Jess O'Thomson
@jessothomson.co.uk
Legal researcher, writer, journalist | Trans Rights Lead @ Good Law Project | Head of Policy @ Trans+ Solidarity Alliance | PhD student @ Leeds
Words inc: Indy; Metro; openDemocracy; Prospect
Views my own.
hello@jessothomson.co.uk
They/them
Words inc: Indy; Metro; openDemocracy; Prospect
Views my own.
hello@jessothomson.co.uk
They/them
Pinned
Jess O'Thomson
@jessothomson.co.uk
· Jul 3
📢Oscar Davies @nonbinarybarrister.bsky.social co-authors significant commentary for Discrimination Law Association on Convention rights incompatibility of Supreme Court For Women Scotland Judgment
🔽Read on here:
tinyurl.com/3zwzuwu3
🔽Read on here:
tinyurl.com/3zwzuwu3
You can read an article about For Women Scotland and human rights by me and Oscar Davies here ⬇️
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I have already had several lawyers (former and present) reach out to thank me for my bravery in writing this piece. It's astonishing that stating such an obvious truth (that the judiciary cannot avoid the prejudices of the society it operates within) requires courage at all.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
Have taken this down. I was thinking only of the UK where he'd lose. No one in full possession of their senses makes predictions about what a US court might do.
November 11, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Have taken this down. I was thinking only of the UK where he'd lose. No one in full possession of their senses makes predictions about what a US court might do.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
“Anyone who thinks this is about a 12-second clip on a Panorama more than a year ago that not a single viewer complained about is not reading the proper story,” said one. “What’s going on here is much more about macro politics.”
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
‘Make no mistake – this was a coup’: the extraordinary downfall of the BBC’s top bosses
The whirlwind that started when Deborah Turness came under attack at a board meeting is part of a wider political story, some say
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:45 AM
“Anyone who thinks this is about a 12-second clip on a Panorama more than a year ago that not a single viewer complained about is not reading the proper story,” said one. “What’s going on here is much more about macro politics.”
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
I reject the attempts to blame individual or specific judges for these issues. The 'enemies of the people' narrative is appalling. But if we are to restore public faith in the judiciary, especially among marginalised groups, we must address the structural prejudices within our institutions.
November 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
I reject the attempts to blame individual or specific judges for these issues. The 'enemies of the people' narrative is appalling. But if we are to restore public faith in the judiciary, especially among marginalised groups, we must address the structural prejudices within our institutions.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
"The composition of the judiciary makes it even more dangerous when certain voices are denied a hearing." goodlaw.social/wpfz
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlaw.social
November 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
"The composition of the judiciary makes it even more dangerous when certain voices are denied a hearing." goodlaw.social/wpfz
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
I believe in the ability of the law to do good. I believe in the rule of law, and in human rights. I wouldn't be a lawyer if I didn't. But I also know that the judiciary does not operate separately to the society it sits within, and cannot help but replicate that society's prejudices.
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I believe in the ability of the law to do good. I believe in the rule of law, and in human rights. I wouldn't be a lawyer if I didn't. But I also know that the judiciary does not operate separately to the society it sits within, and cannot help but replicate that society's prejudices.
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
It’s no surprise that only 31% of trans people trust a legal system built to enforce prejudice, says Jess O’Thomson.
goodlawproject.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
"As someone working in law, it’s heresy to say this, and it might even kill my chances of a career... But as a trans person, and someone fighting for the rights of my community, I refuse to remain silent. To me it just seems obvious: a heavily prejudiced society produces prejudiced institutions."
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
November 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
If disabled women are women, why don't we just say 'women'?
World's worst gotcha from Trevor Phillips: "If trans women are women why don't we just say 'women'... who needs 'pregnant people?'" 🤔
Great to see @zackpolanski.bsky.social on @skynewsrss.bsky.social this morning standing up for trans people.
