Conservatives have had 14 years to address areas in the Equality Act 2010 that they now deem to be problematic, but have chosen not to do so. Now, in the run up to a General Election, the party has chosen to announce this proposal. The fact that it coincides with Pride Month in the UK, demonstrates just how far the fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people still has to go. We and many others will continue that fight. Gender essentialism and trans exclusion has no place in a modern society and every person has a right to live safely and freely.

This Pride Month, with a general election on the horizon, we’d encourage you to use your voice, get informed and vote wisely in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Above all, continue to be there for one another through the continued weaponisation of LGBTQ+ identities.

If you’d like to learn more about developing more gender diverse and transgender inclusive practices within your organisation, please feel free to get in touch about our Gender Awareness Training.

Our response to the Government Draft Guidance for Schools

24th April 202424th April 2024 by androandeve

Transgender Equality flag in blue, pink white on mint background

This is our response to the non-statutory draft guidance for schools & colleges in England and Wales regarding gender-questioning children and young people that was released on 19 December 2023 with a consultation open until 12 March 2024.

We sent our own response as an organisation to that consultation back in March and are sharing our response publicly now to record our opposition to it in its entirety.

Andro and Eve have been working with the LGBTQ+ community for the last eight years, with LGBTQ+ young people the last 3 years, and we know first hand the impact on trans and gender expansive people when their right to exist is called into question. We are also leading facilitators of Gender Awareness Training, delivering our training to organisations throughout the UK since 2021. Our training enables teams to better serve and meet the needs of clients and customers of all genders, particularly those who fall under the Transgender umbrella. It is continually developed in response to the latest research and is grounded in lived experience and informed by sector best practice principles.

Every child and young person should be safe and respected in school or college and their best interests met in an environment that celebrates learning, inclusivity and diversity. The UK government’s draft guidance for schools in England does not respect or serve the interests of trans and gender-expansive children and young people and is at odds with existing children’s rights and equalities legislation in the UK, including both the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. The Equality Act and the protected characteristic of gender reassignment applies at any age.

This guidance harmfully promotes and justifies the active exclusion of trans and gender-expansive children and young people, rather than seeking to support a cohort of young people whom we know already experience elevated risks of harm and bullying in educational settings. (Estyn, 2020, Hudson-Sharp & Metcalf, 2016, Jadva et al, 2023).

Evidence indicates that 64% of trans young people had been bullied at school (Stonewall, 2017) and there has been an 186% increase in reported transphobic hate crimes in the last 5 years (ONS, 2023). While guidance asserts that bullying should never be tolerated in our schools and colleges, there is a concerning lack of measures to protect, include or advocate for trans and gender-expansive children and young people.

Teachers are often a vital resource for trans children and young people who do not feel safe at home. This guidance not only risks damaging the relationship between young people and teachers by creating additional barriers to disclosure or help-seeking, but could also mean trans and gender-expansive children and young people no longer feel safe at school or college. The risk of harm posed to young people if their parents are informed without their consent is deemed ‘exceptionally rare’ in the guidance. This does not cohere with findings from recent studies which document the lived experiences of trans young people (Just Like Us, 2023, McDermott et al., 2017), including research conducted by this government (Government Equalities Office, 2018).

That children and young people are questioning their gender identity is framed in this guidance as a product of ‘gender ideology’. This language departs from that which is used elsewhere in dominant UK political discourse and legislation, the UK Census, and the NHS, and is unacceptably inflammatory.

The guidance is written through an unduly narrow ideological lens and perpetuates false narratives concerning sex and gender that have no basis in evidence. This only serves to deepen divides and stigmatise trans children and young people further. Crucially, the guidance inflames what is already an incredibly dangerous ‘culture war’, as it calls into question trans children and young people’s right to exist. This does nothing to mitigate the elevated risks of harm faced by vulnerable transgender young people and goes against the statutory duties of schools to safeguard all young people. The lives of trans and gender-expansive children and young should never be up for debate.

We join with many other LGBT+ organisations, youth organisations and schools in urging the government to reconsider the position taken in this guidance and instead to view this as a vital opportunity to implement clear guidance that creates genuine inclusivity and safety for all children and young people, including by listening to children and young people themselves.

References:

Estyn, 2020, Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion: Good practice in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) learners in schools and colleges.

Hudson-Sharp, Nathan and Metcalf, Hilary, National Institute of Economic and Social Research (commissioned by the Governement’s Equalities Office), 2016, Inequality among lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender groups in the UK: a review of evidence.

