Valeria Rocca
@vrocca.bsky.social
Investigative journalist | @Vice @Bittercreek @BylineTimes @TBIJ @brazenFM @NovelPodcasts @BBC @WonderyMedia and more | BJA 2024 finalist
Pinned
Valeria Rocca
@vrocca.bsky.social
· Jul 23
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
I had the opportunity with @sasha98.bsky.social and @transsafety.network to speak to young trans people whose parents joined the Bayswater Support Group. Their stories show the negative impact that the kind of advice promoted by the group had on their lives
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Of course, this is not the first time @wearequeeraf.com has made government ministers aware of these allegations, as we did in this reporting by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Revealed: Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for pro-conversion therapy parents group Bayswater
QueerAF has uncovered video footage of the Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families with trans children...
www.wearequeeraf.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Of course, this is not the first time @wearequeeraf.com has made government ministers aware of these allegations, as we did in this reporting by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
[CN: descriptions of emotional and psychological abuse]
I think this behaviour would be pretty clearly recognised as abusive if it were directed at cis children and young adults. Do it to trans CYP and @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will sit down to have a chat about policy with you.
I think this behaviour would be pretty clearly recognised as abusive if it were directed at cis children and young adults. Do it to trans CYP and @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will sit down to have a chat about policy with you.
![Charlotte’s parents have become an overbearing presence in their life. “[My mum] wakes up at three or four in the morning to send me these long text messages about how terrible me being trans is,” they said.
The messages also repeatedly deadname Charlotte. “The hardest thing is when [I say] please use this name for me, and I’m being very firm about it, she tells me she's going to ring the Samaritans because she's so depressed,” they said.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cau5eglmhacxw6jpnxtbvpgz/bafkreifm2bfufxij7meujhzbuiiwzxdji6pj54vopvky5k2pm2omirb5au@jpeg)
July 22, 2025 at 1:04 PM
[CN: descriptions of emotional and psychological abuse]
I think this behaviour would be pretty clearly recognised as abusive if it were directed at cis children and young adults. Do it to trans CYP and @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will sit down to have a chat about policy with you.
I think this behaviour would be pretty clearly recognised as abusive if it were directed at cis children and young adults. Do it to trans CYP and @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will sit down to have a chat about policy with you.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Excellent reporting by @sasha98.bsky.social
and @vrocca.bsky.social here for @transsafety.network
It has a number of first-hand accounts that detail the vile behaviour of parents in the Bayswater group 👇
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
and @vrocca.bsky.social here for @transsafety.network
It has a number of first-hand accounts that detail the vile behaviour of parents in the Bayswater group 👇
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
July 25, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Excellent reporting by @sasha98.bsky.social
and @vrocca.bsky.social here for @transsafety.network
It has a number of first-hand accounts that detail the vile behaviour of parents in the Bayswater group 👇
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
and @vrocca.bsky.social here for @transsafety.network
It has a number of first-hand accounts that detail the vile behaviour of parents in the Bayswater group 👇
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
I had the opportunity with @sasha98.bsky.social and @transsafety.network to speak to young trans people whose parents joined the Bayswater Support Group. Their stories show the negative impact that the kind of advice promoted by the group had on their lives
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
July 23, 2025 at 8:06 AM
I had the opportunity with @sasha98.bsky.social and @transsafety.network to speak to young trans people whose parents joined the Bayswater Support Group. Their stories show the negative impact that the kind of advice promoted by the group had on their lives
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Devastating details of the everyday harms of anti-trans parent 'support' group Bayswater, both on LGBTQ+ children and young people themselves and the parents who become embroiled.
Important continued work from @vrocca.bsky.social & @sasha98.bsky.social for @transsafety.network
Important continued work from @vrocca.bsky.social & @sasha98.bsky.social for @transsafety.network
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
July 22, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Devastating details of the everyday harms of anti-trans parent 'support' group Bayswater, both on LGBTQ+ children and young people themselves and the parents who become embroiled.
