Big Brother stars calls UK Supreme Court's trans ruling ‘utter rubbish'
Bradley Riches, Ali Bromley, along with Dame Kelly Holmes and other LGBTQIA+ celebrities shares their thoughts on UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" at the Diva Awards
Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches was among the famous queer guests and nominees present at last night's Diva Awards, an annual ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people. Falling during Lesbian Visibility week, this year's Divas also came just a week after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex, excluding transgender women.
The ruling has stirred polarising views within the LGBTQIA+ community, and Bradley had some strong opinions about it. Speaking to The Mirror, he said: 'I think it's utter bull—, if I'm going to be honest, utter rubbish.
'I think that to see all the trans community has done to be where we are [now], to push back so many years is really heart wrenching for the trans community but also for all of us allies. But I think all we have to do now is just be there for our trans and non-binary friends and celebrate. I think the whole community will come out stronger, definitely.'
For Bradley, being at the Diva Awards, which mainly celebrates queer women, is important for the entire community, as he explained: 'I think it's a very important thing to show up for, all the letters of the community, not just those that resonate with me.'
Big Brother 2024 winner Ali Bromley echoed Bradley's feelings as she explained her reaction to the controversial ruling: 'I've been doing my bit to show how I feel, so I went to the protest on Saturday, and I've been working with other people in the community as well to see what we can do. It's really important that we use our voices and our platforms to express our discontent with the ruling, it's a difficult time.
'Events like these are important because it's our way of showing that whatever ruling happens, we're here, we're queer and we stand by each other.' Ali, who made waves last year as 'The Red Witch' in the house, went on to share her appreciation for JoJo Siwa, who just finished Celebrity Big Brother in third place.
'I have been watching [this year's Celebrity Big Brother]. I'm a big fan of JoJo, I would've liked to meet her actually, if there wasn't a clash tonight.'
The reality TV star further shared the challenges she has faced of being a lesbian in a mainstream show, admitting: 'Sometimes, I think there is some confusion about queer women, what we are, what we represent, sometimes invalidation of sexuality as well. I know that's something I've experienced, people don't believe that I'm gay because I look too feminine, or I'm not what they expect a lesbian to look like, so there's a few challenges, but we carry on.'
Dame Kelly Holmes, who was among the celebrities delivering awards at the ceremony, called the ruling 'complex'. She told The Mirror: 'I don't think it's been thought-through, but the whole point of everything, people need to be given solutions, because all we do is go 'no no', and no one's coming with any solutions.'
The celebrated Olympic athlete added: 'Sometimes, you can't argue with the relational, and yet, I think people need to know that people are here to stay, to live their lives. Some of the ruling, I just don't think have been effectively moved forward with everybody's voice, they've gone with one voice and nobody else's.
'For me, it's about a solution. You can't just say no and then think it's ok.' Lizzie Cundy, who expressed how honoured she felt to be a guest at the awards, said the ruling was particularly 'tough'.
"I've many friends that are trans, many friends that are lesbians, and it's a difficult one because I do believe women should have their own safe spaces, but also I do believe it's going to be very difficult for the trans community," she said.
The TV personality continued: 'The trans community needs to be treated with kindness and consideration and there should be more done to help, I really do feel that. I just interviewed the first transgender couple and they're just beside themselves because they feel really alone in all of this. My heart goes out to the trans community, most definitely.'
Singer Nxdia, who was nominated for the media moment of the year with their viral hit She Likes A Boy has been struggling with the Supreme Court's decision. They explained: 'I think trans women were the reason many of us can really be as visible as we are today.
'So I feel like it's quite prominent that it's lesbian visibility week this week, because trans women are kind of the reason why we can be this [visible] today.' Popular singer Shura, who is releasing a much anticipated third album next month, six years after her last, shared her thoughts on visibility, explaining: 'I'm realising that progress isn't guaranteed, that we can go back and visibility is really important.