Jadva, J, Guasp, A, Bradlow, JH, Bower-Brown, S, Foley, S, 2023, Predictors of self-harm and suicide in LGBT youth: The role of gender, socio-economic status, bullying and school experience, Journal of Public Health, Volume 45, Issue 1, Pages 102–108.

Government Equalities Office, 2018, National LGBT Survey.

Just Like Us, 2023, Positive Futures: How supporting LGBT+ young people enables them to thrive in adulthood.

McDermott, Elizabeth, Hughes, Elizabeth, Rawlings, Victoria, 2018, The social determinants of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth suicidality in England: a mixed methods study, Journal of Public Health, Volume 40, Issue 3, pages e244–e251.

TransGender Awareness Week

16th November 202316th November 2023 by androandeve

This week in the UK it’s Transgender Awareness Week from 13 – 19 November.

CW: Transphobia.

Transgender Awareness Week is a week to celebrate the achievements of our trans and gender expansive siblings and talk about the ways we have to go in fighting for transgender liberation.

We want to use this moment to recognise how tough the last year has been for many trans and non-binary people living in the UK. If you are trans or non binary, you’ll probably be all too aware of the rise in transphobia. But for those outside the community, we’ve made this short summary to be able to evidence what that looks like in the UK right now.

In the last year alone;

> The UK Government blocked the Scottish Gender Reform Bill.

> The UK Government announced plans to tighten the rules for holders foreign gender recognition certificates

> A significant change to the 2010 Equality Act is being pursued by the government, which would redefine “sex” to refer specifically to a person’s sex at birth. (This has not been enacted yet, but follows the trend of increased transphobia from the Conservative government).

> Rishi Sunak openly mocked trans people to MP’s and made transphobic comments in his Tory party conference speech.

> Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced plans to ban transgender women from female wards in the NHS in line with a policy of single sex wards.

> Labour has rolled back on its promise to introduce self ID.

These actions are part of an ongoing culture war and moral panic. They have a direct impact on the ways we as trans people navigate the world and undermine trans people’s ability to live authentically and in peace. Hate crimes against trans people are up by 186% in the last 5 years and up by 11% in the last 5 years. (ONS Data).

When this transphobia intersects with race, disability, immigration status or other issues that can further marginalise people, health and equality outcomes can be even worse. It is no coincidence that the UK continues to fail to recognise its complicity in colonialism and the way this upholds power structures designed to give social advantages to very few people.

There is of course so much to celebrate in the contributions and achievements and strength of trans people, but this week we ask our allies to educate themselves on some of the issues outlined above and then check carefully how those in power, who we can hold accountable, are voting and making decisions.

Change is possible, but only through education, policy and action. Thats why we believe passionately in our Gender Awareness Training and its contribution towards this work. Our Gender Awareness Training empowers participants to advocate for and enact practices that better meet the needs of trans and gender diverse people.

Next week we are hosting a Live Q&A about our Gender Awareness Training. Find out more and book a free place here.

Solidarity always with those fighting for transgender liberation.

Our 2023 Community Survey!

24th January 202326th January 2023 by androandeve

Andro and Eve’s programme is developed by listening to voices from our LGBTQ+ community. We always collect feedback from those who attend our events and workshops. Additionally, each year we undertake a survey to hear from those who might not have had the chance to have their say, and ask a wider range of questions to help us understand what matters to our community.

We are always keen to plan ahead reflecting on the views of the community which we serve. So if you have time, please do complete our 2023 Community Survey. Your opinions matter to us. It should take 5 – 10 minutes to complete.

If you leave your email address, we will enter you into a prize draw to win a bundle of Andro and Eve merch, including our black logo tee, postcards, pin badges and stickers plus new queer zine, Fresh Air!

Follow the link to have your say in our Community Survey! The form will close at midnight on 16 February.

a group of people in various elegant costumes pose and dance onstage with one person strutting their way onto the catwalk. The scene is lit by warm orange lighting — _{A Reyt Queer Extravaganza. 2022. Credit – Misha Warren}

10 Highlights of 2022

23rd January 202522nd December 2022 by androandeve

a group of performers onstage strike poses and one holds a cardboard sign that says Queer Joy is Powerful

2022 was a big year for Andro and Eve, with the return to live events supported by a significant grant from Arts Council England the The Civic, Barnsley. In fact, so much has happened this year, we’re quite glad of our winter slow down, with time to reflect and plan.

We want to say a huge thank you to all the artists and freelancers we’ve worked with this year along with our volunteers and board for helping bring people together through queer culture. And a massive thank you to those who’ve supported our work by attending our events or workshops, buying a zine or some merch or sending us a donation. Links above if you want to do the same!

So in no particular order here are 10 highlights of 2022 for Andro and Eve!

