Jess O'Thomson
@jessothomson.co.uk
Legal researcher, writer, journalist | Trans Rights Lead @ Good Law Project | Head of Policy @ Trans+ Solidarity Alliance | PhD student @ Leeds
Words inc: Indy; Metro; openDemocracy; Prospect
Views my own.
[email protected]
They/them
Words inc: Indy; Metro; openDemocracy; Prospect
Views my own.
[email protected]
They/them
Pinned
Celebrating my 27th birthday the best way I can think - in Court for trans rights 🎂🎉
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Thank you Jo! A reminder to anyone who wants to get me a birthday present - please support GLP!
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
Support us | Good Law Project
We can only keep fighting thanks to individual donations. Our people-powered model keeps us fiercely independent, so we can hold power to account.
goodlawproject.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Thank you Jo! A reminder to anyone who wants to get me a birthday present - please support GLP!
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
I feel so blessed to have so many brilliant and committed and lovely people working with me at @goodlawproject.bsky.social - and, my goodness, @jessothomson.co.uk is one of them. Thanks - and Happy Birthday!
Celebrating my 27th birthday the best way I can think - in Court for trans rights 🎂🎉
November 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I feel so blessed to have so many brilliant and committed and lovely people working with me at @goodlawproject.bsky.social - and, my goodness, @jessothomson.co.uk is one of them. Thanks - and Happy Birthday!
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The Charity Commission has just opened an investigation into the hideous transphobic lobbyists at Policy Exchange. 👇
“We think it’s long past time that the Charity Commission created real disincentives to breaches of this nature. In effect they amount to a misuse of public money, and if the Commission fails to do so we will not hesitate to challenge it in court.” goodlaw.social/9azv
After Good Law Project lodged a complaint against the rightwing lobby group Policy Exchange, the Charity Commission has launched a formal compliance case.
After Good Law Project lodged a complaint against the rightwing lobby group Policy Exchange, the Charity Commission has launched a formal compliance case.
goodlaw.social
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The Charity Commission has just opened an investigation into the hideous transphobic lobbyists at Policy Exchange. 👇
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
Support us | Good Law Project
We can only keep fighting thanks to individual donations. Our people-powered model keeps us fiercely independent, so we can hold power to account.
goodlawproject.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 🎁👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
November 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 🎁👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 🎁👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
November 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Honestly, if you appreciate me and the work I have done, and continue to do. And if you want to get me a birthday present - support Good Law Project's work 🎁👇
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
goodlawproject.org/donate/?utm_...
Celebrating my 27th birthday the best way I can think - in Court for trans rights 🎂🎉
November 13, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Celebrating my 27th birthday the best way I can think - in Court for trans rights 🎂🎉
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
This is particularly true when claimant anonymity is at risk. So I am relieved that the Court rejected their application to live tweet. And I think that they had to apologise for their inaccuracies in Court today even when *not* live tweeting should be taken into account by judges in future.
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
This is particularly true when claimant anonymity is at risk. So I am relieved that the Court rejected their application to live tweet. And I think that they had to apologise for their inaccuracies in Court today even when *not* live tweeting should be taken into account by judges in future.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Court reporting is a very sensitive and demanding job. It is particularly difficult to do so live. I know because I have done it myself on multiple occasions.
But I think this series of errors from Tribunal Tweets does not reflect well on their ability to undertake that difficult task.
But I think this series of errors from Tribunal Tweets does not reflect well on their ability to undertake that difficult task.
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Court reporting is a very sensitive and demanding job. It is particularly difficult to do so live. I know because I have done it myself on multiple occasions.
But I think this series of errors from Tribunal Tweets does not reflect well on their ability to undertake that difficult task.
But I think this series of errors from Tribunal Tweets does not reflect well on their ability to undertake that difficult task.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
In their apology tweet about their "very unfortunate error" they linked to the wrong hearing notes, claiming they were of this morning's session when actually they were of the permission hearing! This publicly misrepresented the content of today's hearing.
This link has now been updated.
This link has now been updated.
