Glamour Magazine Faces Backlash After Naming Nine Biological Men as ‘Women of the Year’
Glamour magazine has stirred controversy after naming nine trans activists as part of its 2025 Women of the Year Awards. The UK publication celebrated Munroe Bergdorf, Maxine Heron, Taira, Munya, Bel Priestly, Dani St James, Ceval Omar, Mya Mehmi, and Shon Faye on its latest cover. The feature honors their influence and the viral Protect the Dolls T-shirt campaign amid heated political debates over trans rights in the UK.
The magazine said the recognition is particularly significant in light of anti-trans legislation, court rulings, and ongoing discussions around single-s** spaces.
Bergdorf, a model and author, spoke to Glamour about the importance of the campaign: “I think that it is time that we have the conversation about protecting the transgender community, especially trans women who are being so heavily targeted.”
Maxine Heron, communications officer at Not A Phase, reflected on the challenges faced by trans people in today’s political climate. “I’ve had such an increase in hate online as well, in a way that I haven’t really navigated before,” she told the magazine. “It’s made me question whether coming out as trans was the right thing to do.”
The magazine’s decision has prompted strong reactions online. Piers Morgan criticized the feature on X, writing: “Nine biological men being declared ‘Women of the Year’ by Glamour magazine is beyond parody even by ludicrous woke virtue-signalling standards… and, I suspect, the beginning of the end for Glamour magazine.”
Other readers expressed frustration with the publication. One wrote: “Glamour is likely on the way out. See, who’s the audience here? Not women any more. So who? Guys who do stuff to make themselves seem like women? How big a market is that?”
Another added: “If you ever needed a reason to never buy another Glamour magazine, this is it. Page after page of woke nonsense. A yukky experience.”
Critics also mocked the magazine’s tone. One comment read: “Calling them ‘dolls’ is perfect! All plastic, no depth, and no authenticity. Was this supposed to be a compliment?” Another remarked: “At first glance I thought it says ‘Protect The Balls.’ They’re speed-running the extinction of common sense.”
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between celebrating trans visibility and discussions over the meaning of women’s recognition.
This situation shows just how divided opinions are on the topic. What do you think about Glamour’s choices? Share your thoughts in the comments.