Important continued work from @vrocca.bsky.social & @sasha98.bsky.social for @transsafety.network
Important continued work from @vrocca.bsky.social & @sasha98.bsky.social for @transsafety.network
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
The young people who @vrocca.bsky.social and @sasha98.bsky.social spoke to, detailed how their parents tactics became increasingly controlling and abusive the more time that they spent on Bayswater forums.
July 22, 2025 at 1:15 PM
The young people who @vrocca.bsky.social and @sasha98.bsky.social spoke to, detailed how their parents tactics became increasingly controlling and abusive the more time that they spent on Bayswater forums.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
July 22, 2025 at 11:24 AM
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
As the political influence of pro-conversion therapy parents continues unabated, @vrocca.bsky.social and I spoke to some of the children and young adults who have been victimised by Bayswater members. CW: child abuse.
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.
Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
July 22, 2025 at 11:57 AM
As the political influence of pro-conversion therapy parents continues unabated, @vrocca.bsky.social and I spoke to some of the children and young adults who have been victimised by Bayswater members. CW: child abuse.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
🆕 Following the exclusive @wearequeeraf.com scoop by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social - a cross party selection of LGBTQIA+ political groups have called for the health secretary's resignation 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
February 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
🆕 Following the exclusive @wearequeeraf.com scoop by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social - a cross party selection of LGBTQIA+ political groups have called for the health secretary's resignation 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
🆕 Health Secretary Wes Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for members of a parents’ group that promotes conversion therapy and has been found to engage in child abuse against trans children, QueerAF can reveal.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Revealed: Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for pro-conversion therapy parents group Bayswater
QueerAF has uncovered video footage of the Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families with trans children...
www.wearequeeraf.com
February 3, 2025 at 3:25 PM
🆕 Health Secretary Wes Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for members of a parents’ group that promotes conversion therapy and has been found to engage in child abuse against trans children, QueerAF can reveal.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
So @tbij.bsky.social with @sasha98.bsky.social & @vrocca.bsky.social exposed Bayswater support group promoting conversion therapy & abusing behaviour.
THEN Wes Streeting thought it was a good idea to meet with them & get their advice on the puberty blocker ban.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
THEN Wes Streeting thought it was a good idea to meet with them & get their advice on the puberty blocker ban.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Revealed: Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for pro-conversion therapy parents group Bayswater
QueerAF has uncovered video footage of the Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families with trans children...
www.wearequeeraf.com
February 3, 2025 at 11:28 AM
So @tbij.bsky.social with @sasha98.bsky.social & @vrocca.bsky.social exposed Bayswater support group promoting conversion therapy & abusing behaviour.
THEN Wes Streeting thought it was a good idea to meet with them & get their advice on the puberty blocker ban.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
THEN Wes Streeting thought it was a good idea to meet with them & get their advice on the puberty blocker ban.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
🚨Exclusive: QueerAF has uncovered video of Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents, and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families.
Earlier this year the group were exposed as one that abuses trans children 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Earlier this year the group were exposed as one that abuses trans children 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
February 1, 2025 at 1:33 PM
🚨Exclusive: QueerAF has uncovered video of Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents, and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families.
Earlier this year the group were exposed as one that abuses trans children 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Earlier this year the group were exposed as one that abuses trans children 👇
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
The ministerial meetings records released on Thursday (after we filed copy) show Streeting met with Bayswater again in government, less than a month after we revealed the extent of their abuse and links to Tory politicians.
