The myth of the demonic trans person who simply transitions to dominate women’s sports is perhaps one of the most effective fables about trans people. It is so dominant that—and those who have incentive to spread this—even allies and sympathisers to the cause of transgender civil rights sometimes have a hard time stomaching the idea of a transgender sportsperson. But it is exactly that: a myth. A myth’s inherent power lies in its ability to replace reality with ideology and i

From Neil Kinnock to Nick Clegg, calls to democratise the House of Lords have been around for decades. At first glance, the argument appears compelling. A natural and necessary step for the evolution of British democracy. Why should, in a modern political system, any legislative body, responsible for representing the people and scrutinising the laws that will affect our lives, remain unelected? Yet this instinct, while understandable, risks overlooking the distinct and valuab

Reminiscent of the UK’s 2003 Stop The War demonstrations , where hundreds of thousands gathered to (unsuccessfully) oppose the Iraq War, the most recent wave of ‘No Kings’ rallies in the US saw demonstrations attended by over eight million Americans . Loudly and proudly criticising the administration of President Trump, there were several incredible photos (available here ). Focusing heavily on ICE, democratic freedom, and US republicanism, it was that last feature from which

In international politics today, the epithet ‘realism’ has become common currency. It carries with it a rhetorical confidence – a name which suggests prophecy of truth amongst alternatives which are deceptions. But as proclaiming a realist position has become something of a fashion nowadays, we must beware the fashion victims; those who don ill-fitting articles because they bear the right label, and wear its most ridiculous accessories without any sense of the motifs and subs

Content Warning: sexual themes of inter alia violence In February of this year, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s recommendations in their report into sexual exploitation and trafficking via adult service websites was met with a nuanced and unemotional response from sex worker-focused charities and organisations, such as National Ugly Mugs . The Commissioner highlighted enduring issues; there were weak verification controls, weak reporting systems, instances of thi