It’s clear that Trevor Phillips was trying to trap Zack by not giving him all the facts! Martine Croxall not only eye rolled, she changed a direct quote - unethical for a journalist!
It’s clear that Trevor Phillips was trying to trap Zack by not giving him all the facts! Martine Croxall not only eye rolled, she changed a direct quote - unethical for a journalist!
November 9, 2025 at 11:32 AM
If disabled women are women, why don't we just say 'women'?
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The CJEU will soon be ruling on whether this Danish housing policy is directly racially discriminatory (the Advocate-General's opinion says it is: curia.europa.eu/juris/docume...).
The UK's Home Secretary wishes to base family reunion for refugees on such a policy.
The UK's Home Secretary wishes to base family reunion for refugees on such a policy.
November 8, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The CJEU will soon be ruling on whether this Danish housing policy is directly racially discriminatory (the Advocate-General's opinion says it is: curia.europa.eu/juris/docume...).
The UK's Home Secretary wishes to base family reunion for refugees on such a policy.
The UK's Home Secretary wishes to base family reunion for refugees on such a policy.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The planet is dying. I know the fight against fascism feels so acute, but there will be nothing left to fight for if we don't bring these longer term challenges. Please - will you support our climate litigation?
We’re working with @glanlaw.bsky.social and our claimants SOS UK, @tippingpointuk.bsky.social and Save Hemsby Coastline to challenge the UK government.
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Make Keir Starmer step up on climate
The government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action
goodlaw.social
November 8, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The planet is dying. I know the fight against fascism feels so acute, but there will be nothing left to fight for if we don't bring these longer term challenges. Please - will you support our climate litigation?
The planet is dying. I know the fight against fascism feels so acute, but there will be nothing left to fight for if we don't bring these longer term challenges. Please - will you support our climate litigation?
We’re working with @glanlaw.bsky.social and our claimants SOS UK, @tippingpointuk.bsky.social and Save Hemsby Coastline to challenge the UK government.
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Make Keir Starmer step up on climate
The government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action
goodlaw.social
November 8, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The planet is dying. I know the fight against fascism feels so acute, but there will be nothing left to fight for if we don't bring these longer term challenges. Please - will you support our climate litigation?
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
We’re working with @glanlaw.bsky.social and our claimants SOS UK, @tippingpointuk.bsky.social and Save Hemsby Coastline to challenge the UK government.
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Make Keir Starmer step up on climate
The government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action
goodlaw.social
November 8, 2025 at 8:56 AM
We’re working with @glanlaw.bsky.social and our claimants SOS UK, @tippingpointuk.bsky.social and Save Hemsby Coastline to challenge the UK government.
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Starmer’s climate framework is so full of holes that it breaches our right to family life. Support our challenge here:
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
BREAKING: The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to enforce its anti-trans and anti-nonbinary passport policy during litigation.
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
![SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
No. 25A319
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES, ET AL. v. ASHTON ORR, ET AL.
ON APPLICATION FOR STAY
[November 6, 2025]
This case concerns an Executive Branch policy requiring
all new passports to display an individual’s biological sex at
birth. The United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts preliminarily enjoined the Government
from enforcing the policy, and the First Circuit declined to
stay the injunction pending appeal. The Government then
filed this stay application. Applying our familiar stay fac-
tors at this preliminary stage, we grant the application.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreievxyvqikl7wmrg5jkqhsrta5l5xfq272x7caunvxka7vtuzp7hoa@jpeg)
November 6, 2025 at 8:17 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to enforce its anti-trans and anti-nonbinary passport policy during litigation.
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The Government needs to get serious about climate change. And it hasn't so we're suing. But this is the longest and most expensive legal letter Good Law Project has ever sent - and it involves a huge team of specialist lawyers. And we really could use your help. goodlaw.social/4cqi
Make Keir Starmer step up on climate
The government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action
goodlaw.social
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Government needs to get serious about climate change. And it hasn't so we're suing. But this is the longest and most expensive legal letter Good Law Project has ever sent - and it involves a huge team of specialist lawyers. And we really could use your help. goodlaw.social/4cqi
In this piece, admitting the BBC has broken its impartiality rules re. trans people, the BBC further breaks its impartiality rules by changing a quote saying "trans identity" to "trans ideology".
