Ben Hunte
Global Correspondent
ben.hunte@vice.comBen Hunte is an award-winning Global Correspondent for VICE News, investigating stories about LGBTQ people, politics, race, and inequality from across the world. Ben is based in London, UK, and New York, USA. He releases exclusive reports as well as breaking news for audiences across online, TV and social media @VICENews. If you have a story, Ben would love to hear from you.
Leaked EHRC Guidance Reveals Plans to Exclude Most Trans People From Bathrooms
Under unpublished guidance leaked to VICE World News, Britain’s equalities watchdog wanted to restrict the lives of trans people unless they held a Gender Recognition Certificate – despite only 1% of trans people in the UK having one.
Staff Are Quitting Britain's Equality Watchdog the EHRC Due to ‘Transphobia’
Dismayed current and ex-staffers told VICE World News an “anti-LGBT” culture has taken over the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Britain’s Equalities Watchdog Met Privately With Anti-Trans Groups
Exclusive: Leaked emails and documents obtained by VICE World News show how senior leaders at the Equality and Human Rights Commission worked to erase trans rights.
‘Humiliated but Determined’: Pro-Trans UK Doctor Suspended for ‘Insulting’ Tweets
Adrian Harrop will be suspended for a month after sending “offensive” tweets to people who opposed his views on trans rights. He told VICE World News he was relieved to be able to still have a career, and determined to continue to provide trans healthcare
‘We Need To Make the UK Safer for Trans People,’ Labour Says
Exclusive: The UK Labour Party is calling on the government to urgently introduce legislation that would lead to tougher penalties for people who commit hate crimes based on someone’s sexuality, transgender identity, or disability.
British Doctor’s Career Could be Ended By Tweets Defending Trans Rights
Dr Adrian Harrop, a 34-year-old GP based in Liverpool, told VICE World News he believes he was the victim of an “organised and orchestrated” campaign.
LGBTQ Employees Are Quitting the BBC Because They Say It’s Transphobic
VICE World News received a leaked recording of a heated “listening session” for LGBTQ BBC staff, and heard from ex-employees about why they have left the UK’s national broadcaster.
UK Government Officials Held Secret Meeting With ‘Ex-Gay’ Conversion Therapy Providers
The Government Equalities Office held a previously undisclosed private meeting earlier this year with Core Issues Trust, which said it was the first time the UK government had engaged with “former-LGBT people.”
‘Don’t Punish Me For Who I Am’: Huge Jump in Anti-LGBTQ Hate Crime Reports in UK
Reports of homophobic hate crimes have risen by 210 percent over the last six years, while over the same period transphobic hate crime reports rose by 332 percent, according to figures obtained by VICE World News.
BBC Expected To Quit Stonewall’s LGBTQ Diversity Programme
LGBTQ staff at the BBC told VICE World News they are “super scared” by the implications of the decision.
‘I Don’t Care About Colonialism’: Read UK Equalities Minister’s Leaked WhatsApps
In a series of WhatsApp messages obtained by VICE World News, Kemi Badenoch dismissed the impact of colonialism and mocked Black public figures in the UK.
UK Equalities Minister Goes on Anti-LGBTQ Rant in Leaked Audio
In an explosive audio recording obtained by VICE World News, rising UK government star Kemi Badenoch questioned same-sex marriage and asked “what are transsexuals looking for?”