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Leigh Downes (they/them)

@leighdownes.bsky.social
280 followers 395 following 90 posts

Northern, non-binary, cat companion, queer feminist, jigsaw enthusiast, peaks walker, bookworm & Juno Books volunteer. Senior lecturer in Criminology at The Open University. Researching gender, sexuality, violence & social justice. Views my own.

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Reposted by Leigh Downes (they/them)
Gina Gwenffrewi @ginagwenffrewi.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
An academic and family leave the UK so their trans daughter can have a decent quality of life. I have watched the indifference of former media allies on Novara Media and Owen Jones at the oppression we face. We are disappearing. No one cares. Please read Cal Horton's blog. It's heartbreaking.
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Reposted by Leigh Downes (they/them)
May “Bunny” Peterson 🦄 @goddessblade.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“I respect your right to dress and present like a woman, but you have to admit you’re still basically male, right?” So much panic and anger arises when we say “no.”
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Anne Fausto-Sterling @birdlady.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Sex: think of it as multiple sliding scales, or overlapping bell curves, or as a mosaic. But it is not binary.! theconversation.com/biological-s...
theconversation.com
Biological sex is neither binary nor a spectrum – a biologist explains how it’s multidimensional
Each person is a mosaic of sex-related and postpubertal biological traits that vary in their degree of femaleness and maleness.
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
🎯🎯🎯
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Tarik Abou-Chadi @tabouchadi.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Being queer means being the target of violence. Every queer person knows this. It's deeply engraved in who we are. We live with it every day of our lives. Not because of terrorism but because it is structurally enshrined in our "free" societies. Violence against queer people is not an exception ...
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jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I work at a public library. People who want to use AI seem to have no trouble doing so. People who don't want to use AI have a harder time. I crowdsourced and then finalized this document "How to disable or avoid intrusive AI" and then gave it a short URL: notoai.org Please pass along if it's useful
An aircraft passenger oxygen mask: a drop down passenger mask with air bag and yellow plastic mouth and nose cover, oxygen tube has been cut; Demonstration model used by flight attendant crew for passenger instruction. Has text on the side indicating that it's non-functional.
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Steve Tombs @stevetombs.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Drawing on over 40 years of state violence in the UK, this @inquest-org.bsky.social documentary is an invaluable campaigning and educational tool. Please repost! @britishcriminology.bsky.social @europeangroup.bsky.social @timnewburn.bsky.social @waylon18.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr-v...
youtube.com
The UK Is Not Innocent
YouTube video by INQUEST Charitable Trust
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Sarah Clarke - Not your doll @damselindystopia.northsky.social · 09/07/2026
It's interesting how the indispensable leftist organisers we simply must forgive and give infinite chances to are always abusers and never the people they have abused so badly that they never want to enter an organising space again.
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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
ICYMI - Our Manager wrote for the Scotland on Sunday about the recent decision in the Court of Session about the Scottish Prison Service's policy for trans prisoners. (Content note: this article discusses violence, distress and suicide) www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
scotsman.com
Why it's wrong for every trans prisoner to serve their sentence according to their sex at birth
Trans women in male prisons tend to be held in isolation for their own safety but this can have devastating effects on their mental health
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Mallory Moore @sexabolition.blog · 03/07/2026
Cool article and supporting blog post from @notrightruth.bsky.social @tiojeda.bsky.social and others describing and defining recognisable patterns in misuse of evidence in Sex and Gender policy.
ruthpearce.net
New article: Misuse of Evidence in Sex and Gender Policy
The UK is currently sweltering through the hottest June on record. The Met Office has issued a “red warning” for much of England and Wales, highlighting an active danger to life. Trains…
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Fran Amery @franamery.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Lots to say about this quote from Phillipson but I think a key element is how cis people are understood as 'biological' and therefore as having material needs (services, spaces) where as trans people are an 'identity' and therefore only have cultural/recognitional needs ('not being pilloried').
“I don't want trans people to be constantly pilloried on social media for being who they are and wanting to live the lives that they want to lead.

