Pop star condemns rise in anti-trans hostility, urging compassion and optimism for change

 Sophie Ellis-Bextor has condemned the rise of transphobia in the UK and abroad, saying she feels “very down” about how hostility toward the transgender community has intensified online and in public life.

Speaking in a new interview with The Independent, the ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ singer criticised people who build their identities around attacking others. “These people make trans people their whole personality and spend their entire day checking their socials and being angry, whereas trans people themselves just want to be under the radar and live their lives,” she said.

Ellis-Bextor, 46, said that while she tries to remain optimistic, the tone of public debate and social media discourse has become increasingly toxic. “There was a time when Pride felt like a celebration of all the shoulders that people were able to stand on, but now it feels like it’s an absolute political necessity,” she explained. “I suppose you have to be optimistic that things will get better again, but I do get very down about it.”

The pop star, who has long used her platform to amplify marginalised voices, said she aims to focus her energy on supporting those fighting for equality. On her podcast Spinning Plates, Ellis-Bextor has featured trans mothers, charity leaders, and activists who she says embody grace and resilience. “The women I have on are so eloquent and articulate, and I know they don’t always want to have to be the voice of reason, but they will take that on and be that beacon. It’s the least I can do,” she said.

Ellis-Bextor also described how she copes personally with the deluge of online negativity. “My way of dealing with it is by turning down the volume on people with homophobic and transphobic views, and amplifying the voices of others,” she said. “You can’t let the noise drown out kindness or progress.”

The singer added that even within her personal life, she has seen the effects of shifting attitudes and polarisation. “I had one of my girlfriends go on quite a weird flip, and it was really affecting me,” she revealed. “You definitely do need to assert that you feel really differently, and then just find ways to support what you believe is being on the right side of history.”

Her comments arrive amid renewed debate over transgender rights in the UK’s cultural and political spheres. Emma Watson recently spoke about her rift with J.K. Rowling, telling interviewers she “cherished” their past relationship but could not align with Rowling’s stance on gender identity. Rowling has been openly critical of transgender activism since 2019 and has faced backlash for comments widely condemned as transphobic.

In response to Watson’s remarks, Rowling reportedly described the actress as “ignorant” and shared mocking posts on social media. The author has also said she would “never forgive” Watson and her Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe for speaking publicly against her position.

Ellis-Bextor’s intervention adds to a growing number of artists and public figures calling for empathy and respect in discussions around gender. The singer has previously supported LGBTQ+ initiatives and has often highlighted the importance of inclusivity through her art and advocacy.

“I think we’ve lost some of the joy we used to have around Pride and LGBTQ+ issues,” she said in the interview. “But the only way to bring it back is through compassion, empathy, and showing up for people whose lives are made harder by others’ intolerance.”

Despite her frustration, Ellis-Bextor said she remains hopeful for the future. “I do think things will get better again,” she said. “You just have to hold on to that and keep speaking up, even when it feels disheartening.”