Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️

@kazself.com

* Labour Councillor for Southmead, Bristol, UK * Transport and Connectivity Committee member * Chartered Engineer (retired) * LGBT+ Labour Exec. Committee One of ‘those women who best embody the Bristol spirit of rebellion’ (Bristol Post - March ‘25)

863 followers201 following1.8K posts

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Anti-trans hate group ‘Sex Matters’ should be nowhere near this Joint Select Committee @oliviabailey.bsky.social @dannybealesmp.bsky.social Perhaps you’d like to hear instead from LGBT+ Labour? We’re available. #BanConversionTherapy

Mark Grimshaw@markgrimshawtism.bsky.social

If you thought the Conversion Practices Bill is already bad thanks to all the loopholes and allowances it provides, then don’t worry - it’s about to get worse. The Government are hearing “evidence” from anti-trans campaigners Helen Joyce, Dennis Kavanagh and the LGB Alliance this week.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Incompetence of the highest order from the Lib-Dem leader. As a Bathonian who spent many happy times at Victoria Park as a young person, I can see no reason whatsoever for a cycle lane through it. Clevedon seafront, Dovercourt Rd and now Viccy Park - madness! www.bathecho.co.uk/news/politic...

bathecho.co.ukCouncil leader’s comments deemed ‘disingenuous’ over accidental emailOne Green councillor said the email was an attempt to “smear” those holding the administration to account.
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Remembering the time when the BBC forgot to blur out my @labour4transrights.bsky.social badge.

Leicester Gazette@leicestergazette.leicester.news

Two University of Leicester students speak out over ‘absurd’ and ‘Orwellian’ decision by the BBC and ITV Studios to edit out pride pins worn on University Challenge

leicester.newsBBC edits out pride pins on University Challenge in ‘Orwellian’ move* * * This story was published by **The Leicester Gazette** : a local, independent newspaper about Leicestershire. 1,000 people have already joined our community. Just use those buttons below to download our app and **sign up for free**. * * * Astrophysics student Samuel Carlier and History student Emmeline Hague-Wright were shocked to find that their LGBTQ+ pride pins had been edited out of their University Challenge appearance earlier this year. The episode, initially scheduled for BBC Two on 24 August, was delayed twice before airing on 7 September 2026. The pins showed the progressive LGBTQ+ pride flag, the bisexual pride flag and a rainbow feather. Speaking to the Leicester Gazette, Sam said: “Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you ‘we’re editing how you look’, seems very Orwellian.” Sam described the choice to remove the pins before broadcast as “weird” and “absurd”. He said: “[Censoring] that seemed weird. If I had worn a rainbow shirt, would they have censored that? If the idea is to keep things impartial, where is that line in the sand?” A side by-side image of Sam wearing the pin and with it having been digitally removed. Photograph: supplied Sam contacted the BBC to try to understand why his pins had been edited out. He told the Gazette: “The BBC people said they’d ring me, and I chased them, they just said go to the complaints website and file a complaint there, that’s what I did.” Since then, Sam hasn’t had a response from the BBC as to why his pins were removed. After the episode had aired, Sam noted that his shirt ‘melted’ into itself occasionally, as a result of the editing. Photograph: supplied ## Students believe the decision was made following online transphobia Emmeline was also shocked when she found out that the feather pin she wore was due to be removed from the episode she was in. It was understood by Emmeline that there was online transphobia in response to previous episode of University Challenge, and she had been contacted by the BBC, anticipating support from the broadcaster. When the BBC contacted her, instead of an offer of support, she was told her pin was going to be removed. “At first it was mostly confusion,” she said. “I heard that they had received a lot of nastiness online from people and I thought they were going to call me to say ‘we have support services if needed,’ and that wasn't what I got at all.” Instead, Emmeline was notified that the episodes were going to be delayed. “It was out of left field, I was confused for a while,” she said. “This entire delay has been because of a feather and two badges on a teammate that were basically impossible [for viewers] to see.” Emmeline had expressed her frustrations with the repeated delays from the BBC, spanning from mid-July to early-September. She said: “We were announced on the website and then delayed again, and then announced on the website a second time, and delayed even further. Speaking about the removal, she said: “It takes a lot of time” she said. “Making it [the edit] look good would be even more expensive and time-consuming. It seems like drastically a lot of effort.” ## Join the conversation Our app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community. __Want to support our work?__ Click here for membership__.__ ## Wider criticism on LGBTQ+ support The pins Sam wore during the episode. Photograph: supplied According to leading LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall UK, two in five LGBTQ+ students will hide their identities at university for fear of discrimination. Stonewall has reported that more than 36 per cent of trans students have received hostile conduct from university staff due to their gender identity. Reflecting on the digital removal of the pins, Sam spoke about how disheartening the choice was. He said: “There was maybe like a span of eight years where someone could be uncontroversially out in the open queer – now that’s gone again.” he said. The BBC has also been widely criticised for ‘an attack on the LGBTQ+ community’ by pulling its involvement with the popular show, RuPaul's Drag Race. The broadcaster pulled its involvement in September following “significant financial pressures” as the reason for axing their involvement. The criticism follows another recent controversial edit by the BBC. On its hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, a decision was made to edit out ‘Protect the Dolls’ from contestant Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt. It’s a slogan which has become widely used to support the rights of trans women. The BBC defended their decision, saying the changes were made to meet editorial guidelines. It comes as the LGBTQ+ community has faced challenges amid an increasingly less tolerant political climate. ## What the BBC had to say When we asked them about editing out the pins worn by Leicester’s University Challenge team, a BBC spokesperson said: “In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags, and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme.” The BBC said the delays to the episode were unrelated to the decision to edit out the pins. A spokesperson for ITV Studios said: “University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show and is made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.” The University of Leicester refused to comment on the matter. * * * **Before you go…** We’ve recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we’re a small team on a shoestring budget. Now, we’re ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. **Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.** The app connects with **Bluesky** , **Mastodon** and **Threads** , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It’s a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community. * * *
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

