{"id":438,"date":"2021-02-18T08:50:11","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T08:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/kaleidoscope\/?p=438"},"modified":"2021-02-17T21:34:04","modified_gmt":"2021-02-17T21:34:04","slug":"lgbt-history-month-18-28-paris-lees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/kaleidoscope\/2021\/02\/18\/lgbt-history-month-18-28-paris-lees\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBT+ History Month 18\/28: Paris Lees"},"content":{"rendered":"

[DISCLAIMER]<\/strong> This post touches on sensitive topics including self-harm and suicide and you should not proceed should these subjects cause distress.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s edition of the Queeroes series we are looking at a pioneering trans icon.\u00a0 Her work on furthering trans rights has made significant waves in changing attitude and making the world a safer, more accepting place for LGBTQ+ people.\u00a0 Her impact has seen her become a high-profile name for transgender topics on TV, radio, and in magazines and newspapers, and is making her voice heard through some of the biggest mediums out there.\u00a0 Journalist, presenter, model, and LGBTQ+ activist and campaigner, it\u2019s the ineffable Paris Lees.<\/p>\n

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Paris Lees was born in the former mining town of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire in 1988.\u00a0 Growing up as male, Lees identified as gay and was effeminate by nature, which lead to her being subjected to abuse and ridicule.\u00a0 In her teens, she was involved in a robbery which later saw her undergo an 8-month prison sentence, during which she re-evaluated her life and decided to change her destiny.\u00a0 She would begin to identify as female and envisioned how she wanted her life to be once she got out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI'm this silly teenage boy in a prison cell who has made a huge mistake and I want to be this happy person\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Following an early release, Lees went back to college to obtain her A-levels and later moved to Brighton for University where she graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature in 2009.<\/p>\n

Though not yet transitioned, Lees began wearing feminine clothing and it was during these years that the abuse continued; she would even become housebound due to her anxiety for her own wellbeing.\u00a0 She was later referred to the Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic for her gender transition journey.<\/p>\n

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Since graduating from university, Lees\u2019 extensive experience in journalism extends many publications and services.<\/p>\n

In 2012, she created META, the first magazine for trans people in the UK.\u00a0 She later began working freelance and has contributed as assistant editor for Gay Times and written for numerous prints including The Guardian<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Vice.\u00a0 She has also been interviewed on numerous occasions by DIVA magazine, the Huffington Post and makes regular appearances on ITV.\u00a0 She is also the fist openly trans woman to present shows on Channel 4 news.<\/p>\n

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In 2013, Lees became the first trans woman to present on BBC Radio 1 and produced The Hate Debate series which talked to people about homophobia, transphobia and racism.\u00a0 During the show she would even ask her guests which prejudices they held, opening the debate for education and healing \u2013 something today\u2019s cancel culture could take a lesson from.<\/p>\n

Using her journalism skills and the platforms she has built; Lees continually advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and seeks greater equality for trans people.<\/p>\n

In 2013, she was the first openly trans women to appear on BBC Question Time where they discussed environmental issues, economics, criminal rehabilitation services and media regulation.<\/p>\n