Transgender
Read an extract from Dream Nails’ reproductive justice zine
‘A trans man in a gynaecologist’ — Writer J Jones touches on the unspoken struggles of transgender men in an exclusive extract from Your Body Is Not Your Own – the reproductive justice zine from punk witch activists, Dream Nails.
Written by: J Jones
Neville Southall tackles… Homophobia and trans rights
Neville Knows Best — In his column 'Neville Knows Best', footballing legend turned Twitter sensation Neville Southall takes on the biggest issues of our time. This week he turns to look at the homophobia and transphobia that still permeates our society, and reflects on his own personal journey of understanding, accompanied by an original poem.
Written by: Neville Southall
An interview with Laura Jane Grace, punk’s most infamous anarchist
True Trans Soul Rebel — Fronting a punk band is all about projecting strength. But growing up with gender dysphoria, Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! had to navigate a world of self-doubt and confusion. Then she figured out how to own it, emerging from the chaos as a transgender hero.
Written by: Biju Belinky
Transgender prisoners are being failed by the system
Here's what needs to change — A crowd gathered at Pentonville Prison in London last night on Trans Prisoner Day of Action, with events held globally to highlight issues facing trans prisoners: denied hormones, misgendered, facing disproportionate levels of mental health issues, violence and abuse. Campaigner Kuchenga Shenjé addressed the vigil, and her speech is produced below.
Written by: Imani Robinson // Kuchenga Shenjé
Subvert the stereotypes. Just do what you love.
Jobs for the boys/girls? — Whether it's making biker cupcakes or heavy metal quilts, some people are determined to find their calling in life – no matter how unlikely it seems.
Written by: Mike Belleme, Shelley Jones, Shane Herrick
Bringing gender fluidity into the politics of the nipple
#FreeTheNipple — The Free the Nipple is a campaign saturated by conversations on the female body – but what about those who do not fall within conventional gender binaries? Meet two activists bringing trans and non-binary back into the politics of the nipple.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
Arabia Felix is using YouTube to transcend the boundaries of Kuwait
Gender stories — Arabia Felix first donned make-up aged ten in his bedroom, playing alone as children often do. Today, aged twenty-three, hundreds of thousands take joy in his artistry, through videos on YouTube and tutorials on drag enjoyed by adoring fans around the globe. An online community may revere him, but at home in Kuwait, this life remains a closely guarded secret. Kuwaiti legislation punishes "imitating the appearance of a member of the opposite sex" with imprisonment or fines. His art, drag alter ego, and sexuality are all outlawed, and yet Arabia remains defiant. His make-up may embody traditional Arabian beauty, but it’s also his armour - and he’s preparing to fight.
Written by: Arabia Felix / Michael Segalov
Transitioning gender in prison: finding the 'real me' in a high-risk environment
A Story of Self Re-discovery — Lauren was raised as a girl until the age of eight, when her father decided she should be a boy. The resulting confusion led to a life of crime and, ultimately, the need to find her true self while serving time in a male prison.
Written by: Cat McShane