A PM connected to the people and showing empathy. Very odd that Kemi Badenoch and a Green Party councillor were annoyed. Cancer is such a horrible disease. 1 in 2 of us will get it in our lifetime. Donate here:- www.standuptocancer.org.uk

standuptocancer.org.ukStand Up To Cancer | Speed Up Life-Saving ResearchCancer changes lives. So can we. Every pound you give speeds up life-saving cancer research.
The Guardian@theguardian.com

Burnham to become first PM to appear on Gogglebox in episode filmed at No 10

theguardian.comBurnham to become first PM to appear on Gogglebox in episode filmed at No 10The PM is heard having a long discussion about crisps in the trailer to the show, which is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer From ranking his favourite crisps in the pub to complaining about people watching TikToks out loud on the train, Andy Burnham has made efforts to show he has the common touch. Now he will become the first prime minister to appear on the popular TV show Gogglebox, in a special charity episode on Friday. Continue reading...
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Great speech from Dawn. United we will never be defeated #BHM

Dawn Butler MP@dawnbutlerbrent.bsky.social

If we’re going to beat the racists, we have to show up for each other. Speak out when someone is abused. Challenge discrimination wherever it happens. Solidarity means action. Yesterday in Parliament, I called on us all to do our part.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

I was pleased with the way the voting went on 20mph roads yesterday. Hopefully we’ll see a reduction in KSI’s going forward as a result. A lot happened in the background to get that paper to committee, officers and cllrs worked hard. It was a bit of a slog, but a good result with compromise by all.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Wes Streeting failed trans kids. It’s not too late for Yvette Cooper to do the right thing and follow New Zealand. labourlist.org/2024/07/wes-...

labourlist.org'What Wes Streeting gets wrong about puberty blockers' - LabourListAs I listened to the Human League at Bristol Pride, the words from one of their songs resonated ‘I’m only human, of flesh and blood I’m made’.
Ruth Pearce@notrightruth.bsky.social

Fantastic news from Aotearoa New Zealand - trans healthcare professionals have won their court case against the government, overturning the country's ban on puberty blockers. Huge respect and congratulations to everyone involved in this fight.

qnews.com.auNew Zealand High Court rules puberty blocker ban unlawfulQNews LGBTIQA+ News
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

‘The High Court found that there was “differential treatment” between young people with gender-related health needs and those who could access puberty blockers for other conditions’ Exactly the point I made to Streeting in the first question of my article.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Musk - “Look at my flying car” Ukraine - “Do keep up Elon” In all seriousness, this is definitely a moment in aviation history.

Democratic Activists@democratswin.bsky.social

VIVA UKRAINE A critically injured Ukrainian soldier was evacuated from the frontlines by a drone  Read more: trib.al/AWKNYdp

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

No surprise that a former Lib-Dem MP favours an idea lifted from Cameron’s ‘Big Society’. Librarians are specialised workers. The idea than any Tom/Dick/Harriet could so their job is for the birds - and might actually put people at risk. Cllr Johnson explains:- www.bristol247.com/opinion/your...

bristol247.com'Relying on volunteers raises concerns over the future of libraries'Councillor Carole Johnson says libraries need more investment, not unpaid workers
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Meanwhile in Bristol the Green led council are consulting on the possibility of outsourcing or closing several elements of ASC 🤦‍♀️ Like Community Links North in my ward, a valuable resource for vulnerable adults. You gotta hand it to the GPEW - they talk a good game.

