Transvox

Gillian Russell
  • 1.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals

Join Jenny and Gillian - both at different places in their transition process to hear advice guidance, interviews and opinion on all things trans+. Not forgetting other gender diverse people, and those that are questioning, allies, friends and family. They have different expertise and thoughts to share because of their transition paths as well as other differences. However, they find a way to discuss topics and show ways to disagree in a productive way, whilst giving you the tools to navigate the world. They are also joined by guests to share perspectives, advice and support as and when needed. You can submit questions and we would be delighted if you could add a 5-star review as it helps with visibility and our positive mood..!

  1. 19h ago

    Melissa D of Loving Me on Domestic Abuse Support for Trans and Non-Binary People

    This week, Gillian interviews Melissa D from Loving Me, who discusses her background as a late-transitioning trans woman from the West Midlands, her career shift from accounts clerk to social worker, and work in substance misuse and mental health before transitioning in her 40s. Melissa explains Loving Me’s mission and services as the first UK domestic abuse service solely by and for trans and non-binary people, founded in 2022 after trans people were failed by existing domestic abuse systems, including inappropriate accommodation placements. She describes how domestic abuse affects trans communities, highlighting identity-based and familial abuse, younger referral patterns, and barriers to safe accommodation, worsened by recent legal uncertainty. Loving Me runs the UK’s first trans and non-binary domestic abuse refuge, provides sector training and advocacy, is recruiting an 18–25 worker, and can be contacted via www.lovingme.uk, help@lovingme.uk, she also signposts Galop and other regional services. 00:00 Welcome 01:24 Melissa’s Transition Story 02:13 Late Transition Challenges 04:42 What Loving Me Does 07:15 Why Trans+ people Need DA Support 09:59 Barriers and Safe Housing 16:01 Refuge Model and Training 18:14 How to Get Help 21:57 Catchment and Confidentiality 23:20 Socials and Other Services 25:23 Final Thanks and Goodbye You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk #transgenderhealth, #trans, #transgender,

    27 min

  2. May 17

    Transvox and NION Women: Not In Our Name and the Trans-Inclusive Feminist Voice

    Gillian interviews returning guest Abi, a PR consultant focused on trans inclusion, and Jacqui, a physio, meditation teacher, writer, and mother of a young trans woman, about their work with NION Women/Not In Our Name. They were part of the team that formed the collective to counter media and political narratives that pit cisgender women against trans women, particularly after the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent EHRC draft code, arguing trans people are scapegoated to distract from male violence against women and girls. They created an open letter/mission statement calling on non-trans women to sign and share it, reaching 100,000 signatures on the ruling’s anniversary with support including the Good Law Project and high-profile allies. Their short-term goal is to use the signatures to demand balanced media coverage and influence decision-makers; they promote the letter at notinourname.org.uk and on social as @nionwomen. 00:00 Welcome 00:26 Meet Jacqui and Abi 01:45 Why NION Women Formed 03:00 Catalyst Supreme Court Fallout 05:05 The Open Letter Explained 06:57 Signature Surge and Allies 08:23 Media Narratives and Real Risks 11:14 Personal Turning Point 14:10 Follow the Money Strategy 15:43 Short Term Goals and Balance 17:13 Responding with Kindness 19:57 Future Plans Beyond Social 22:19 Allies and Women Voices 24:12 How to Sign and Follow 25:37 Final Thanks and Wrap You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    27 min

  3. May 10

    Transvox Season Two Kickoff: Exclusion Policies, NHS Care, and Community Pushback

    Gillian and Jenny begin Transvox season two by catching up on major trans-related UK stories from recent months. They discuss the Women’s Institute and Girl Guides planning to exclude trans girls, describing these moves as cruel fallout from a Supreme Court judgment being used to justify wider exclusion, including in amateur sport. They revisit puberty blockers and the Cass Report, linking restrictions on blockers and hormones for 16–17-year-olds to increased distress and criticising “both sides” framing. They note political and public allies (including Olly Alexander and Green Party support), Labour’s exclusion of trans women from its women’s conference, and NHS moves to end shared care with private providers. They cover Marks & Spencer reaffirming trans inclusion, backlash to Stonewall chair Kezia Dugdale’s comments on a noted anti-trans person, the accidental fire at Pink Punters, and a court overturning a fine against the University of Sussex. 00:00 Season Two Kickoff 01:23 WI Branches Closing 02:44 Guides and Kids Rights 05:13 Swimming and Inclusion 08:29 Cricket and Exclusion 10:05 Cass and Blockers Fallout 13:31 Allies and Party Politics 15:58 Rowling and Media Power 19:55 NHS Shared Care Crackdown 21:54 M&S Pushes Back 23:19 Shopping After Transition 24:39 Stonewall Chair Controversy 26:06 Rowling and Charity Accountability 28:02 Pink Punters Fire Fallout 28:47 Why Venues Matter 30:54 Milton Keynes Trans History 33:11 Sussex Fine Overturned 35:20 EHRC Guidance Confusion 38:05 Movement Regroups 39:52 Reform Farage Media Blindspot 42:06 Wrap Up and Next Time You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk #transgenderhealth, #trans, #transgender,

    44 min

  4. Feb 14

    Innovative Initiatives for Trans-Inclusive Cancer Care with Abigail Parkes and Emma LeatherBarrow

