Britain's only transgender judge resigns, citing politicization of judiciary
The 54-year-old transitioned in the 1990s, and she became the UK’s first practicing trans barrister and judge
UK's only transgender judge, Master Victoria McCloud, has stepped down, citing the inability to perform her duties without politicizing the judiciary due to her public transgender status.
The 54-year-old transitioned in the 1990s, and she became the UK’s first practicing trans barrister and judge, achieving notable milestones in her career. However, her previously private identity became public knowledge eight years ago, leading her to advocate for diversity in the judiciary and face heightened scrutiny and criticism.
In her resignation letter, she said she was concerned about the “politicization of her role and the challenges faced by transgender individuals in public life”.
"It has been open season on me and others” with the rise of gender-critical campaigners who stress that biological sex cannot be changed. She said this meant “the dignity of the court as well as personal dignity is at stake”.
“Rosa Parks’ choice of seat was political because of the colour of her skin. More prosaically, for me, I am now political every time I choose where to pee. Less prosaically, the judiciary, by continuing to let me be a judge, is now at risk of being political," she is quoted by British publication, The Telegraph to have said in her resignation letter.