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
In their apology tweet about their "very unfortunate error" they linked to the wrong hearing notes, claiming they were of this morning's session when actually they were of the permission hearing! This publicly misrepresented the content of today's hearing.
This link has now been updated.
This link has now been updated.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Tribunal Tweets have since apologised for this "very unfortunate error". What they don't mention is that it was brought to the attention of the Judge, and they had to stand up in Court to apologise and clarify they had meant to say "avoid" rather than "allow" in the above tweet.
But that's not all.
But that's not all.
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Tribunal Tweets have since apologised for this "very unfortunate error". What they don't mention is that it was brought to the attention of the Judge, and they had to stand up in Court to apologise and clarify they had meant to say "avoid" rather than "allow" in the above tweet.
But that's not all.
But that's not all.
Tribunal Tweets put out that they were reviewing their notes to "allow identification" of the anonymous claimants. Obviously an error – though it remained up for two hours – but perhaps highlights the wisdom of the court in refusing them permission to live tweet highly sensitive proceedings.
November 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Tribunal Tweets put out that they were reviewing their notes to "allow identification" of the anonymous claimants. Obviously an error – though it remained up for two hours – but perhaps highlights the wisdom of the court in refusing them permission to live tweet highly sensitive proceedings.
Dreadful picture of me! But we are here!
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
This is only one step in a long battle. But we’re ready to fight it.
Our team is in court and we’ll let you know as soon as the court reaches a decision.
This is only one step in a long battle. But we’re ready to fight it.
Our team is in court and we’ll let you know as soon as the court reaches a decision.
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Dreadful picture of me! But we are here!
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
She also says that it will help her exercise her functions in relation to the full statutory code if the High Court decides the questions before it, notwithstanding that (for reasons she doesn't understand: para 46) the EHRC withdrew the interim guidance (para 49).
November 12, 2025 at 10:55 AM
She also says that it will help her exercise her functions in relation to the full statutory code if the High Court decides the questions before it, notwithstanding that (for reasons she doesn't understand: para 46) the EHRC withdrew the interim guidance (para 49).
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
A few points worth noting.
The Equalities Minister confirms that she didn't receive advance sight of the interim guidance (paragraph 7 of her Skeleton) and had no involvement in it (para 42); she also points out that the EHRC gave her no reasons for withdrawing it (para 12).
The Equalities Minister confirms that she didn't receive advance sight of the interim guidance (paragraph 7 of her Skeleton) and had no involvement in it (para 42); she also points out that the EHRC gave her no reasons for withdrawing it (para 12).
We’re taking on the EHRC interim guidance in court
After more than six months of disruption unleashed by the EHRC’s guidance, we’re arguing at the High Court that it is legally flawed.
goodlaw.social
November 12, 2025 at 10:52 AM
A few points worth noting.
The Equalities Minister confirms that she didn't receive advance sight of the interim guidance (paragraph 7 of her Skeleton) and had no involvement in it (para 42); she also points out that the EHRC gave her no reasons for withdrawing it (para 12).
The Equalities Minister confirms that she didn't receive advance sight of the interim guidance (paragraph 7 of her Skeleton) and had no involvement in it (para 42); she also points out that the EHRC gave her no reasons for withdrawing it (para 12).
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
We're in court today and tomorrow, taking on the EHRC's (now withdrawn) interim guidance, issued in haste following the For (Some) Women Scotland decision.
In accordance with our general practice, we are publishing the Skeleton Arguments of the Parties. goodlaw.social/h3nw
In accordance with our general practice, we are publishing the Skeleton Arguments of the Parties. goodlaw.social/h3nw
We’re taking on the EHRC interim guidance in court
After more than six months of disruption unleashed by the EHRC’s guidance, we’re arguing at the High Court that it is legally flawed.
goodlaw.social
November 12, 2025 at 10:47 AM
We're in court today and tomorrow, taking on the EHRC's (now withdrawn) interim guidance, issued in haste following the For (Some) Women Scotland decision.