'Not everyone feels comfortable being visible, but if you are, then you absolutely must be, and it's important that you.' She further shared her reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling, stating it was 'horrific'. She said: You know, I think trans women are women, I think what has happened is outrageous and also just isn't going to protect women.
'I get very cross about it.' The Diva Awards, founded by Linda Riley have played a vital role in championing queer visibility, and is the first of its kind in the country. For the LGBTQIA+, it's a groundbreaking event that shines a light on issues that are not often shared in mainstream spaces.
According to Roxy Bourdillon, Diva Magazine's editor-in-chief and author of the newly released What a Girls Wants, queer women often experience 'extra' marginalisation due to society's misogyny. She explained: 'We know as women that in some ways, the odds can be stacked against us anyway, just moving through society.
'And then if you add to that, that you're a queer woman or a non binary person, or bisexual or trans or however you identify, then it can mean that there's additional barriers to getting that visibility and representation that we so desperately need. But that's also why events like lesbian visibility week and the Diva Awards are so gorgeous and powerful, because it's really an opportunity to center and celebrate our community and champion our rights while also just having a great time.'
Roxy reacted to the Supreme Court's ruling, calling it 'frightening time for our community'. She said: 'I think it is so important now more than ever that we stand together. And I know from my work through Diva, from my work in my book, and from just being a lesbian cisgender woman moving through the world, I know that trans people are an important, beautiful, valued part of our community, and they've always been part of our community.
'They've been with us, standing at the front of protests for decades, and so I really think now it's important that we all stand up for them as well, and my heart is with our trans siblings at the moment.'
DIVA Awards 2025 Winners
Centrica Charity or Community Project of the Year:
Winner: Just Like Us
Highly Commended: TransActual
myGwork LGBTQIA Network of the Year:
Winner: Pride Matters, Colt Technology Services
Dorchester Collection Campaigner of the Year:
Kantar Inspirational Role Model of the Year:
Winner: Saba Ali
Highly Commended: Winnie King, Mace Group
Winner: Alexis Curtis-Harris, Penna
Paramount Influencer of the Year:
Winner: Lesbian Supper ClubHighly Commended: CurveyBlackWitch
Brand of the Year: Winner: London Women's Clinic
Highly Commended: L&G
BNP Paribas Corporate Ally of the Year: Winner: Anne Aslett, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Jackdaw Media Media Moment of the Year: Winner: I Kissed a Girl
Deliveroo Diversity Champion of the Year: Winner: Maria Patsalos, Mishcon De Reya
Highly Commended: Emma Palethorpe, St. James's Place
Highly Commended: Pippa Dale, LSEG
London Women's Clinic Future Leader of the Year: Winner: Bruna Gil, LinkedIn
Highly Commended: Deborah Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions
Allianz Commercial Writer of the Year: Winner: Val McDermid
Celebrity Ally of the Year:
Winner: Vicky Myers
Highly Commended: David Tennant
Highly Commended: Alex Scott MBE
Actor of the Year:
Sedulo Lifetime Achievement:
LGBTQIA Veterans
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Hollyoaks anniversary scripts rewritten as ideas scrapped and 'surprises' ahead
More than one Hollyoaks star told us bosses had made a number of changes to plans for the Channel 4 soap's 30th anniversary episodes, with scripts redone and storylines altered Cast of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks have been kept in the dark about most of the soap's 30th anniversary plans, with many of the ideas apparently "rewritten" as the show goes all out for the big event. According to more than one star of the soap, bosses have "gone back to the drawing board" and made a few changes to original plans. The show celebrates 30 years on air in October, with planning underway for an unmissable set of episodes. While one star of the show promised "shocking twists" and "big" scenes ahead, another cast member spilled that plans had been changed a couple of times, with bosses wanting to go all out to make the 30th a huge one for fans. According to the star, scripts have been edited, with the suggestion that ideas had been scrapped to make way for bigger and better twists and turns ahead. Another cast member backed the changes to the plans originally laid out, claiming she'd been told that the plans for the anniversary had "changed a few times". But it seems the plans are now all, if not mostly, set in stone with cast soon to find out exactly what is in store for them in the coming months. