A trans-identified male volunteer chosen to represent an endometriosis charity in UK Parliament has stepped down from the role following criticism surrounding the decision. Steph Richards, 73, confirmed the resignation from the post with Endometriosis South Coast, saying the move was made “in the best interests” of those involved, reports the Daily Mail.
Richards had been named parliamentary engagement officer for the charity last month. The role involved liaising with MPs and advocating on behalf of individuals affected by endometriosis. In a statement, Richards 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 Endometriosis South Coast confirmed the resignation, stating: “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.” The appointment had drawn blowback from those questioning whehter Richards should represent a condition that primarily affects biological women. Author Amanda Craig said: “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.” The charity had defended the decision at the time, stating Richards was selected based on experience and ability to advocate. “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,” the organization said.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, often causing chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. Riarchards previouqsly served as chief executive of the charity after being appointed in 2023, but also stepped down from that role months, again from criticism.
Richards had been named parliamentary engagement officer for the charity last month. The role involved liaising with MPs and advocating on behalf of individuals affected by endometriosis. In a statement, Richards 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 Endometriosis South Coast confirmed the resignation, stating: “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.” The appointment had drawn blowback from those questioning whehter Richards should represent a condition that primarily affects biological women. Author Amanda Craig said: “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.” The charity had defended the decision at the time, stating Richards was selected based on experience and ability to advocate. “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,” the organization said.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, often causing chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. Riarchards previouqsly served as chief executive of the charity after being appointed in 2023, but also stepped down from that role months, again from criticism.
