Debbie Hayton

Debbie Hayton
Debbie Hayton in 2021
Born1968 (age 55–56)
NationalityBritish
OccupationTeacher
Years active2016–present
Known forOpposition to gender self-identification for transgender people
Websitedebbiehayton.com

Debbie Hayton (born 1968) is a British secondary school science teacher and political activist.

Activism

Since 2016, she has been a vocal opponent of gender self-identification, and supports laws which aim to define women-only spaces as being based on sex rather than gender identity.[1] She has spoken at meetings for Woman's Place UK, a "gender-critical" group.[2]

At a July 2019 event hosted by Fair Play For Women, Hayton wore a T-shirt which (mimicking a slogan by Stonewall) stated that "Trans women are men. Get over it."[3][4] She was criticised and threatened with expulsion from the LGBT+ committee of the Trades Union Congress for her actions.[3] Hayton had sat on the committee for five years.[5]

In 2020, the National Education Union's Trans and non-binary network criticised Hayton's appointment by the union for a role on the TUC's LGBT+ Committee.[6]

Hayton's inclusion in Church of England resource materials caused controversy at General Synod in 2021.[7] Jayne Ozanne criticised the inclusion, describing Hayton as someone "outspoken in her denial of the very existence of trans people".[8] Synod member Ian Paul supported Hayton, asking Bishop Sarah Mullally about actions being taken to protect Hayton "from intimidation and from attempts to silence her".[9] Hayton is also often criticized by other gender critical feminists such as Julia Long on account of Hayton's transsexual identity.[10]

Personal life

Hayton is a transsexual woman, who underwent gender transition in 2012 and gender reassignment surgery in 2016. She is married with three children.[1][11]

References

  1. ^ a b "One Transwoman Speaks Out on the Dangers of Trans Extremism". National Review. 25 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Why some women don't back 'self-identifying'". BBC News. 20 October 2018.
  3. ^ a b Hellen, Nicholas (22 December 2019). "Trans woman Debbie Hayton faces ban for transphobia". The Sunday Times.
  4. ^ Maurice, Emma Powys (23 December 2019). "Transgender woman accused of hate speech after wearing t-shirt proclaiming 'trans women are men'". PinkNews.
  5. ^ Lyons, Izzy (22 December 2019). "Transgender woman accused of 'hate speech' after wearing t-shirt stating she is still biologically male". The Telegraph. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  6. ^ Andersson, Jasmine (19 June 2020). "Trans teachers accuse union of 'transphobia' after quiet election of controversial activist". inews.co.uk.
  7. ^ Report of Proceedings 2021 General Synod (PDF). Church of England. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  8. ^ Thornton, Ed (16 July 2021). "General Synod digest: challenges during questions". Church Times. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  9. ^ Mann, Julian (11 July 2021). "Anglicans must support each other even if they have different views - Bishop of London". Christian Today. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  10. ^ Long, Julia (12 May 2020). "A Meaningful Transition?". Uncommon Ground Media. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  11. ^ Stanford, Peter (16 October 2021). "The trans women who support women's rights". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 October 2021.