Upcoming Events

Caught Between the Binary: Exploring four preliminary themes in online detransition discourse 

Kirsty Rackliff, is a PhD student in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham, funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. Her PhD project explores representations of detransition across different digital platforms and publications, specifically X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Her research aims to not only identify the prevailing themes and narratives of detransition on social media, but to situate these in a broader socio-political context.  

March 26th 2026 4-5pm (UK time) 

Registration link: https://forms.gle/qSMg82yNfwKasmyV6 

Abstract

While social media platforms have been foundational sites for the development of detransition discourse, studies examining their role have remained relatively limited. Using data from an analysis of Twitter/X and TikTok posts, this presentation will outline the methods used and the four key themes currently in development. This will lead into a more theoretical discussion of victimology, and how detransitioned people were assumed by some users to be both culpable for their victimisation, and (by extension) undeserving of legitimate victim status.

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in English schools: A tale of how government commissioned, funded and then would not publish research on LGBT inclusion 

Eleanor Formby (she/her) is Professor of Sociology and Youth Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. She has 25 years’ experience in (predominantly qualitative) social research and evaluation, and for nearly 20 years her work has focussed on the life experiences of LGBT+ people (e.g. regarding bullying, community, higher education, schooling, sex and relationships education, sexual health, youth services). Eleanor has written numerous articles in these areas and is the author of Exploring LGBT spaces and communities: Contrasting identities, belongings and wellbeing (2019) and Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and LGBT inclusion in English schools (2025).

April 30th 2026 4-5pm (UK time) 

Registration link: https://forms.gle/GLuQc9MtPMvG9E2i9 

Abstract

2016-2019 saw the largest known study on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying and LGBT inclusion in English schools. The research (Formby et al 2025) took place in over 850 primary and secondary schools, involving survey responses from more than 61,000 pupils and staff, in-school observations, and qualitative data collection (individual interviews and group discussions) with 172 pupils and staff. The research explored HBT bullying prevention; HBT bullying experiences and responses; LGBT inclusion in schools (including within the curriculum and wider environment); challenges and barriers to schools becoming more LGBT-inclusive spaces; the enablers and impacts of LGBT inclusion.

The research was intended to feed into positive developments for the education and wellbeing of LGBT+ pupils and staff in schools, and for organisations working with/in schools. However, the so-called gender ‘culture wars’, and anti-trans politics specifically, significantly limited this potential. In this seminar I will outline some of the research findings, and examine the subsequent years spent trying to push the government to publish what they had themselves commissioned and funded. In doing so, I trace the apparent policy shift from inclusion to suppression, the associated (lack of) transformation in schools, and point to implications for future work in this field.