EXCLUSIVE: The BBC’s decision to include two transgender activists on a list celebrating successful women has proved divisive among journalists at the UK broadcaster.
The 100 Women project was established in 2013 to celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life. Transgender women have featured in the past, but questions have grown about their inclusion as the BBC has made impartiality its top priority under Tim Davie, the director-general.
The 2022 list features two trans women who have helped further the cause of trans rights. Erika Hilton was thrown out onto the streets by her conservative family but became the first Black trans woman to be elected to Brazil’s National Congress.
Efrat Tilma was the first trans woman to volunteer for the Israeli police. Hilton and Tilma’s presence was noted by readers, some of whom hijacked a conversation started by the 100 Women Twitter account to complain about the list.