“But also I want women to be able to access the services and service providers to be able to deliver the services that they believe are necessary on a single sex basis for women who have experienced male violence. I don't think those two things ought to be in conflict.”
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Stirling Criminology @stirunicriminology.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
📝 CfP: Dr @philcrockettthomas.bsky.social, Dr Martin Cathcart Fröden, and Prof Alistair Fraser are Editors of this Special Section Crime, Media, Culture: Special Section Call for Papers: Rewriting Crime Stories: Criminology and Creative Writing #CrimSky #Criminology www.linkedin.com/pulse/crime-...
linkedin.com
Crime, Media, Culture: Special Section Call for Papers: Rewriting Crime Stories: Criminology and Creative Writing
Editors: Phil Crockett Thomas, Martin Cathcart Fröden, Alistair Fraser How might creative writing reflect and generate different kinds of knowledge and affect about crime, harm, and justice? Themes of...
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Helen 🏳️‍⚧️✊🏻💕 @mimmymum.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
“The Lemkin Institute would like to remind everyone…The “danger” caused by the existence of the trans community is a common refrain of the genocidal gender critical movement and is in no way based in fact… and therefore does not require a state response that causes harm to trans and intersex people”
lemkininstitute.com
Statement on the Anti-Trans and Anti-Intersex EHRC Code of Practice in the United Kingdom
June 20, 2026 The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security condemns the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) updated Code of Practice for services, public functions, and a...
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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The Court of Session has ruled today that the Scottish Prison Service’s policy of conducting a risk assessment for each trans prisoner and then deciding whether to place them on the men’s or women’s prison estate, is unlawful. Read our initial thoughts here: www.scottishtrans.org/statement-on...
Graphic which reads "Statement on Scottish Prisons Ruling" above the Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos
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Natacha @natacha.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Survivors say no to the EHRC…
someoneiknew.carrd.co
#SomeoneIKnew EHRC Survivor Campaign
Landing page for survivor EHRC campaign
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Sophie Molly @sophiemolly.co.uk · 29/05/2026
Good article 🏳️‍⚧️ Please share 🏳️‍⚧️ novaramedia.com/2026/05/29/t...
novaramedia.com
Trans Segregation Is Becoming Law. What Can We Do About It? | Juliet Jacques
‘Single-sex spaces’ must now exclude trans men and women, according to new guidance from the EHRC. We aren’t taking seriously just how dangerous this will be, write Juliet Jacques.
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Ella Baron @ellabaron.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Satuday's @theguardian.com cartoon #transrights #EHRC #LGBTQ
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Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 21/05/2026
We've read the new Code of Practice. Here's what you need to know.
goodlaw.social
The Code of Practice: what you need to know | Good Law Project
The updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations has been laid before Parliament. Here’s what that means.
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 20/05/2026
Today @drjogrady.bsky.social wrote to the University of Reading. Trans staff and students are being forced into formal grievances just to find out why policies that affect their daily lives exist. That is not legal compliance. It is institutional opacity. We’re calling on Reading to act.
Letter to reading Letter to reading
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Super interesting to think how different things could be...
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School of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy @crimsocsp-uol.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
New research on queer criminology Explores how challenging assumptions about gender & sexuality can reshape justice systems and address inequality. By Prof Avi Boukli & Dr Calogero Giametta 🔗 doi.org/10.1332/3033...
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
I wrote this a couple of months ago for OU Pride. I've been reluctant to share it too much because it was a vulnerable piece for me to write. But I just read it and I'm pretty proud of it. You can even show it a bit of love if you like 😍 thehootstudents.com/trans-safety...
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Helen Bowes-Catton (she/her) @hbowescatton.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Our new report with @disabledstudentsuk.bsky.social is out! Drawing on the lived experiences of disabled doctoral students, it sets out a clear roadmap for improving the experiences of disabled PGRs across the UK HE sector 1/6 research.open.ac.uk/news/report-...
research.open.ac.uk
The Open University
A new collaborative report from The Open University and Disabled Students UK sets out a clear roadmap for improving the experiences of disabled doctoral students across the UK’s higher education secto...