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Mercedes McQueen actress Jennifer Metcalfe was the first star to admit there'd been some changes where the 30th plans were concerned. She told us that she'd heard behind the scenes how plans had been changed more than once. She teased: "I say don't tell me cos I am a blabbermouth so I say don't tell me the storylines. But I don't know yet what's happening with it, I've heard they've changed their minds a few times but that's all they are telling us." Rex Gallagher actor Jonny Labey also said about the script and plan changes, telling us: "For the 30th it was announced there would be some fan involvement! To be honest we have had a lot of script editing and it's been back to the drawing board with some of the ideas. "But it's all solidified now, the ideas are in place. We have got some time until October. The next couple of months we will start knowing a bit more and preparing for the 30th. "They are always gonna go big and the way the storylines are going at the moment, they are really powerful stuff, beautiful stuff, and amazing work from everyone, so it's on good trajectory. The 30th is a big year!" Myra McQueen actress Nicole Barber-Lane didn't know too much, but she's thrilled to be back with the show and for the soap to still be on air 30 years on from the launch. She said: "I don't know what is gonna be happening, but it is important to celebrate how long we have been here. "Sometimes we put so much pressure on stuff but it doesn't need it. I don't know details but I know Hannah [Cheers, Hollyoaks' Executive Producer] has some big stuff lined up." We also got some big spoilers from Lucas Hay actor Oscar Curtis and Dillon Ray actor Nathaniel Dass about what fans can expect. Oscar spilled: "We can't say what happens but we can say it's gonna be exciting." Nate then told us: "Listen, we hear things in and around the building. We hear some amazing stuff, and there is some really amazing stuff in store for Hollyoaks fans. "I think something that happens is gonna actually be quite shocking. It is something to do with the show itself and to do with the characters. There is some really exciting stuff coming up, but we can't say what. "I can promise you there's gonna be some big surprises." Oscar added: "It's the 30th... you know what I mean?" Nate then teased: "I know for a fact the top dogs have some amazing stuff planned." Tom Cunningham actor Ellis Hollins shared his surprise with us that his return storyline is linked to an upcoming storyline before the 30th, and not the big event itself like he thought. He explained: "When I got the call I was assuming it was something to do with the 30th, but it's still quite premature. "So I'm hoping there's gonna be something related to it but maybe on the sidelines, like reacting to certain people and not being in a crash!" Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gemma Collins left 'terrified' after being sent 'rat poison' to her Essex home
Gemma Collins was left terrified after a hate mail reportedly parcel containing rat poison was sent to her home recently - it comes just weeks after she called 999 after receiving hate letters Reality TV star Gemma Collins has reportedly upped security at her Essex home after a package containing "rat poision" was sent to her home. The 44-year-old, who lives with businessman fiancé Rami Hawash, is believed to have invested in 24-hour guard dog patrols and alerted Essex Police after the arrival of the package, which also contained a nasty letter. It comes just a couple of weeks after the Celebrity Big Brother icon was left 'shaken and very scared for her safety' after receiving a hateful letter from a man who wrote about his extreme dislike for her. It seems the escalation of hate mail, from a letter to "rat poision", has left Gemma "terrified" and fearful for her beloved pets who live with her in her stunning countryside home. A source close to Gemma told The Sun: 'The latest delivery was really scary for Gemma and she was genuinely terrified. It was delivered by the postman, but it had no postage stamp on it. "Gemma was worried because it contained rat poison, especially as she has animals at her home. She was already liaising with police over her earlier hate letter. "It was from a man who expressed his extreme dislike for her and used menacing language. The police have been fantastic and have some new leads. Gemma's trying not to let it get to her and is doing her best to focus on summer projects.' Sadly, it's not the first time the star has had a brush with the dark side of fame. She told a podcast in May that she has had several stalkers over the years, who had threatened her and sent 'terrifying' letters to her boutique in Brentwood. She said it 'played havoc on her mind' and was the reason she moved away from front-of-house work at the boutique. ' No one would believe the b****y crap I've had to deal with,' she confessed. 