Two trans women included in list of 100 'most inspiring and influential' women of 2021 by BBC

The BBC has included at least two trans women among its list of 100 'most inspiring and influential' women of 2021.

Transgender women have been included in the BBC 100 Women list 'many times' since its launch in 2013, according to the broadcaster. It said a transgender activist who identifies as non-binary was listed in 2019.

The inclusion of transgender women, comes after several organisations, including the BBC and the Department of Health, have recently withdrawn from the diversity programme over concerns about Stonewall’s position and ideas on gender.

Meanwhile, the BBC said in a statement that it would not be renewing its participation in the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme but will continue to work with a range of organisations to support its LGBT staff.

Director of Nations Rhodri Talfan Davies said public trust that the BBC can approach 'very complex areas' with complete impartiality is 'the absolute bedrock' of its decision-making.

Hundreds of nurses have called on the Nursing and Midwifery Council to withdraw from a diversity scheme run by Stonewall. The nurses state the affiliation with the charity risks harming the reputation of the profession.

Stonewall has recently been in controversy over its gender identity views. It has said people should be able to access single-sex hospital wards based on the gender they identify as, also known as self-ID.

The nurses said they did not support Stonewall’s stance over the medication of children who present with gender dysphoria and its view that patients should be able to access single-sex wards based on their gender identity.