Sandi Toksvig, a renowned writer, comedian, and lesbian icon, has recently expressed her heartbreak over the prevailing anti-trans sentiment in media and politics. Set to host the London Gay Men’s Chorus’s show “A Winter’s Tale” at Cadogan Hall, Toksvig, in an interview with iNews, delved into her thoughts on the choir, her activism, and the current state of LGBTQ+ rights.
Toksvig, who came out in 1994, has been a vocal advocate for equality, especially for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. She expressed her dismay at those who identify as ‘radical feminists’ yet hold anti-trans views, stating that such perspectives are incomprehensible and distressing to her. Reflecting on the exclusion lesbians faced during the early feminist movement, Toksvig emphasized her understanding of the pain of exclusion and her inability to do the same to others.
In addition to her comments on trans rights, Toksvig criticized the Church of England for its refusal to offer same-sex marriages and the presence of unelected bishops in the House of Lords. She described the Church’s treatment of gay people and women as inequitable and highlighted the incongruity between the Church as a state institution and the society it represents. Her criticism extends from her experience, including a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, where she discussed the Church’s position on LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage. Toksvig remarked that the Church’s stance is “untenable” and noted that any progress towards inclusivity, if it occurs at all, would be very slow.
Toksvig’s remarks come at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly at the forefront of social and political discourse. Her stance, influenced by her experiences as an activist and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, adds a significant voice to the ongoing conversation about inclusion, equality, and the role of institutions in these matters. As she prepares to host the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Toksvig continues to use her platform to advocate for progress and equality in the LGBTQ+ community.