February 1, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The ministerial meetings records released on Thursday (after we filed copy) show Streeting met with Bayswater again in government, less than a month after we revealed the extent of their abuse and links to Tory politicians.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
With the tireless work of queer journalists, our small but mighty non-profit LGBTQIA+ publisher is holding the highest offices in the UK to account 💪
We need your help to keep that work up 🏳️🌈
If you value stories like this, please support our Crowdfunder 👇 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/queeraf2025/
We need your help to keep that work up 🏳️🌈
If you value stories like this, please support our Crowdfunder 👇 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/queeraf2025/
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
With the tireless work of queer journalists, our small but mighty non-profit LGBTQIA+ publisher is holding the highest offices in the UK to account 💪
We need your help to keep that work up 🏳️🌈
If you value stories like this, please support our Crowdfunder 👇 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/queeraf2025/
We need your help to keep that work up 🏳️🌈
If you value stories like this, please support our Crowdfunder 👇 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/queeraf2025/
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Real trans kids demanding autonomy take a sledgehammer to this carefully constructed image. No wonder Streeting refuses to listen to them.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Revealed: Streeting met with and expressed sympathy for pro-conversion therapy parents group Bayswater
QueerAF has uncovered video footage of the Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying he’d met with Bayswater parents and expressed his sympathy for the “traumatic experiences” families with trans children...
www.wearequeeraf.com
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Real trans kids demanding autonomy take a sledgehammer to this carefully constructed image. No wonder Streeting refuses to listen to them.
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
www.wearequeeraf.com/revealed-str...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
When he professes his empathy for trans youth, he frames it around his having wrestled with his own sexuality. In doing so, Streeting reveals that he conceives of trans youth as abject, in need of sympathetic authority figures to guide them towards the right decisions.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
When he professes his empathy for trans youth, he frames it around his having wrestled with his own sexuality. In doing so, Streeting reveals that he conceives of trans youth as abject, in need of sympathetic authority figures to guide them towards the right decisions.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
14/ Our take: @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
Not giving agency to, or legitimising the opinions of, the children whose rights are at stake suits Streeting’s agenda.
Not giving agency to, or legitimising the opinions of, the children whose rights are at stake suits Streeting’s agenda.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
14/ Our take: @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
Not giving agency to, or legitimising the opinions of, the children whose rights are at stake suits Streeting’s agenda.
Not giving agency to, or legitimising the opinions of, the children whose rights are at stake suits Streeting’s agenda.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Bayswater’s access to power relies on rendering their children as political pawns. Its status as a parents’ group lends it authority, even though most members would never admit to their children that they are part of the group.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Bayswater’s access to power relies on rendering their children as political pawns. Its status as a parents’ group lends it authority, even though most members would never admit to their children that they are part of the group.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
Streeting has met with trans children, but only alongside their parents or adult campaigners. Their presence helps Streeting to maintain the belief that trans kids lack the agency and maturity to make consequential decisions.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Streeting has met with trans children, but only alongside their parents or adult campaigners. Their presence helps Streeting to maintain the belief that trans kids lack the agency and maturity to make consequential decisions.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
13/ Analysis
First, it emphasises the reluctance of UK institutions to recognise trans and young people as victims of a climate of hate that has pervaded British society.
But it is also telling that Streeting refuses to meet with one of the only groups of trans kids organising on their own.
First, it emphasises the reluctance of UK institutions to recognise trans and young people as victims of a climate of hate that has pervaded British society.
But it is also telling that Streeting refuses to meet with one of the only groups of trans kids organising on their own.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
13/ Analysis
First, it emphasises the reluctance of UK institutions to recognise trans and young people as victims of a climate of hate that has pervaded British society.
But it is also telling that Streeting refuses to meet with one of the only groups of trans kids organising on their own.
First, it emphasises the reluctance of UK institutions to recognise trans and young people as victims of a climate of hate that has pervaded British society.
