Charlie Craggs: activist, author and comedy clapback queen | Proudly in Conversation (full)

In this episode of Proudly in Conversation, we're joined by activist, author, broadcaster and comedy "clapback queen" Charlie Craggs. Charlie reflects on the intense media focus on trans people in the UK and how trans lives are often reduced to headlines, debates and culture war talking points. Drawing on research from organisations including Amnesty International UK, she discusses the impact of relentless media scrutiny and why trans people deserve to be seen not as a topic for debate, but simply as people. She also speaks candidly about how her approach to allyship has evolved. While much of her early work focused on helping others understand trans experiences, her priorities have shifted towards supporting her own community, "I'm here to help those that are struggling, not those that are struggling to understand." The conversation also explores Charlie's groundbreaking Nail Transphobia campaign, which offered free manicures as a way to start conversations about trans experiences. Travelling across the UK with a pop-up nail salon, Charlie created spaces for genuine human connection in venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and Somerset House. What began as a simple idea grew into a powerful movement, demonstrating how small interactions can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. As Charlie explains, there is something uniquely powerful about the humanity of holding someone's hand. Charlie talks about her experience with hate crime, if this is something that has affected you, there is support out there. Please visit our website to find organisations that can offer guidance and advice: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resource... You can also find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and changing the law to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence. ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-invo... ✨ In this episode: The scale of anti-trans influence in UK media How visibility is important to help to draw on ones strength Protecting your peace in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion The emotional toll of being constantly exposed to stories of anti-trans discrimination and trauma The story behind the Nail Transphobia campaign Building understanding through everyday human connection 🎧 Mentions & links: Transitioning Teen – BBC documentary (no longer available) To My Trans Sisters - Book by Charlie Craggs Doctor Who: Redacted – Podcast starring Charlie Craggs Aleshia Brevard – One of the first ever people to have gender reassignment surgery Charlie’s Angels – Self defence classes run by trans people for trans people On My Cream Sofa – Podcast by Charlie Craggs The Transgender Issue – Book by Shon Faye Disclosure – Netflix Documentary 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and Amazon We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: [email protected] ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories. Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.