In accordance with our general practice, we are publishing the Skeleton Arguments of the Parties. goodlaw.social/h3nw
In accordance with our general practice, we are publishing the Skeleton Arguments of the Parties. goodlaw.social/h3nw
We are in court today!
"We have been inundated with stories about the devastating impact this guidance has had on the lives of trans and intersex people. The EHRC suggests this claim is now ‘academic’ because it has withdrawn its guidance – but the effects are lingering and appalling.”
"We have been inundated with stories about the devastating impact this guidance has had on the lives of trans and intersex people. The EHRC suggests this claim is now ‘academic’ because it has withdrawn its guidance – but the effects are lingering and appalling.”
⚖️ HEARING UNDERWAY ⚖️
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
We’re taking on the EHRC interim guidance in court
After more than six months of disruption unleashed by the EHRC’s guidance, we’re arguing at the High Court that it is legally flawed.
goodlaw.social
November 12, 2025 at 10:48 AM
We are in court today!
"We have been inundated with stories about the devastating impact this guidance has had on the lives of trans and intersex people. The EHRC suggests this claim is now ‘academic’ because it has withdrawn its guidance – but the effects are lingering and appalling.”
"We have been inundated with stories about the devastating impact this guidance has had on the lives of trans and intersex people. The EHRC suggests this claim is now ‘academic’ because it has withdrawn its guidance – but the effects are lingering and appalling.”
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
⚖️ HEARING UNDERWAY ⚖️
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
We’re taking on the EHRC interim guidance in court
After more than six months of disruption unleashed by the EHRC’s guidance, we’re arguing at the High Court that it is legally flawed.
goodlaw.social
November 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM
⚖️ HEARING UNDERWAY ⚖️
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
Our challenge to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim guidance has begun in the High Court.
https://goodlaw.social/gf1s
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The existence of trans people is not an "ideology", BBC. It is a reality and one which Parliament has recognized.
(Entirely typical of the BBC that, confronted by a populist right attack, they will show willing by dumping on trans people. Weak with the strong, strong with the weak, as always.)
(Entirely typical of the BBC that, confronted by a populist right attack, they will show willing by dumping on trans people. Weak with the strong, strong with the weak, as always.)
November 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The existence of trans people is not an "ideology", BBC. It is a reality and one which Parliament has recognized.
(Entirely typical of the BBC that, confronted by a populist right attack, they will show willing by dumping on trans people. Weak with the strong, strong with the weak, as always.)
(Entirely typical of the BBC that, confronted by a populist right attack, they will show willing by dumping on trans people. Weak with the strong, strong with the weak, as always.)
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The EHRC's ‘interim guidance’ is transphobic, harmful - and legally wrong.
We’re in the High Court tomorrow to challenge it.
https://goodlaw.social/bkbv
We’re in the High Court tomorrow to challenge it.
https://goodlaw.social/bkbv
November 11, 2025 at 7:43 AM
The EHRC's ‘interim guidance’ is transphobic, harmful - and legally wrong.
We’re in the High Court tomorrow to challenge it.
https://goodlaw.social/bkbv
We’re in the High Court tomorrow to challenge it.
https://goodlaw.social/bkbv
Big day tomorrow...
November 11, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Big day tomorrow...
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Have taken this down. I was thinking only of the UK where he'd lose. No one in full possession of their senses makes predictions about what a US court might do.
November 11, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Have taken this down. I was thinking only of the UK where he'd lose. No one in full possession of their senses makes predictions about what a US court might do.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
“Anyone who thinks this is about a 12-second clip on a Panorama more than a year ago that not a single viewer complained about is not reading the proper story,” said one. “What’s going on here is much more about macro politics.”
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
‘Make no mistake – this was a coup’: the extraordinary downfall of the BBC’s top bosses
The whirlwind that started when Deborah Turness came under attack at a board meeting is part of a wider political story, some say
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:45 AM
“Anyone who thinks this is about a 12-second clip on a Panorama more than a year ago that not a single viewer complained about is not reading the proper story,” said one. “What’s going on here is much more about macro politics.”
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...