Alumna Paris Lees is one of Vogue’s New Suffragettes

Men should start behaving themselves was the message from University of Brighton honorary doctorate Paris Lees who has become the first openly transgender person to feature on the front cover of British Vogue magazine.

The award-winning writer, TV personality, presenter, equality campaigner, and University alumna is one of seven influential women featured to mark the 100th anniversary since women were granted the vote.

The Meet the New Suffragettes feature and front cover also feature politicians Stella Creasy and Sophie Walker, artist Gillian Wearing, founder of gal-dem Liv Little, blogger Dina Torkia and writer Reni Eddo-Lodge.

Paris graduated from the university in 2009 in BA(Hons) English Language and Literature and was awarded an honorary degree of a Doctor of Letters by the University in 2016 in recognition of her major contribution of transgender identity in contemporary society and of her work as a journalist and social commentator.

To see the New Suffragettes photo go to the Vogue website which features video interviews in which Paris says: “One thing that would improve the lives of women is if men would behave themselves #notallmen, just a significant proportion.

“Feminism is about pushing for the rights of women and that includes all women – because if you are not pushing for the equality and dignity for all women then it’s not equality you want, it’s diplomacy.”