A trans woman whose appointment as a parliamentary representative for an endometriosis charity sparked criticism has resigned from her role ‘in the best interests’ of the cause.
Last month, it emerged that Steph Richards, 73, had previously been appointed as the parliamentary engagement officer for Endometriosis South Coast.
The human rights activist, who also founded advocacy group TransLucent, which campaigns on behalf of trans and gender diverse communities, took to social media last night to confirm she was stepping back from the role.
It comes after gender critics hit out at her appointment, branding it ‘absolutely ridiculous’.
Ms Richards was previously appointed as CEO of Endometriosis South Coast in 2023, but also resigned from that role following another backlash from campaigners – although she remained involved with the charity.
In a statement on Wednesday she said: ‘I would like to confirm that I have recently stepped down from my role as Parliamentary Advisor to Endometriosis South Coast.
‘It was not a decision taken lightly, but one I believe is in the best interests of myself, the charity, and the vital work it does in supporting those living with endometriosis.
‘I wish the organisation and everyone it serves well.’
A spokesperson for the charity said: ‘Endometriosis South Coast can confirm that Steph Richards has stepped down from her voluntary role as Parliamentary Advisor to the charity.
‘We wish her well and thank her for her contribution to our work.’
In the role, Ms Richards was responsible for representing the charity to MPs.
At the time her appointment was announced, critics said it was ‘fundamentally wrong’, even if Ms Richards had the best of intentions of helping advocate for other women.
Amanda Craig, author of novels such as The Lie of the Land and The Golden Rule, told The Times: ‘It’s as ridiculous as someone purporting to speak for black people when they’re white.
‘It’s fundamentally discordant and wrong. Even if it comes from a good place and wanting to help women.’
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body, causing chronic pain, heavy bleeding and, in many cases, infertility.
It affects women, as well as trans and non-binary people assigned female at birth, and intersex people.
The charity said that Ms Richards was ‘a volunteer in a parliamentary engagement capacity’ and was appointed on the basis of her talents.
They added: ‘The ability to advocate meaningfully for a condition does not require personally having that condition; this standard is applied consistently across healthcare, policy, and the voluntary sector, and we apply it here, too.’
Ms Richards has also recently resigned her role as head of TransLucent, and is currently crowdfunding for a legal challenge to the Labour Party’s decision that trans women would not be able to take part in its annual National Women’s Conference in September.
TransLucent cited the legal battle as the reason behind her resignation.
Labour pointed to last year’s Supreme Court ruling as the reason for the change, and said that trans women would still be able to attend fringe events at the conference.
Ms Richards, who has undergone surgery as part of her transition and has a Gender Recognition Certificate, was last year put up as candidate for the role of Women’s Officer for Labour.
She served as Women’s Officer at Portsmouth Constituency Labour Party between 2021 and 2024.
In a second statement last night, Ms Richards said she now plans ‘to work more closely’ with Women’s Action Network Portsmouth, an organisation supporting women in the city.
She added this will involve advocating on behalf of WASPI Women.
Ms Richards said: ‘We actively champion meaningful inclusion for every woman, regardless of age, class, disability, neurodiversity, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity.
‘Our solidarity is grounded in shared struggles and a collective commitment to dismantling patriarchy.
‘We stand firmly against divisive culture wars and attacks on minorities, rejecting polarisation, hate, and exclusion in favour of unity, inclusion, justice, equity, and compassion for all members of our diverse communities.
‘Our latest campaigns include raising further awareness in relation to the injustice for WASPI Women and highlighting the unfairness of the student debt system inflicted on women in comparison to men.’
After previously being appointed as CEO of Endometriosis South Coast, Ms Richards told critics: ‘My birth sex doesn’t come into it – my CV does.’
She resigned six months after her appointment in May 2024.
