by Joanna Nicholls | Jan 6, 2025 | Angels News, Forum News
This is a post that I’ve been mulling over for a while. And it really hurts to have to post this. On the 17th March 2025, the Online Safety Act will come into force in the UK. The Act places new safety duties on social media firms, search engines, messaging, gaming and dating apps, and pornography and file-sharing sites.
You can read more about the act here: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/time-for-tech-firms-to-act-uk-online-safety-regulation-comes-into-force
The scope of the act is incredibly broad, and this little old UK-based forum will fall squarely under the scope of these new rules. I need to name those accountable for safety, have a robust moderation team, reporting and complaints procedures. And I will be personally liable for up to £18 million in the event of any breaches of safety.
All it would take is one person with a grudge against the community and I could be financially ruined. I really don’t think I have a choice here.
So, on Friday 28th February I will be closing the Angels web forum down and deleting all content. This will give you time to archive any content you want to keep, and to share contact links with those you wish to keep in touch with.
This is not the end of The Angels. We will continue on The Angels Facebook group – where Facebook will be liable for anything, and not me.
I am not closing down the Angels website – that will stay up as a focal point – with links to the Facebook group.
I’m sad that it’s come to this, but I hope you appreciate why I have to do it.
I’m thankful for all the connections I’ve made via The Angels and this forum in particular, and I hope those connections continue over on Facebook. I’m also thankful for all those who have helped (and still help) moderate and run this site
The Angels as a group is 25 years old at the end of January and the latest version of the forum is 19 years old in March. And I think it’s time to bow out.
I repeat: the Facebook group is not closing down, just the web forum.
I do hope you understand.
Hugs
Jo
Image by Viarami, original here.
by Joanna Nicholls | Mar 10, 2024 | Activism
The people closest to us – our friends, family, colleagues, and partners – play a crucial role in shaping our sense of belonging and acceptance. For transgender individuals, having supportive allies in their lives can make a world of difference. This guide offers practical tips on how to be a good ally to the trans people you care about.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Mar 5, 2024 | Transitioning
Living authentically as a trans woman in the UK is an empowering experience, but it can also come with challenges. Unfortunately, discrimination and hate crimes targeting trans individuals are a persistent reality. However, it’s important to know that you have rights and options available to protect yourself and seek justice.
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics, including gender identity. This means you cannot be treated less favourably than someone else due to your identity. Discrimination can be direct, like being denied a job because you’re trans, or indirect, like having policies in place that unfairly disadvantage trans people (e.g., gender-segregated bathrooms that don’t offer a neutral option).
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by Joanna Nicholls | Feb 25, 2024 | Transitioning
For many transgender individuals in the UK, the journey towards accessing gender-affirming healthcare can feel daunting, especially with the current lengthy wait times for NHS gender identity clinics. This article aims to be your comprehensive guide, equipping you with the knowledge and resources to navigate the waitlist process with confidence and support.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Feb 23, 2024 | News, Transitioning
Living as a trans woman in today’s world is complex and rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges to your mental health. Navigating societal discrimination, gender dysphoria, and the constant pressure to live authentically in a system that often falls short can take a toll on your well-being. But you are not alone, and there are effective ways to manage these challenges and prioritize your mental health.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Jan 29, 2024 | Activism
You’ll often hear lawmakers, activists and pundits argue that many transgender people regret their decision to have gender-affirming surgeries – a belief that’s been fueling a wave of legislation that restricts access to gender-affirming health care. (The Conversation)
Gender-affirming care can include surgical procedures such as facial reconstruction, chest or “top” surgery, and genital or “bottom” surgery.
But in an article we recently published in JAMA Surgery, we challenge the notion that transgender people often regret gender-affirming surgeries.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Jan 29, 2024 | Activism, News
The charity Mermaids, which offers support services to transgender young people and their caregivers in the UK, was once portrayed in the media as a respected source of advice and information. But by 2022, this had changed. (The Conversation)
Our recent study showed that negative attention to the charity peaked in 2022, a year that saw British newspapers regularly publishing stories that helped establish an image of Mermaids as a danger to young people. Similar complaints and concerns from members of the public led the Charity Commission to open a regulatory compliance case on Mermaids, in late September 2022.
Our findings show how some media outlets have used negative representations of Mermaids to imply that those who support trans young people are untrustworthy. Such representations have threatened to turn the organisation into a weapon against the very people it is trying to help.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Apr 12, 2023 | Media, Positive
In today’s world, media and entertainment hold immense power in shaping society’s perceptions and understanding of various communities, including the transgender community. With increased visibility and authentic representation, the media can be a powerful ally in raising awareness and promoting acceptance. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of transgender representation, examine influential transgender actors and characters, discuss the positive effects of visibility, and explore the future of representation in media.
The History of Transgender Representation in Media
The journey of transgender representation in media has been a long and complex one, marked by both progress and setbacks. Early examples of transgender characters and portrayals can be traced back to the 1950s, when Christine Jorgensen, a transgender woman, became a media sensation for her gender affirmation surgery. Although this brought some attention to transgender issues, it was still very limited and often sensationalized. It wasn’t until the 1992 film, “The Crying Game,” that a transgender character played a significant role in a mainstream movie, breaking new ground for transgender visibility. Over time, the representation of transgender individuals has evolved, with an increasing number of complex and diverse portrayals on screen. However, many of these portrayals have also perpetuated harmful stereotypes or focused on the characters’ transition as their sole defining attribute.
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by Joanna Nicholls | Apr 11, 2023 | Transitioning
Coming out as a transgender individual is an incredibly important step in living an authentic, fulfilling life. We know it can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. So buckle up, and let’s dive into some tips and advice to make your coming out journey a little smoother!
Self-Acceptance and Understanding
First things first, you’ve got to love and accept yourself for who you truly are. Embrace your unique journey, and remember that your identity is valid and deserves respect. It’s important to explore your gender identity and take the time to understand your feelings. Reflect on your experiences, and ask yourself questions about what makes you feel most comfortable and true to yourself. Consider seeking professional support from therapists who specialize in gender identity or joining support groups in your area or online. These resources can provide guidance, help you connect with others who share similar experiences, and create a safe space for you to grow and blossom into your amazing self!
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