1.Our first live cabaret event in 2.5 years – A Reyt Queer Do!

A drag performer with a blonde wig stands in the middle of a crowd of people in a bar with everyone in the crowd having their phone camera lights shining — _{A Reyt Queer Do. Credit – Sophie Okonkwo}

Hosted by Sadie Sinner, with Rhys Pieces, Ditzy O Darlin and a cracking line up of emerging talent, everyone who came down to Sidney and Matilda had a great evening. Read more about the event here.

2. Drag Kings!

drag king Mark Anthony onstage smiling with sparkly eyebrows and brocade suit — _{Mark Anthony performing at The Kingdom Come 6. Credit – Dawn Kilner}

From both our online drag king workshops with Christian Adore, to ALL our live events this year, and especially The Kingdom Come, an event designed solely to share the UK’s most exciting drag king talent, we were thrilled to be making space to platform these amazing artists, that too often get overlooked in the drag scene. Long live the kings!

3. Fresh Air Zine

An A5 zine with a cream cover sits on a lilac surface. The cover is covered in a flowing line drawing with blue, lime and yellow fill that seems to depict two abstract figures,

We worked with Site Gallery’s Society of Explorers to create a brand new zine, inspired by our Gender Awareness Training. Packed full of illustrations by artist Luci Pina its a gorgeous resource for young and older people alike. You can still get a copy for free here.

4. A Reyt Queer Extravaganza

a group of three black performers strike poses on a catwalk. The person in the centre wears a gold dress and has gold paper flowing from their body. — _{A Reyt Queer Extravaganza. Credit – Misha Warren}

Our biggest ever event was a collaboration with Ghetto Fabulous, with our artistic director, Finn Warman, working closely with artistic director and choreographer Darren Pritchard to programme and produce this event featuring over 20 performers to an audience of 300 people at The Leadmill. Hosted by the legendary Rikki Beadle – Blair, to say it was an epic endeavour, but utterly worth it, is an understatement! Read more about the event here.

5. Forgeous

Through queer dance and movement workshops that we produced in collaboration with Ghetto Fabulous in June and July, new queer dance collective, Forgeous were forged in all their gloriousness. They then made their debut performance at A Reyt Queer Extravaganza. Hear more about their experience in this short film made by filmmaker Toni Lee.

6. Teamwork!

Finn and Martha stand onstage smiling and speaking. — _{Ibk Adebambo and Finn Warman at A Reyt Queer Extravaganza}._{Credit – Misha Warren}

2022 marked a year of Finn and Ibk working together as a producing duo, and for a brief time our team grew with other freelancers joining to help produce and promote our work. Not to forget our amazing volunteers who helped everything run smoothly at our events and Doncaster Pride. Martha has now stepped back from their role as Assistant Producer, but will work with us on a more ad hoc basis in future. A huge thank you for all their contributions to Andro and Eve.

7. Gender Awareness Training

Our second year of delivering this bespoke session saw us training over 250 people throughout the UK and giving them the tools and confidence to better serve trans and gender expansive clients and audiences. We also recruited a brilliant team of freelance trainers who will be very busy in 2023 with more training sessions. Please get in touch if your team could benefit from this professional development opportunity. You can book for our open session the 1 February here.

8. Festival of Debate – The Transgender Issue with Shon Faye

In May our artistic director Finn hosted a Q&A as part of the Festival of Debate in Sheffield with renowned writer and author Shon Faye about her first book, The Transgender Issue. To see a crowd of gender diverse people and allies centre and listen to the very real issues affecting trans people today, and make space for trans joy, was a really wonderful highlight.

9. Queer Delight

Following an open call in the summer, we commissioned filmmaker Alexis Maxwell to make a short digital film. The resulting animated poem, Queer Delight is a pure joy to watch, and the audio described version was beautifully enriched by Adedamola Bajomo.

10. Our Community

A group of 4 people smile huddled together wearing some fantastic coats and lit by warm lighting.

We were so happy to welcome so many new faces to Andro and Eve events, with folk working with our Safer Spaces policy, and generally being so warm and friendly to everyone. It was also super heartwarming to have plenty familiar faces return to our audiences and to witness the joy of being together once more.

So thats our year in a snapshot – there’s plenty more we could mention, truly, its been a wild year, but we hope you’ve enjoyed taking a moment to reflect on whats been achieved and the fact that 6 years after our first event, we’re still here, still queer and making space to celebrate queer culture.

If you want to make sure you’re first to hear whats in store for 2023, then make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter. The whims of social media platforms have been very much highlighted this year, so it’s more important than ever that we have other ways to stay connected!

Wishing you a peaceful and warm end to 2022 x