An endometriosis charity has accepted the resignation of its parliamentary advisor for the second time in two years, following renewed backlash over the appointment of a trans woman to represent an organisation supporting those with the gynaecological condition.
Steph Richards, 73, announced on Wednesday she was stepping down from her role as parliamentary engagement officer for Endometriosis South Coast, mirroring her departure from the charity’s chief executive position in May 2024 after facing similar criticism.
The human rights campaigner, who founded TransLucent advocacy group, stated the decision was made “in the best interests of myself, the charity, and the vital work it does in supporting those living with endometriosis.”
Gender-critical campaigners had condemned her latest appointment, with author Amanda Craig telling The Times the arrangement was “as ridiculous as someone purporting to speak for black people when they’re white,” adding it was “fundamentally discordant and wrong” regardless of intentions.
Endometriosis South Coast had defended Richards’ selection last month, emphasising that advocacy capability does not require personal experience of a condition—a principle the charity stated applies “consistently across healthcare, policy, and the voluntary sector.”
The organisation confirmed her departure on Wednesday, thanking Richards for her contribution whilst wishing her well. Her voluntary role had involved representing the charity to MPs on matters concerning endometriosis, which causes chronic pain, heavy bleeding and frequently infertility in women, trans and non-binary people assigned female at birth, and intersex individuals.
Richards’ resignation coincides with her stepping down as head of TransLucent, with the organisation citing her ongoing legal challenge against the Labour Party as the reason. She is crowdfunding for proceedings contesting Labour’s decision barring trans women from its annual National Women’s Conference in September—a policy change the party attributes to last year’s Supreme Court ruling.
Despite having undergone transition surgery and possessing a Gender Recognition Certificate, Richards’ candidacy for Labour’s Women’s Officer position last year attracted controversy. She previously served in that capacity for Portsmouth Constituency Labour Party between 2021 and 2024.
In a separate statement, Richards announced plans to intensify work with Women’s Action Network Portsmouth, including advocacy for WASPI Women campaigning over pension injustices.
“We actively champion meaningful inclusion for every woman, regardless of age, class, disability, neurodiversity, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity,” she stated, pledging to combat “divisive culture wars and attacks on minorities.”
When critics challenged her 2023 CEO appointment, Richards had insisted: “My birth sex doesn’t come into it – my CV does,” before resigning six months later.
