Sophie Ellis-Bextor condemns rising transphobia: “I do get very down about it”

British pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor has spoken out against the growing tide of transphobia in the UK and beyond, expressing her deep concern and emotional toll over the issue.

In a candid interview with The Independent, the star, whose new album Perimenopop was released last month, criticised individuals who obsessively target trans people online, saying, “These people make trans people their whole personality and spend their entire day checking their socials and being angry, whereas trans people themselves just want to be under the radar and live their lives.”

Ellis-Bextor reflected on how Pride events have shifted from celebratory gatherings to urgent political statements. “There was a time when Pride felt like a celebration of all the shoulders that people were able to stand on, but now it feels like it’s an absolute political necessity,” she said. “I suppose you have to be optimistic that things will get better again, but I do get very down about it.”

On her podcast Spinning Plates, Ellis-Bextor has consistently amplified the voices of trans mothers, charity workers, and activists. She praised their eloquence and resilience, noting, “I know they don’t always want to have to be the voice of reason, but they will take that on and be that beacon. It’s the least I can do.”

The singer also shared a personal anecdote about a friend whose views took a troubling turn, saying it had a real emotional impact on her. “You definitely do need to assert that you feel really differently, and then just find ways to support what you believe is being on the right side of history,” she added.