Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir

Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir | Metro columnist

Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir is a Metro columnists, author, feminist and trans advocate.

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The UK is becoming even more unsafe for trans people like me

Lifestyle January 24, 2022

jk rowling

J.K. Rowling says she loves trans people - the feeling isn't mutual

News June 8, 2020

illustration of woman holding baby

Raising children gender-neutral is positive, even if you don't agree with it

Lifestyle May 20, 2020

Trans man who gave birth and does not want to be named as mum A transgender man who has given birth but does not want to be described as "mother" on a birth certificate is preparing for the next round of a legal battle. Freddy McConnell, a multimedia journalist who works for The Guardian, wants to be registered as father or parent. A judge ruled against Mr McConnell after a High Court trial in London, but he has launched an appeal. Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the Family Division of the High Court and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, ruled against Mr McConnell in September. He concluded that people who had given birth were legally mothers, regardless of their gender. Three appeal judges, including the most senior judge in England and Wales, are to consider the case. Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Singh are scheduled to analyse arguments at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Wednesday. Sir Andrew heard that Mr McConnell was a single parent who was born a woman but now lives as a man following surgery. Mr McConnell had been biologically able to get pregnant, and give birth but had legally become a man when the child was born. He wanted to be registered as father or parent but a registrar told him the law required people who give birth to be registered as mothers. Mr McConnell took legal action against the General Register Office, which administers the registration of births and deaths in England and Wales. Sir Andrew concluded there was a "material difference between a person's gender and their status as a parent". "Being a 'mother', whilst hitherto always associated with being female, is the status afforded to a person who undergoes the physical and biological process of carrying a pregnancy and giving birth," he said in a ruling. "It is now medically and legally possible for an individual, whose gender is recognised in law as male, to become pregnant and give birth to their child. "Whilst that person's gender is 'male', their parental status, which derives from their biological role in giving birth, is that of 'mother'." Sir Andrew said the child could not be named in media reports. Equality campaigners were disappointed by Sir Andrew's ruling. Laura Russell, director of campaigns, policy and research at campaign organisation Stonewall, said in September: "We believe this ruling is a missed opportunity to send a positive message and recognise all parents, including LGBT parents, for who they are." She said legislation "desperately" needed updating. Lawyers say if Mr McConnell wins his fight the child will be the first person born in England or Wales not to legally have a mother.

Trans parents should be recognised for who they are, whether that's mum or dad

UK May 6, 2020

If you want to escape lockdown life, give gaming a go

Gaming April 22, 2020

Illustration of six people, including women and men standing together

How to stay connected to the LGBTI community during lockdown

Lifestyle April 8, 2020

Do your parents affect your relationship with authority figures?

Take trans kids seriously - they know what they want

Lifestyle March 11, 2020

Illustration of five people of different ethnicities on a white background

Using gender-neutral language benefits everyone, not just non-binary people

Lifestyle February 26, 2020

(Picture: Starbucks) Starbucks LGBT+ Channel 4 Diversity Award 2019 | Every name's a story (Extended Version)

For trans people choosing your name is one of the biggest steps in becoming your true self

Lifestyle February 12, 2020

Telling me I don't 'look transgender' isn't a compliment

Lifestyle January 29, 2020

Travelling as a trans person can be a humiliating ordeal

Travel January 15, 2020

In 2020, let's end the needless hostility towards trans people

Lifestyle January 1, 2020

I couldn't afford food because I bought Christmas presents out of guilt

Lifestyle December 18, 2019

Here are some ways to prevent a panic attack

Christmas is a time for family but when you're trans that can mean rejection

Lifestyle December 4, 2019

People hold up rainbow flags as they demonstrate during the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Rainbow Pride Parade in Bratislava, Slovakia on June 28, 2014. AFP PHOTO/SAMUEL KUBANI (Photo credit should read SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP/Getty Images)

When 331 trans people were murdered this year, it's hard not to feel helpless

Lifestyle November 20, 2019

Gender-neutral emoji are now available on your iPhone

The problem with calling the new androgynous emojis 'non-binary'

Lifestyle November 6, 2019

Owl sat on doorstep

Don't believe what you read about transition regret

Lifestyle October 23, 2019

Roller derby and its wonderful inclusivity sets an example for all sport

Lifestyle October 9, 2019

Cancel culture can be toxic in the trans community

Lifestyle September 25, 2019

Illustration of a woman pushing a couch in her new home

I embraced minimalism and now all my belongings fit into one suitcase

Lifestyle September 11, 2019