The Green Party of England & Wales@greenparty.org.uk

“Andy Burnham is going to have to contend with what addressing neoliberal policies looks like. And bring things fully into public ownership, which is what the Greens are committed to doing.” Chantelle Lunt on the need to transform adult social care, on BBC Politics North West.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️ reposted

Not In Our Name (NION) Women
@nionwomen.bsky.social

Today is World Menopause Day. We recognise that menopause affects a diverse range of people, including all women, transgender men, non-binary and intersex individuals. We are champions of inclusive healthcare and support the reproductive and hormonal experiences of everyone in the community.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Car crash interview by Zack Polanski on #BBCLauraK. Cannot say Israel has a right to exist. And says a 2 state solution is ‘for the birds’. Not fit to be a leader of a political party. How many Bristol Green party councillors agree with him? How many Bristol Green PPC’s?

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Modern warfare requires people who can think out of the box, who can take skills like game playing & apply them to today’s battlefield. Also people who are fearless and brave. Many trans people I know tick these boxes. The gender critical movement would rather have Russian jackboots on our streets.

QueerAF@wearequeeraf.com

🚨 Breaking: New guidance from the Ministry of Defence, seen by QueerAF, sets out that Trans service members will be "accommodated in line with their biological sex" www.wearequeeraf.com/uk-trans-arm...

wearequeeraf.comUK Trans armed forces personnel required to use single-sex faclilites based on 'biological sex'The updated Ministry of Defence JSP 889 states that MoD Trans+ civil servants and service personnel may not use facilities of their affirmed gender that are designated as single-sex, QueerAF can revea...
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

The so-called ‘Women’s Rights Network’ and others like them have one aim - to make the NHS a hostile place for trans people. Shamefully some Labour MP’s are in cahoots with them. I have female anatomy & hormone levels. It is wholly inappropriate for me to share a hospital ward with male patients.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

A case study in how to define transphobia, courtesy of an MP from my own party. This is actually akin to a racist being upset that black/brown skinned people might be present in the ED. Disgraceful!

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

I have the anatomy of a woman. Putting me in a single sex ward with men would be an abusers charter.

TransLucent@translucent.org.uk

Interim Statement: "For many, placing fully transitioned trans women who have undertaken one of the most difficult journeys in humanity and have female anatomy in a man’s NHS ward will be revolting. translucent.org.uk/interim-stat...

translucent.org.ukInterim Statement: NHS England Single Sex Guidance.Interim Statement: NHS England Single Sex Guidance.
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

The BBC have gleefully put up a news article on their website about trans people and the NHS. And of course they quote Forstater. No doubt when I die from breast cancer through lack of screening, the BBC, Forstater, Rowling et al will celebrate my passing. But I’m not dead yet. #TransWomenAreWomen

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

You won’t find the BBC quoting the facts about trans women in female wards. Just blurring reality (like they do with trans supporting messaging). And of course using the editorial guideline to include ‘a biological male who identifies as a woman’ in the article. translucent.org.uk/trans-women-...

translucent.org.ukTrans Women in Female NHS Hospital Wards - TransLucentTrans Women in Female NHS Hospital Wards is a dedicated briefing note for MP's and journalists resulting from 282 Freedom of Information requests.
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

‘Bristol Flagger’ and associated reprobates have brazenly reported that they have put flags up in Southmead. They have never asked me, a democratically elected representative of that ward, for my thoughts. So I say this - your divisive symbolism is not welcome on council owned property...

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Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

…As a patriot, I was tolerant of these 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 flags when the FIFA world cup was on. But enough is enough. There is no demcratic mandate for these flags. They are being put up on council property without permission to divide communities. Firm action needs to be taken against the perpetrators.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

‘Bristol Flagger’ and associated reprobates have brazenly reported that they have put flags up in Southmead. They have never asked me, a democratically elected representative of that ward, for my thoughts. So I say this - your divisive symbolism is not welcome on council owned property...

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

…I am particularly annoyed about this as I submitted a report on FixMyStreet in August how these flags are distracting and hazardous to road users. Mine wasn’t the only report…

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

RIP Hayley. And shameful, utterly shameful, that ‘Counting Dead Women’ have had to apologise for the mistake of thinking she was trans. Transphobia sure does rot the brain. I’ve chucked a fiver to her funeral expenses:- www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-... www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-n...

lincolnshirelive.co.ukTribute to woman with 'a heart of gold' who was found dead at propertyA murder investigation was launched into the death of Hayley Ann Marson
View full thread
Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

Very sad news 😢. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the motorcyclist who has lost their life in Southmead today. I’d like to thank all the emergency services involved with this tragic incident. Understandably, a police cordon will remain in place for some time.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️
@kazself.com

If politicians were involved in the disgraceful decision to pause GRS in Wales, they need to be held to account. And I can assure you that as a politician myself, my reaction would have been completely different to that of Cllr Ellsmore.

This post is unavailable.

Kaz Self 🏳️‍⚧️ reposted

Nadia Whittome MP
@nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social

I recently spoke on a fringe panel at TUC Congress about what comes next in the fight for trans rights. I was pleased that the congress passed a motion to oppose the EHRC Code of Practice, demonstrating that trade unionists understand that trans rights are a workers’ rights issue too.