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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