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Kate Nash challenges gender-critical feminists in new pro-trans single 'GERM'

Drawing on the UK Supreme Court’s sex-based definition ruling, the song rejects trans-exclusionary arguments, underscoring Download Festival’s move to gender-neutral facilities.

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Boxer Imane Khelif took legal action against JK Rowling and Elon Musk. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Major trans ally Kate Nash. (Getty)

Overview

  • Kate Nash released “GERM” on May 28, blending indie-rock riffs and spoken-word verses to lambast gender-critical feminist views and champion trans inclusion.
  • The track responds directly to April’s Supreme Court decision defining “woman” by biological sex and the EHRC’s interim guidance restricting trans women’s access to female facilities.
  • Nash cites Rape Crisis data showing that 91% of people prosecuted for sexual offences are cisgender men to argue that trans people are not the main threat to women’s safety.
  • With incendiary lyrics, she frames true feminism as inherently intersectional and denounces the exclusion of trans people as both transphobic and misogynistic.
  • After festivalgoers and artists criticised its initial stance, Download Festival confirmed the rollout of gender-neutral bathrooms across its site.