Trans Connect

Rebecca is an advocate for trans women living with HIV. She has worked as an outreach officer for the Terrence Higgins Trust, promoting HIV testing in the community and is also a member of the Gilead Sciences’ pan-European Women’s Working Group on HIV. Since 2017, also one of 5 visionary for ViiV pharmaceuticals. Rebecca currently has her own TV show ‘Second Chances’ and currently works at HIV Ireland and TransPlus at 56 Dean st , Soho London.

She was reported in the national press as being the first woman in Ireland to transition. She has had an amazing and varied career, working as an award-winning hairstylist for Vidal Sassoon, and a Make up Artist for many top designers, fashion shows! Also, she was the director of her own successful model agency, as well as authoring the best-seller listed book His Name is Rebecca.

Rebecca works as a peer support worker at TransPLUS which is a new gender dysphoria clinic , she also leads in the laser hair removal for TransPLUS which is held at the Main Hospital Chelsea and Westminster Hospital London.

Recently she was Grand Marshal on the Dublin Pride float for St Patricks Day Parade 2022. She was also Grand Marshal at Dublin Pride June 2022 , she will be launching her Trans Bootcamp in Dublin in June . She feels the platform she’s achieved is a great opportunity to shine a light on the Trans community.

Sophia Vi is an actress, director and producer working across both film and theatre. Graduating originally as a dancer it was clear that trans-people and the theatre/film industry were not symbiotic, with very little trans-representation. Witnessing the changes over the last 15 years in theatrical shows and programming has been joy for her to see and eventually lead to her coming out as transgender. Sophia Vi is an active member of both Trans+ On Screen and EquityUK and is passionate about the development of new LGBT+ programming and artists.

In August 2021 she attended her first Not A Phase social – it was a screening of Hedwig in central London. She loved everyone she met so much that she just kept attending events and they haven’t been able to get rid of her.

James is a proud trans man and was honoured to work with Not A Phase for their national campaign in 2023 for Trans Day of Visibility.

James was also one of the first trans men to work with a worldwide beard growth company, Copenhagen Grooming. Featuring in online videos and tutorials and appearing in their advertisements both online and in magazines.

He started his transition at age 42, socially at first and then medically a couple of years later when he started testosterone. He first started documenting his transition initially for himself, so he could see the changes, however, soon started to understand the need for visibility.

James said “I never knew of any other trans people growing up, so didn’t understand the feelings I was experiencing. If I had someone to relate to back then, I likely would have been living my truth much earlier, it would have had a huge impact on my life” He hopes that he can help make a difference and support other trans+ people with their journeys.

Jason has been volunteering with Not a Phase for some time now, lending his support at our London Socials and events, and taking on the responsibility of representing the Charity leading the parade at London Pride 2023.

Throughout his transition journey, Jason has been dedicated to supporting fellow trans individuals. He’s played a role in facilitating both online and in-person support groups, and has been present at various protests and counter-protests, advocating for trans rights. Additionally, he’s been involved in fundraising efforts to assist trans youth. Jason is also a presenter on Trans Radio UK and proudly participates in TRUK United FC, a ground-breaking trans football team.

Behind the scenes, Jason has been working within the trans healthcare sector at the NHS for over 18 months, accumulating valuable knowledge and experience in supporting others. Recently, he’s taken on a new role as a peer support worker, offering guidance to those beginning their transition journeys.

Starting his own transition in 2018 during his early 30s, Jason understands the challenges and triumphs of transitioning as an adult. He’s been committed to visibility, recognizing the importance of representation, especially considering the lack thereof when he was younger.

From a young age, Jason knew his true identity but lacked examples and support from adults. He’s passionate about ensuring that parents and caregivers of young trans individuals understand that being trans doesn’t hinder one’s ability to lead a fulfilling life.