'I've had a woman stalker who wrote me a letter in white gloves and wanted to kill me. People would wish me dead. "I'd get all sorts at the shop. People are weird. And that's why I came away from my shop.' And, in 2019, it was revealed that Gemma had called the police after being targeted by a stalker – a man who she claimed had previously verbally abused her outside her home over six days. The experience was so traumatic that it made her question if she could stay in Essex. The Mirror has reached out to Gemma's representatives and Essex Police for comment.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
MAFS star Ella Morgan's mental health struggle since trans ruling
Ella Morgan was among the celebrities attending the 2025 Rainbow Honours on Friday Pride Month is in full swing, bringing with it a vibrant lineup of events that spotlight some of the most inspiring and influential figures in the LGBTQIA+ community. Among them is the 2025 Rainbow Honours, an annual celebration that recognises individuals and organisations making significant strides in promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion. On Friday (June 28), Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan was honoured as Campaigner or Influencer of the Year. As a transgender woman, Ella has used her platform to advocate for trans rights, a mission that has become increasingly challenging in recent months. 'My mental health has not been the best since the ruling,' the reality TV star shares. 'I think I just really struggled with being labelled or identified as legally a man.' Back on April 16, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex, excluding transgender women. 'You know, people call me man and tranny and he all the time online, and it's just a word and it means nothing to me,' Ella says. She further shares: 'So it didn't affect me, but now, because it's legally recognised, it is painful and it's sad, and it's like I've gone through all of this stuff and I've still been penalised, and discriminated against. 'But this time, people justify their anger and their hatred with this ruling; it's like it's given some people an excuse to justify their hatred because it's a ruling made by the government.' Ella, who made history when she became the first transgender person to appear on both MAFS in 2023 and Celebs Go Dating the following year, says that she has faced 'more hate than ever' this year. She explains: 'People are like, 'yeah, but you are a man, you know, legally, you are'. 'What am I meant to say to that? And how am I meant to deal with that?' Jake Graf, notable as Britain's most prominent transgender father, echoes Ella's struggle amid the Supreme Court's ruling. Taking to the Rainbow Honours red carpet, he shares: 'I'm a trans man, married to a trans woman, and we have two daughters, three and five years old, and I fear for my wife every time she leaves the house now.' Jake's wife, Hannah, served as the highest-ranking trans officer in the British Army before she left in 2018 to start a family. The couple made history as Britain's first transgender parents. 'Every time she goes into a public toilet, my wife is scared about taking our two little daughters into the toilet or into the changing room when she takes them to their swimming lessons, and that should not be happening,' Jake continues. 'So it's severely affected our lives and our mental health.' He adds: 'I take our daughters to the toilet a lot more than my wife does anymore because she's worried about someone attacking her in front of our kids, which is terrible.' Despite the recent rise in transphobia across, Jake remains hopeful, particularly inspired by the younger generation. 'The younger generation is more and more diverse and more fluid than we ever imagined,' he says. 'There are more trans people out there than I think we ever knew, and I think once we get over this terrible blip in our history, we'll realise that more and more trans people are going to keep coming out, and it will seem less unusual, and soon, we will find that love and acceptance that we so desperately need.' 25-year-old Noah Adams, known as Noahfinnce, was nominated in the Musician category of the awards and took home a Highly Commended prize in the category. He shares: 'When I was younger, I didn't really feel pride at all. 'I felt pride in my bisexuality, but in terms of being trans, I never felt proud of that until quite recently.' The singer-songwriter and YouTuber, who regularly uses his platform to raise awareness about trans issues to his 979,000 subscribers, often shares commentary critical of figures like J.K. Rowling. Like many other attendees at the Rainbow Honours, Noah remarked that this year's Pride Month feels less like a celebration and more like a protest. This year, he would like to protest against anti-trans legislation, not just in the UK, but around the world. 