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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Recent court decisions are making it increasingly difficult for trans and nonbinary people to go to work with dignity and privacy. Complete our Workers Survey to help us push the government to update the law and make trans inclusion possible again! tinyurl.com/TransActualW...
Image shows various workers (Construction, barista, flight attendant, scientists). Text reads: Trans workers and allies: we want to hear from you. Read on to find out more. Text reads:  Recent court decisions have created a workers’ rights crisis for trans people. Help us push the government to change outdated regulations and keep workplaces inclusive. 
Complete our survey today, so that we are able to challenge this Government to change the law and ensure all workers can go to work with safety and dignity.
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Reactionary Politics Research Network @reacpolrn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
📜 RPRN statement 📜 HEPI’s Preparing for Populism is a profoundly unhelpful document that mistakes capitulation for strategy Research, critical inquiry, expertise, and the transmission of knowledge are not incidental irritants reactionary projects, they are its targets reacpol.net/populism-hepi/
reacpol.net
RPRN statement on HEPI’s Preparing for Populism debate paper - Reactionary Politics Research Network
RPRN statement on HEPI’s Preparing for Populism debate paper
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Reposted by Leigh Downes (they/them)
Abra / Jessica Conwell, Carmella Creeper's Gender Doula🏳️‍⚧️ 🇲🇽🌼 @pairofclaws.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
I work with a lot of newly out trans people, and this is by far the most common thing I have to talk them through. The saddest part is that how many of them report that the community itself has been the source of their fears. You cannot overestimate how much harm and hurt community gatekeeping does.
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Visibility without protection produces gendered harms
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Reposted by Leigh Downes (they/them)
TACC @tacc.org.uk · 25/03/2026
Please if anyone can, show your support of the Dyke Project for all the work they do: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-th...
crowdfunder.co.uk
Support the Dyke Project!
Help us cover costs for our meetings, actions and campaigns!
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Reposted by Leigh Downes (they/them)
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
They really sat down and said: how can we make trans people even less comfortable reporting crimes to the police?
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Natacha @natacha.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
So, research funding for “research” about trans people BY CIS PEOPLE is likely between £13-£15 million. Trans researchers were excluded from ALL of these. Research funding for trans academics is WAY below this, if available at all. This is an equal opportunities issue as well as an ethical one.
Cost of Cass Review £3m, 
Cost of Pathways "trial" £10m, 
Cost of Levy Review £undisclosed, 
Cost of Sullivan Review £undisclosed, 
Cost of NHS England "Reviews" of hormones £undisclosed.
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Dr. Sandra Duffy Golden @sandraduffy.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thrilled this is out in the world - and thanks to @ulyverse.bsky.social for being the best coauthor! F@L is always a pleasure to write for and the editors of this special section were fantastic.
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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
On Friday, the High Court published its judgment on a case between the Good Law Project and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We've put up a page explaining the background to the case, some key parts of the judgment, and what might happen next: www.scottishtrans.org/good-law-pro...
A purple graphic that says "What happened on Friday? GLP v EHRC Judgment What was said? And what happens next? Read more on our website" in white text. The Scottish Trans and Equality Network logos are at the bottom.
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Dr Charlotte Galpin @drcharlottegalpin.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Calling transfeminist researchers! See our call for abstracts below - deadline 1-15th March (with full papers in August)
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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Non-binary and survivor-led researchers from the University of Hertfordshire are looking for an expert by experience to join our participatory action research project looking at the strengths of LGBTQIA+ survivors of conversion practices. #TransResearch #ResearchSurvey #LGBTQResearch
We are currently searching for one expert by experience:
either with lived experience of, or of experience of working
with conversion practice survivors. This opportunity can be
paid or on a volunteer basis.
Due to the potentially distressing nature of the topic, please
consider this before applying and reach out with any questions.

