Michelle Dewberry blasts TV debate as trans endometriosis charity representative brands backlash to role 'transphobic'

According to the NHS, Endometriosis is "where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body."

As such, the condition only physically affects those born biologically female. Richards has faced scrutiny for the role, given that they are a trans woman.

Garraway began the discussion by discussing the backlash Richards has faced. "You may explain what you believe some of the awful abuse is really about," the GMB host began.

"But I assume it’s triggered by the fact that some people feel you shouldn’t be in this role because of the fact that you’re a trans woman. You won’t have been able to directly experience endometriosis.

"Is that where some of the opposition is coming from, just so people can understand?" Garraway asked.

Richards stood firm. "Let’s put this in context. So, 20 years ago, last month, the CEO of Endometriosis UK went to Downing Street with a petition to ask for more funding for endometriosis," the charity lobbyist said.

"His name was Rob Music, a man. He was in that position, I think, for six years. And then he moved on to become CEO of Cervical Cancer. I don’t think Rob, who now works for the Migraine Trust, is ever likely to get both diseases."

Richards reeled off a few other examples: "And you can talk about prostate cancer. Well, the CEO for Prostate Cancer is Laura Kerby, and what an incredible job she has done for men with that disease."

Garraway cut in: "So your point is, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been directly affected by something — you can still campaign for what you believe is right?"

"Absolutely. And that’s what I do," Richards concurred. "You don’t need to have a disease. You don’t need to be homeless to be CEO of Shelter.

"And indeed, some of the best advocates for the people that’s got endometriosis are often their partners, because they see what their wives and partners are going through — and it’s pretty horrific."

Richards defended the appointment further: "And I’ve seen so many terrible stories of women who, because they can’t get help through the NHS quick enough, go and sell their prized Mini, for example. Actually, no — two examples of that.

"And I know in the job that I do, it overlaps with my other roles. So, as you know, I’m CEO of TransLucent currently, and I’m with the MPs’— well, it doesn’t make a lot of sense that when I’m with those MPs, I build relationships with them, that I can start talking about endometriosis, for example, or indeed the Waspi women, who have been treated awfully by this government."

Garraway's co-host Brand then chipped in: "So, I mean, you’ve argued that you feel this is transphobia then, ultimately."

"Of course it is," Richards insisted, before Brand continued: "Because if you were a man, for example, in that role, you wouldn’t have necessarily faced the same questions. But because you’re now a trans woman, you are being asked to question this?"

Richards clarified: "Yes. I am a post-op trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate, so legally I’m female, with a female passport and a female driving licence.

"And I back for women because I see the oppression that they take. When you jump out of the man box and you go into womanhood, it actually becomes very evident all the issues that women have — whether it’s endo, or fibroids, or PCOS, can’t get pregnant, menopause, perimenopause.

"There’s a whole list that women have to endure that men don’t."

Despite Richards' insistence that they're suitable for the role, the interview caused a stir with those watching at home.

Many flocked to social media to hit out at both Endometriosis South Coast's appointment, as well as the manner in which Garraway and Brand conducted the interview.

One such critic was the People's Channel's very own Michelle. "'When you jump out of the man box and go into womanhood'… And there, right there, is the issue," Michelle's scathing critique began.

"Men can not ‘jump out of a box’ and become a woman. Regardless of what surgical procedures he has or paperwork he holds. Pretending they can, has been the source of many problems. Many of us women have received great care from males in a health setting, no issue.

“When you jump out of the man box and go into womanhood”…

And there, right there, is the issue.

Men can not ‘jump out of a box’ and become a woman. Regardless of what surgical procedures he has or paperwork he holds.

Pretending they can, has been the source of many problems.… https://t.co/ZXesLaOaT1

— Michelle Dewberry (@MichelleDewbs) April 1, 2026

"As Steph rightly says, you don’t need to have experienced something directly to be able to work on/in it. The problem comes when said males start pretending they are the same as us, appropriate our issues as their own experiences and expect us to start regarding them as women ‘just like us’ because they have ‘jumped out of a box’."

Michelle also dismissed the suggestion her claims could be deemed "transphobic". She said: "Disagreeing with this is not 'transphobia'. We don’t have an 'irrational fear'. We simply believe reality matter. But, as per usual, labels like ‘transphobic’ are used, unchallenged, to try and shame people into silence and/or acceptance. I’m not sure that works any more…" (sic)

And Michelle's words were echoed by another X user who reacted to the interview: "It’s not transphobic to object to the appointment of someone who has absolutely no lived experience of the condition in question, no possible chance of beginning to know what that pain feels like. These appointments are always made for purely performative reasons."

A second X user also hit out: "Good Morning. Calling this a 'tsunami of hate' erases the voices of women who are suffering. Endometriosis is debilitating and affects only women... And when everything is called 'transphobic,' the word has no meaning."

"Charities don’t exist to appease the feelings of their workforce," a third weighed in, while a fourth slammed the ITV show: "This is absolutely disgusting! Why is @GMB gaslighting and castigating women?"

However, Richards' interview also prompted several supporters to wade into the debate. "The amazing @PompeySteph dismantling the hysteria surrounding the work she does for Endometriosis South Coast. The hypocrisy and transphobia is clear to see," one X user argued.

A second swiped: "The transphobes keep proving us right, this about hate, not women's rights. How are you mad that a trans women is volunteering for a charity to help c!s women with a chronic illness?"

And a third similarly showed their support: "They aren't pretending to be something they aren't, though?

"They're just people doing a good job. You may do a good job, so let's all concentrate on that. Why does everyone always try to focus on other people instead of the matter at hand? #deflection." (sic)