Protect the Dolls: Glamour UK names nine trans women among its 2025 Women of the Year honourees
– 2 min read
Glamour UK has named nine trans women among its 2025 Women of the Year honourees, spotlighting their contributions to activism, fashion, media and community empowerment.
The cover, featuring Munroe Bergdorf, Ceval Omar, Taira, Munya, Bel Priestley, Maxine Heron, Dani St James, Mya Mehmi and Shon Faye, was unveiled as part of the magazine’s “Protect the Dolls” campaign - a rallying cry for trans visibility and safety in an increasingly hostile climate for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
The announcement drew criticism from JK Rowling, who took to social media to express her disapproval. “I grew up in an era when mainstream women’s magazines told girls they needed to be thinner and prettier,” she wrote. “Now mainstream women’s magazines tell girls that men are better women than they are”.
In response, Munroe Bergdorf delivered a powerful speech at the awards ceremony held at 180 House in London, calling for unity, solidarity, and mutual protection. “We find ourselves in a deeply disturbing and uncertain point in history,” she said. “It can no longer be said that we're descending into fascism - fascism is here, and it’s up to all of us to keep each other safe. Protection will always be a two-way street”.
Bergdorf directly addressed the backlash, warning that the “demonisation of transgender people” threatens not only trans rights but broader human rights. “Segregating trans women from cis women, and the trans community from public life, serves to segregate society from humanity,” she said. “Discrimination and exclusion can never be acceptable for anyone, regardless of your gender, identity, race, faith, class, ability, nationality or sexuality.”
She also criticised the UK government’s handling of trans issues, stating: “Trans people are being failed by our government at almost every turn. Transphobia is and will always be the thin end of the wedge.”
Fellow honouree Dani St James echoed Bergdorf’s sentiments, praising Glamour for moving beyond symbolic allyship. “As anti-trans sentiment grows, it’s heartening to see passive allyship evolve into active advocacy,” she said. “Love the Dolls out loud and speak up for the Dolls in the face of adversity, whether we're in the room with you or not.”
The magazine’s editorial team defended its decision, stating that the honourees represent “nine of the community’s most ground-breaking voices” and that the cover is a response to the increasing threats to trans rights in the UK. “From fashion and music to charity and activism, these trailblazers work tirelessly to empower, uplift and celebrate trans voices,” the publication said.