Martine Croxall broke rules over 'pregnant people' facial expression, BBC says
The BBC newsreader was reading out a news bulletin about research on groups most at risk in UK heatwaves.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 4:18 PM
In this piece, admitting the BBC has broken its impartiality rules re. trans people, the BBC further breaks its impartiality rules by changing a quote saying "trans identity" to "trans ideology".
Hmmmm
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Hmmmm
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
🌏 NEW: The UK government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action with Global Legal Action Network.
Help fund the fight 👇
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Help fund the fight 👇
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
November 6, 2025 at 1:44 PM
🌏 NEW: The UK government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action with Global Legal Action Network.
Help fund the fight 👇
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Help fund the fight 👇
https://goodlaw.social/h5ik
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
We can't meet our climate change targets by exporting emissions. That's why we've taken the first formal step in legal proceedings against the Government. goodlaw.social/s87x
We’re challenging Starmer on climate failure
As Keir Starmer heads for Brazil, his government is failing to meet the challenge of global heating – so we’re taking legal action.
goodlaw.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:31 PM
We can't meet our climate change targets by exporting emissions. That's why we've taken the first formal step in legal proceedings against the Government. goodlaw.social/s87x
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
“Why should trans people build their lives in a country which continues to demonstrate its hostility? Unless the government takes urgent action, the threat won’t just be to trans people’s human rights, but also to our economy as we make life harder for business, and drive talent away.”
✈️ NEW ✈️
A large proportion of UK trans people are looking to emigrate within the next 10 years, with almost 40% of younger people considering a move abroad, according to a new YouGov poll:
https://goodlaw.social/t2h8
A large proportion of UK trans people are looking to emigrate within the next 10 years, with almost 40% of younger people considering a move abroad, according to a new YouGov poll:
https://goodlaw.social/t2h8
Over a quarter of trans people likely to leave the UK
YouGov poll reveals a large proportion of UK trans people are looking to emigrate within the next 10 years, with almost 40% of younger people considering a move abroad.
goodlaw.social
November 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
“Why should trans people build their lives in a country which continues to demonstrate its hostility? Unless the government takes urgent action, the threat won’t just be to trans people’s human rights, but also to our economy as we make life harder for business, and drive talent away.”
Appalling other people in my life with how young I am by knowing Gen Z/Alpha slang.
Sorry bro, I just have that W rizz fr. Peak aura. Full glaze. No cap - you are at best mid. But more like fully cooked. Skibidi L.
Sorry bro, I just have that W rizz fr. Peak aura. Full glaze. No cap - you are at best mid. But more like fully cooked. Skibidi L.
November 6, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Appalling other people in my life with how young I am by knowing Gen Z/Alpha slang.
Sorry bro, I just have that W rizz fr. Peak aura. Full glaze. No cap - you are at best mid. But more like fully cooked. Skibidi L.
Sorry bro, I just have that W rizz fr. Peak aura. Full glaze. No cap - you are at best mid. But more like fully cooked. Skibidi L.
This is a government minister. Baffling.
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
This is a government minister. Baffling.
Reposted by Jess O'Thomson
The government will say no, of course not.
Chances that one day soon, a police officer uses this new power, if it becomes law, outside Downing Street? High to extremely likely.
Chances that one day soon, a police officer uses this new power, if it becomes law, outside Downing Street? High to extremely likely.
November 5, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The government will say no, of course not.
Chances that one day soon, a police officer uses this new power, if it becomes law, outside Downing Street? High to extremely likely.
Chances that one day soon, a police officer uses this new power, if it becomes law, outside Downing Street? High to extremely likely.