Role specification:
- Co-facilitating two workshops for creative outlets with
participants.
- Attending at least 4 meetings across an 18 month period.
- Within these meetings you will play a part in shaping the
research, and materials with our largely LGBTQ+ research team.

Location :
- Predominantly online
- 1/2 workshops will be in person, with travel reimbursed and a venue decided based on participant convenience.
- 2nd workshop will be online.

This research study aims to centre the voices of conversion
practice and change effort survivors, this research is queer, trans-led, survivor-led and trauma-informed.
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 04/02/2026
I’m sharing Aliya’s entire opening statement. We owe it to her, and those who no longer have a voice, to watch. youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI?...
youtu.be
WATCH: Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman describes being detained by ICE
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
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TACC @tacc.org.uk · 01/02/2026
There is only a few days left to respond to this consultation please if you have the time, follow this guide to send your response. If you don't have the time please at least share this post so others can respond.
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ILGA-Europe @ilgaeurope.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
This Thursday, Europe could move a big step towards ending conversion practices. Our report shows trans, intersex and marginalised LGBTI people face the highest risk of abuse, with 60 to 70 percent forced to take meds. Action is urgent.
ilga-europe.org
Intersections 2.0: Key Findings on Conversion Practices in Europe | ILGA-Europe
For the first time, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) included questions on conversion practices in its 2023 LGBTIQ III Survey. The survey gathered responses from more than 100,00...
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Helen 🏳️‍⚧️✊🏻💕 @mimmymum.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
I research the harm that can come to teenagers on social media. I don’t support a ban – @emilysetty.bsky.social “A ban treats social media as the problem, rather than asking deeper questions about why certain behaviours – harassment, shaming, misogyny, exploitation – occur in the first place.” 👇🏻
inforrm.org
I research the harm that can come to teenagers on social media. I don’t support a ban – Emily Setty
The UK government has launched a consultation on introducing an Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s. The proposal is framed as a bold response to rising concerns about young people’s…
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Billie Jean Sweeney @billiejsweeney.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Trans ppl constitute “a group obsessed with its own victimhood.” I came across this phrase recently when I examined the language of contempt regularly deployed by bigoted publications and how it became mainstream. Let’s take factual stock of this assertion🧵
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Was looking forward to binge watching Heated Rivalry today but omg it's so good that I need to slow down and process all of the feelings about how good it is and what it is bringing up...
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Ariadne Griffin @ariadnereviews.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
CAMP! #TheTraitors #Traitors
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Hi hello If you're here because I followed you it's because something you said and/or your profile looked cool. No obligation to follow back. You can find out more about me and my work here profiles.open.ac.uk/leigh-downes
profiles.open.ac.uk
OUPPS (Open University People Profile System)
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Shit my GIC says @shitmygicsays.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Cop approved gender cops
Screenshot from the Sheffield GIC website. 

Top police award for our gender identity clinic
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TransActual @transactualuk.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
This time of year can be difficult. If you're struggling, seek support. Mindline Trans 0300 330 5468 (Fridays 8pm-midnight) TRUK Listens 0800 009 6640 (8am-midnight daily) truklistens.org Switchboard 0800 0119 100 (10am-10pm daily) switchboard.lgbt Samaritans 116123 (24hrs daily)
Image shows a hand with a heart in it. Text reads: If you're struggling, seek support. 

Mindline Trans 0300 330 5468 (Fridays 8pm-midnight) 
TRUK Listens 0800 009 6640 (8am-midnight daily) http://truklistens.org 
Switchboard 0800 0119 100 (10am-10pm daily) http://switchboard.lgbt 
Samaritans 116123 (24hrs daily)
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
👀
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Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
We've written & published a short summary statement regarding the Sandie Peggie V NHS Fife Health Board employment tribunal case & the judgment given yesterday. Much of the media coverage has missed key information, the most important aspect being that all claims against Dr Beth Upton were dismissed
Graphic with a blue to purple gradient background. It says "A short summary of the Sandie Peggie V. Fife Health Board and Dr Beth Upton employment tribunal judgment" The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are at the bottom.
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Leigh Downes (they/them) @leighdownes.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
It is always difficult to wade through the reporting and this summary helps to get clear at these early stages of processing the judgement.
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Assigned Media @assignedmedia.org · 02/12/2025
What harm can having the wrong information on your documents actually do? @veraeikon.bsky.social takes a look a 2022 study that investigated just that in this month's Journal Club.
assignedmedia.org
Journal Club: The Real Harm of Incorrect IDs — Assigned
A 2022 study digs into the mental and emotional harm of having official identification that doesn’t match a person’s real identity.
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Precious Chatterje-Doody @preciouschatd.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Funded collaborative PhD opportunity on contested memory with me in @oupolitics.bsky.social and Arthur Dudney at Arcadia: granduniondtp.web.ox.ac.uk/contested-hi... Deadline 7th Jan, please share!
granduniondtp.web.ox.ac.uk
Contested histories: cultural memory, narratives and archives
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