'I tour the US every single year, and this year I'm not going to be able to, because my passport's going to be counted as fraudulent because it doesn't match the sex assigned at birth,' Noah explains. To become better allies to the trans community, the Asthma Attack emphasised the importance of simply asking. 'It's better to say the wrong thing and find out it's the wrong thing than tiptoe around,' Noah concludes. Ali Bromley, notable for being the first lesbian to win Big Brother UK, shares a similar perspective to Noah, stressing the importance of open dialogue and education. 'Sometimes I do make the decision to protect my peace, but then sometimes if somebody sends me a message and I think, actually, that's a good talking point, I think, why not share that and then share my response?' Ali, who was nominated for in the Rainbow Honours' Media Moment category, says. 'What I would hope to model is that maybe change and progression can come with conversation, it doesn't always have to be an argument, because I think sometimes we can get very polarised and start shouting at each other and maybe conversation is okay, and social media is a platform where we can do that.' Being a public queer figure comes with a lot of 'trolls' and online hate, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Saki Yew Suki says. As a result Saki highlighted the importance of recognising personal progress as key forms of self-care within the queer community. They say: 'Just take a moment sometimes in your own life and just reflect and just you give yourself the chance to go, 'oh, my God, I'm doing so well with whatever I'm doing in my life'.' Jaxon Feeley, who won a highly commended award in the Rainbow Honours' Media Moment of the Year category, reveals: 'You really do have to protect yourself, especially after the Supreme Court ruling, the level of hate online has more than tripled in terms of how much hate there is. When bullies are in power, it gives bullies permission to bully, and unfortunately, that creates a hell of a lot of pain.' Charlie Craggs, a transgender activist, expressed pride in the LGBTQIA+ community for coming together to protest transphobic sentiment. 'For a long time, it's felt like the trans, we're the ones who have been seen as the extremists and we're like the ones making it protesty, but that's because our rights have been the most under fire in recent years,' she says. Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu noted the importance of authentic expression, encouraging men to embrace their femininity. 'Sometimes they want you to dance more masculine, but why can't I dance femininely?' the professional dancer jokes. He adds: 'I want to embrace my femininity, femininity, just brilliant. I think a man should embrace more of their femininity inside of them, because they create more layers of artistry and allow them to really express themselves on a deeper level.' Carlos recognised the LGBTQIA+ community for teaching him to embrace his true self without fear. 'I think gay communities are so inspiring and allow ourselves to be ourselves without any obstacles, without any fear to think that somebody might come to us, I think that's the most important thing I've learned,' he says. Actor Jason Patel revealed that starring in the movie Unicorns taught him a profound understanding of exploring the duality of masculinity and femininity and embracing those different extremes. Reflecting on the significance of this year's Pride Month, Jason concluded with a powerful call to action: 'Protect the dolls', a phrase that champions the protection and trans people. The Rainbow Honours celebration was highlighted by Sister Sledge's Kathy Sledge receiving the Icon Award in recognition of her unwavering allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community, made even more memorable by her powerful performance of the timeless anthem, We Are Family. Rainbow Honours 2025 winners Icon Award Winner - Kathy Sledge Inspirational Role Model of the Year Highly Commended - Greg Turner-Smart Winner - Adelle Barker Campaigner or Influencer of the Year Highly Commended - Lady Phyll Winner - Ella Morgan Community Initiative of the Year Highly Commended - Trans+ History Week Winner - UK Black Pride Musician of the Year Highly Commended - Noahfinnce Charity of the Year Winner - LGBT Foundation Celebrity Ally of the Year Highly Commended - Dame Arlene Phillips DBE Winner - Sally Lindsay Media Moment of the Year Highly Commended - Jaxon Feeley in Hunted Winner - Suki and Eve's wedding in EastEnders Celebrity LGBTQIA+ Champion of the Year Highly Commended - Cynthia Erivo Winner - Yasmin Finney
