The article sparked a huge backlash by the trans community and their allies, disgusted that a “queer” publication would print such a puff piece.

Within the article Wes Streeting presents himself as a kind and compassionate gay man. Not once mentioning the harm and suffering his puberty ban has inflicted upon trans youth.

A Huge Public Outcry

Many trans people and their allies took to social media to express their frustration and disbelief at Pink News publishing the article.

The campaign group Trans + Solidarity Alliance criticised Pink News for both ‘uncritically’ platforming Wes Streeting and making journalists redundant (including a trans reporter).

Founder of the the Good Law Project (GLP), Joylyon Maugham KC (he/him) wrote:

“Why has he [Wes Streeting] written this piece for Pink News? Its readership will know it plumbs new depths of dishonesty and will be enraged. Is he writing it to try and pretend to a cis audience that he cares? Totally bizarre.”

Journalist Lee Hurley (he/him) questioned who the article was being aimed at. He remarked:

“The Pink News article by Wes Streeting isn't for trans people. It's for cis idiots who don't actually care what is really happening to trans people, but now they have something they can point to to show 'dignity and respect’ ”

Others shared similar comments with one noting:

“Pathetic, cynical, groveling, both for Streeting to write it and for Pink News to publish it. This is designed to pander to a straight cis audience, not anyone who actually follows what is going on or will be affected by it.”

Some questioned the timing of the article. Writer Marty Davies (she/they). They said, “Streeting chose to write that op-ed in Pink News a month out from the local elections when Greens have just overtaken Labour in the polls.

He’s clearly attempting to appeal to the left with the article.”

Researcher Jessica Kant (She/Her) summed up the trans communities feelings towards Pink News with:

“PinkNews platforming Streeting after firing their few remaining journalists so he can lie about his assault on trans rights and gaslight the public about Labour’s war on trans kids and dismantling their healthcare is the end of the site. I’ve been interviewed by them, they’ve used my work. No more.”

Ignoring Trans Voices

Wes Streeting has been frequently accused of ignoring the voices of trans kids and trans supporting parents. Ignoring their pleas for trans affirming medications.

Parents desperate for their children to receive proper care, dignity and respect.

It is beyond contemptible to the parents of these trans kids in need that Streeting would be so positively presented by a publication that professes to represent trans people.