In this episode of Transvox, Gillian welcomes guest Lilly-Emma Thynne, a geography and politics teacher turned researcher, who shares her incredible journey and contributions to trans healthcare.
Lilly-Emma discusses her work in academia, including her involvement in national conferences and her role as co-founder and director of Trans Plus Health Research UK.
The conversation covers the challenging landscape of trans healthcare research, the importance of lived experience in shaping impactful studies, and the objective to create a more inclusive and safer environment for the trans and non-binary community.
Key topics include DIY hormones, mental health, and the overarching goal to influence both local and national healthcare policies.
Lilly-Emma invites the community to engage in ongoing research efforts, stressing the urgent need for evidence-based advocacy to protect and empower trans individuals.
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Lilly-Emma's Background and Teaching Career
03:03 Transition to Research and Founding Trans Plus Health Research UK
06:12 Current Research Projects and Community Engagement
09:22 Challenges and Future of Trans Healthcare Research
25:01 Call to Action and Contact Information
29:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
You can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk
Transvox - It’s August 5th - thoughts and support re the EHRC Code of Practice for Trans People, Employers, and Service Providers
In an ‘emergency’ solo Transvox episode, Gillian explains the uncertainty created by the UK Supreme Court ruling that “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex and by the EHRC statutory Code of Practice laid in Parliament on 21 May 2026 and effective 5 August 2026, noting it is guidance (n...
Dyvr on Rebuild: Trans+ Dance Floors, Mixed-Race Identity, and Making Space to Heal
In this episode, Gillian interviews London-based electronic musician and recording artist Dyvr, who uses dance floors as spaces for processing grief, shame, and abandonment, with a focus on making trans+ people feel seen and accepted. Dyvr discusses growing up in a multicultural part of London as mi...
Transvox - Pride’s Shift Back to Protest, Funding Pressures, and Rising Backlash
Gillian and Jenny discuss how Pride began after Stonewall as political protest, later became a celebratory, commercialised community event during periods of progress (e.g., repeal of Section 28, equal marriage), and is now facing funding pressures and backlash that may push it back toward protest, e...
Transvox - Chloe Kelly on Discovering She’s Trans at 45, Transitioning Quickly, and Solo Travel Adventures
Gillian interviews Chloe Kelly (not that one!) a trans woman who realised she was transgender at 45 after using FaceApp in October 2023, began hormones in January 2024, and went full-time in August 2024 after encouragement from her boss. Chloe describes early signs like cross-dressing, wishing to wa...
Transvox - Discussing Andy Burnham and What New Leadership Could Mean for Trans Rights
Gillian and Jenny discuss politics and what a likely Andy Burnham premiership could mean for trans people. They review Burnham’s history in Labour, note his “normal guy” public persona, and describe his LGBT+ record: marching against Section 28, voting for repeal, civil partnerships, same-sex marria...
Transvox - Ash Sekhon on Gothic Historical Fiction, Rumour Culture, and Trans History
This week, Gillian interviews Ash Sekhon, a historian and gender-fluid trans author living in the Netherlands after time in the US, Scotland, and Canada. They explain leaving adjunct university teaching in the US after Trump-era DEI cuts and now writing full time while supported by savings and inves...
Transvox - World Cup Lessons for Trans Resilience
Gillian and Jenny discuss what trans people can learn from World Cup footballers about surviving scrutiny, online abuse, and long-term pressure, using sport as a metaphor. They explore “microclimates” and how adapting to different social contexts can support safety and wellbeing while still valuing ...
Transvox - EHRC Guidance Discussion
Hosts Jenny and Gillian discuss the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission’s finalised guidance following a Supreme Court judgment defining sex in the Equality Act as biological sex at birth, and reactions to earlier draft guidance that suggested excluding trans people from toilets and other single...
Melissa D of Loving Me on Domestic Abuse Support for Trans and Non-Binary People
This week, Gillian interviews Melissa D from Loving Me, who discusses her background as a late-transitioning trans woman from the West Midlands, her career shift from accounts clerk to social worker, and work in substance misuse and mental health before transitioning in her 40s. Melissa explains Lov...





