Trans Woman Steps Down from Endometriosis Charity Amid Political Controversy
Steph Richards has resigned from her role at Endometriosis South Coast following public criticism from Reform MP Suella Braverman, who called the appointment inappropriate.
Trans Woman Exits Endometriosis Charity Role Following High-Profile Criticism
Steph Richards, a transgender woman who served as both chief executive and parliamentary adviser to Endometriosis South Coast — a women's health charity based in Portsmouth, Hampshire — has officially stepped down from her position.
The 73-year-old announced her departure via a post on X, stating that leaving the organisation was "in the best interests of myself, the charity and the vital work it does." She offered no further explanation regarding the specific circumstances behind her decision.
Braverman's Criticism Sparked National Debate
The resignation follows sustained public pressure, most notably from Suella Braverman, the Reform UK Member of Parliament representing Fareham and Waterlooville and a former Home Secretary. In a formal letter addressed to the charity in March, Braverman described Richards' appointment as "insulting and inappropriate" to women living with endometriosis.
In her letter, Braverman wrote: "It is remarkable that a charity established to advocate for women's health would appoint a man, without female anatomy or experience of this disease, to speak for those whose suffering is defined by their sex. This regressive decision erases women from their own health issues, replaces lived female experience with male self-identification and silences the very people your organisation claims to represent."
The remarks ignited a broader national conversation about gender identity, representation, and the boundaries of advocacy within women's health organisations.
Richards Defended Her Role as a Health Advocate
Back in 2023, when criticism of her appointment first surfaced, Richards pushed back firmly against detractors. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she characterised the backlash as "transphobic" and described herself as a "passionate" campaigner for women's health causes.
"I was brought in to raise the awareness of endometriosis full stop and also to raise the profile of Endometriosis South Coast," she explained at the time. "It's pretty amazing that in five days I've achieved that and the vehicle that's done that is transphobia."
The charity's founder, Jodie Hughes, also defended the appointment during the same programme, drawing a parallel to leadership roles in other health organisations. "The CEO of Prostate Cancer UK is a female — they can't get prostate cancer," she noted.
Richards Moves Toward New Opportunities
Alongside her departure from the endometriosis charity, Richards revealed she had also recently resigned as CEO of TransLucent, a transgender community interest company. She indicated that her focus would now shift toward working more closely with Women's Action Network Portsmouth, describing the move as part of broader changes in her personal and professional life.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition in which tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops in other areas of the body, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can affect women of any age and is associated with significant pain and potential fertility complications, according to the NHS.
