Is Robert Webb transphobic?

Robert Webb is a British comedian most known for his work with David Mitchell on shows like That Mitchell and Webb Look and also Peep Show. He also recently wrote a book which is in part his life story and also a deconstruction of masculinity and socialisation. I own it, it’s a good read. He’s a good person.

However, he seems to be staying towards the anti trans side of the current trans rights “discussion” online. Just the other day he ended up in an argument where he claimed not to dislike trans people at all — but does think “TRA ideology” is misogynist. Previously he has liked and retweeted anti trans tweets from Graham Linehan, amongst many others who are standing against my rights. Including Lily Maynard — who tweets a lot about trans kids and how they’re really just gender non conforming or gay kids, despite evidence to the contrary.

But is he transphobic? I’ve wanted to write this piece for a while. Discussing the nuance between straight up prejudice, bigotry and simply just being misinformed. Now seems like the right time to do that. Maybe it’s because of the fan girl in me trying desperately to hold onto people I’ve looked up to, people who have helped me laugh through dark moments in my life — but I don’t think Webb is transphobic.