Lorraine correctly predicts backlash over interview with trans row academic: ‘Why are you giving her a platform?’

A Lorraine interview with the academic who resigned from her job following backlash over hew views on trans people has divided viewers, with many asking why the professor was given a platform at all.

Kathleen Stock, who has an OBE for her contribution to higher education, stepped down from her post as a philosophy professor at Sussex University last month following calls for her to be sacked over her stance on gender identity in what students called the ‘Stock Out’ campaign.

However, during her interview with Lorraine Kelly on Monday’s programme, Stock insisted she’s not transphobic just moments after saying that inviting trans men and women into changing rooms makes them unisex.

Lorraine stressed that while she ‘disagreed’ with Stock, we shouldn’t ‘shut down debate’.

She precited: ‘I know by us having this discussion it will actually offend an awful lot of people.’

And she wasn’t wrong, as many critics called out the show for giving Stock a platform, while others praised the calm discussion between to people with opposing views.

‘You haven’t really been silenced. You have more of a voice now.’ (Picture: ITV)

As the interview closed, Lorraine said: ‘We’ve had this conversation, I don’t agree with what you’re saying at all but it’s important we have this conversation.’

LGBTQ+ organisation LGBT with the T, a fierce defender of trans rights, thanks Lorraine on Twitter, posting: ‘Thank you SO MUCH for your support this morning! Lorraine confirms: “I believe trans women ARE women, and trans men ARE men!” And says to Kathleen Stock… “You haven’t really been silenced. You have MORE of a voice now!”

‘Lets show Lorraine our love!’

While Stock resigned from her post, Sussex University followed with a divisive statement, which read: ‘We had hoped that Professor Stock would feel able to return to work, and we would have supported her to do so.

‘She has decided that recent events have meant that this will not be possible, and we respect and understand that decision. 

‘We will miss her many contributions, from which the University has benefited during her time here.’

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.

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