But it is also telling that Streeting refuses to meet with one of the only groups of trans kids organising on their own.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
12/ Analysis by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
Bayswater being invited to participate in the puberty blocker ban consultation so shortly after the extent of their abuse towards trans children was exposed in the press reveals two things:
Bayswater being invited to participate in the puberty blocker ban consultation so shortly after the extent of their abuse towards trans children was exposed in the press reveals two things:
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
12/ Analysis by @sasha98.bsky.social and @vrocca.bsky.social
Bayswater being invited to participate in the puberty blocker ban consultation so shortly after the extent of their abuse towards trans children was exposed in the press reveals two things:
Bayswater being invited to participate in the puberty blocker ban consultation so shortly after the extent of their abuse towards trans children was exposed in the press reveals two things:
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
11/ Community Reaction:
A spokesperson for Trans Kids Deserve Better, told QueerAF they were “absolutely appalled” by Streeting's actions.
They were not invited to participate in consultation despite being one of the only organised groups made up of people directly impacted by the ban.
A spokesperson for Trans Kids Deserve Better, told QueerAF they were “absolutely appalled” by Streeting's actions.
They were not invited to participate in consultation despite being one of the only organised groups made up of people directly impacted by the ban.
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
11/ Community Reaction:
A spokesperson for Trans Kids Deserve Better, told QueerAF they were “absolutely appalled” by Streeting's actions.
They were not invited to participate in consultation despite being one of the only organised groups made up of people directly impacted by the ban.
A spokesperson for Trans Kids Deserve Better, told QueerAF they were “absolutely appalled” by Streeting's actions.
They were not invited to participate in consultation despite being one of the only organised groups made up of people directly impacted by the ban.
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
10/ A DHSC spokesperson:
Declined to respond to any of our questions about Streeting or the department's relationship with Bayswater Support Group, but insisted the government's approach to trans healthcare was "putting young people's safety first".
Declined to respond to any of our questions about Streeting or the department's relationship with Bayswater Support Group, but insisted the government's approach to trans healthcare was "putting young people's safety first".
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
10/ A DHSC spokesperson:
Declined to respond to any of our questions about Streeting or the department's relationship with Bayswater Support Group, but insisted the government's approach to trans healthcare was "putting young people's safety first".
Declined to respond to any of our questions about Streeting or the department's relationship with Bayswater Support Group, but insisted the government's approach to trans healthcare was "putting young people's safety first".
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
9/ Wes Streeting banned Puberty Blockers
Eight explicitly anti-transgender groups were featured in the consultation, and despite 59% of groups opposing making the order permanent - Streeting sided with the 27% who supported it.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Eight explicitly anti-transgender groups were featured in the consultation, and despite 59% of groups opposing making the order permanent - Streeting sided with the 27% who supported it.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Puberty Blocker ban consultation featured eight explicitly anti-trans groups
Analysis of the targeted consultation about the ban shows anti-trans groups were heavily featured.
www.wearequeeraf.com
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
9/ Wes Streeting banned Puberty Blockers
Eight explicitly anti-transgender groups were featured in the consultation, and despite 59% of groups opposing making the order permanent - Streeting sided with the 27% who supported it.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Eight explicitly anti-transgender groups were featured in the consultation, and despite 59% of groups opposing making the order permanent - Streeting sided with the 27% who supported it.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Reposted by Valeria Rocca
8/ The group took part in the Puberty Blocker consultation
Just a month after the TBIJ investigation, Bayswater was invited to take part in a consultation on an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans kids by the Department for Health and Social Care.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Just a month after the TBIJ investigation, Bayswater was invited to take part in a consultation on an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans kids by the Department for Health and Social Care.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Puberty Blocker ban consultation featured eight explicitly anti-trans groups
Analysis of the targeted consultation about the ban shows anti-trans groups were heavily featured.
www.wearequeeraf.com
February 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
8/ The group took part in the Puberty Blocker consultation
Just a month after the TBIJ investigation, Bayswater was invited to take part in a consultation on an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans kids by the Department for Health and Social Care.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...
Just a month after the TBIJ investigation, Bayswater was invited to take part in a consultation on an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans kids by the Department for Health and Social Care.
www.wearequeeraf.com/puberty-bloc...