    In this episode of Transvox, we’re joined by Abigail Parkes from Beyond Reflections and Emma LeatherBarrow from the Wessex Cancer Alliance. They discuss innovations and challenges in cancer care for the trans community, including the importance of early diagnosis, and the barriers trans people face in accessing adequate healthcare. Key initiatives like the 'Trans Aware Cancer Care' project and the introduction of a healthcare navigator service are highlighted as steps towards providing equitable and effective care. The episode emphasises the need for personalised support, education for healthcare providers, and collaborative efforts to reduce health disparities. 00:00 Introductions 00:58 Meet Abigail Parkes and Beyond Reflections 01:23 Emma LeatherBarrow and Wessex Cancer Alliance 02:24 The Importance of Early Cancer Diagnosis 02:53 Challenges Faced by Trans People in Cancer Care 05:01 Trans Aware Cancer Care Project 05:59 Introducing the Healthcare Navigator Initiative 08:38 How the Healthcare Navigator Service Works 10:28 Training and Support for Healthcare Navigators 12:27 Accessing the Healthcare Navigator Service 14:10 Collaborations and Future Initiatives 16:06 Final Thoughts and Conclusion You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    19 min

  5. Feb 8

    Transvox - Self-Medication and Systemic Challenges

    In this episode of Transvox, Jenny and Gillian delve into the complexities of self-medication among trans+ individuals in the UK. They explore the reasons behind the rising trend of hormone self-administration due to long NHS waiting lists and the high costs of private healthcare. The conversation highlights the risks associated with unsupervised hormone treatment and emphasises the importance of seeking reliable sources and community support. The hosts stress the need for better healthcare access and systemic change to ensure safer and more effective gender-affirming care. 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Winter Olympics Obsession 00:37 Empathy and American Skiers 01:31 Enhanced Games and Steroids 02:28 DIY Hormone Therapy 03:41 Challenges in Trans Healthcare 05:49 Self-Medication Risks and Realities 08:26 Importance of Proper Medical Guidance 10:15 Navigating NHS and Private Healthcare 17:06 Support Networks and Mental Health 30:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    32 min

  6. Jan 16

    Transvox: Exploring Organssational Leadership and DEI with Joanne Lockwood

    In this episode, Joanne Lockwood shares her extensive experiences in leadership wwith Gillian, spanning from her early days in the military to her current roles in various organisations. The discussion delves into her philosophy on leadership, emphasissng the importance of continuous momentum, imperfect plans, and adaptive leadership. Joanne also explores the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), highlighting the need for well-being-focused initiatives and the challenges of implementing DEI effectively within organisations. The conversation touches on the importance of creating environments where everyone can thrive, the significance of leadership training, and the impact of positive people experiences on organisational culture. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:16 Joanne's Early Leadership Journey 02:41 Key Lessons in Leadership 05:40 The Role of Failure and Adaptability 06:56 Diverse Leadership Experiences 11:40 The Importance of DEI in Organisations 15:33 Creating Positive People Experiences 18:23 Macro vs. Micro Leadership Approaches 19:12 The Role of Conflict in Diversity 20:04 Bottom-Up Organisational Change 20:57 Middle Management and Cultural Disconnect 21:49 Empowering Grassroots Leadership 23:28 The Importance of Conversations Over Debates 25:13 Outcome vs. Belief in Leadership 26:45 Challenges in DEI Implementation 28:19 Creating Inclusive Cultures 30:14 Addressing Disenfranchisement 34:24 Leadership and Individual Needs 37:35 Concluding Thoughts on Leadership You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    40 min

  7. Jan 11

    Transvox: Understanding the Trans+ Experience through 'The Traitors'

    In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny Harvey discuss how the UK TV show 'The Traitors' provides insightful lessons applicable to trans people and therapy patients. Jenny, donned in her Saturday football-watching attire (a green cloak...!) describes her fascination with the show's dynamics, revealing how it mirrors real-world anxiety and the emotional toll of concealing one’s true identity. They delve into concepts like confirmation bias and the pressures of hiding one’s true self, particularly for trans individuals. The conversation then shifts to broader cultural and psychological implications, including the challenges faced by older individuals and the importance of being part of supportive communities. They conclude by emphasising the relief and joy of discussing varied topics beyond just trans issues. 00:00 Introduction and Theme 00:53 Exploring 'The Traitors' TV Show 04:04 Trans Experience and Hidden Identities 14:05 Confirmation Bias and Its Impact 24:08 Visibility and Social Dynamics 28:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    33 min

  8. Jan 4

    Transvox: Looking forward to 2026

    In this episode of Transvox, hosts Gillian and Jenny discuss a variety of topics ranging from ongoing cultural and political developments to personal anecdotes and hopes for the future. They touch on the symbolic relevance of items like the unicorn and the 'Blojhaj' shark in the trans community. A considerable portion of the conversation focuses on the potential impact of the Levy Review in improving gender-affirming care and mental health support for trans people in 2026. The hosts express cautious optimism about political shifts, particularly within the Labour Party, and discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability in times of rapid technological change, namely AI. They also reflect on the growing sense of community among trans people and the role of allies. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook for 2026 and an appeal to listeners to remain resilient and engaged. 00:00 Introduction and Unicorns 00:19 Trans Community Symbols 00:59 Sweep 02:45 Looking Forward to 2026 03:14 The Levy Review and Trans Rights 06:27 Political Landscape and Trans Issues 21:40 AI and Opportunities for Trans People 29:15 Resilience and Social Media 30:41 Conclusion You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk

    33 min
See All (154)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Join Jenny and Gillian - both at different places in their transition process to hear advice guidance, interviews and opinion on all things trans+. Not forgetting other gender diverse people, and those that are questioning, allies, friends and family. They have different expertise and thoughts to share because of their transition paths as well as other differences. However, they find a way to discuss topics and show ways to disagree in a productive way, whilst giving you the tools to navigate the world. They are also joined by guests to share perspectives, advice and support as and when needed. You can submit questions and we would be delighted if you could add a 5-star review as it helps with visibility and our positive mood..!

Information

  • Creator
    Gillian Russell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gillian Russell
  • Show Website
    Transvox

You Might Also Like