Trans award received by Eddie Izzard underscores the sexism in the trans community's recognition process
In a recent development, the University of Sussex has awarded an honorary doctorate to Suzy Izzard (also known as Eddie Izzard) in July 2025. Izzard, a renowned comedian, actor, activist, and philanthropist, was recognised for her contributions to charity work, particularly her fundraising efforts for Sport Relief and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
In stark contrast, Kathleen Stock, a former philosophy professor at Sussex University, has been embroiled in controversy due to her stance on gender identity. Despite being a notable academic, there is no record of Stock receiving an honorary doctorate from Sussex University. Instead, Izzard's honourable recognition stands in stark contrast to Stock's treatment at the university.
The media's handling of the Eddie Izzard case has raised concerns, particularly among those who advocate for freedom of speech and academic freedom. Some argue that the media's failure to address the incorrect gender reference for Izzard is a reflection of a larger issue, where feelings are prioritised over facts in discussions about gender politics.
This contrast in treatment between Izzard and Stock has been compared to the mistreatment Stock faced at Sussex University. In 2021, Stock resigned after facing a storm of abuse and death threats. Some individuals even called for her death and made threatening social media posts. The Office for Students (OfS) found that Sussex University's governing documents fail to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom, and the university was fined a record £585,000 for failing to defend Stock's liberty of conscience.
Stock described her experience at Sussex University as a "medieval experience" and felt unsafe on her own campus. Meanwhile, Izzard, who grew up in Sussex and has stated that the university holds a special place in his heart, was publicly celebrated and honoured by the university with an honorary doctorate.
The media's portrayal of Izzard as a woman has been criticised as a form of disinformation. The BBC, for instance, has stated that Izzard received an honorary doctorate for 'her' charity work, while mainstream media outlets, including the Daily Mail, refer to Izzard as 'Suzy' and 'she'. The BBC has a 'disinformation correspondent', Marianna Spring, who has not addressed this issue.
The disparity in how the university has honoured public figures aligned with its values of inclusion and activism versus those involved in campus controversy has sparked debates about the prioritisation of feelings over rights, particularly women's rights. The society that elevates the feelings of men over the rights of women is considered unfair, unequal, and irrational.
As the case of Eddie Izzard and the media's handling of it continues to unfold, the larger issue of gender politics and the prioritisation of feelings over facts remains a topic of ongoing discussion and concern.
- The controversy surrounding Kathleen Stock's resignation from Sussex University due to identity politics, contrasts starkly with the university's decision to award an honorary doctorate to Suzy Izzard, a prominent figure in the field of education-and-self-development and career-development, emphasizing the university's commitment to promoting cultural inclusivity.
- Amidst this, the media's reporting of Izzard's honorary doctorate has been questioned, with some claiming that the incorrect gender reference for Izzard is emblematic of a broader problem where feelings prevent objective discussions about gender politics in general-news and sports-betting.
- The contrasting treatments of Izzard and Stock highlight the importance of academic freedom in maintaining a balanced and fair society, particularly important in discussions surrounding politics.
- The media's portrayal of Izzard as a woman, despite Izzard's personal identity, has led to allegations of disinformation, prompting calls for more transparency in reporting and an emphasis on factual accuracy in discussions about individuals' identities.
- The ongoing debate about the prioritization of feelings over rights, as shown in the Izzard and Stock cases, has drawn attention to the need for a more balanced approach to issues involving culture, gender identity, and politics, to ensure fairness and equality for all individuals in society.
