Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m Charlie Craggs, I’m a Trans activist and author. I run a campaign called Nail Transphobia where I basically travel around the UK with a pop-up nail salon and offer the public free manicures for the chance to get to know a Trans person. 

What’s your USP? 

I think my USP is that I’m real, I’m very personable and I think that’s what makes my campaign so successful. People need to sit down with someone who is going to be real, I don’t have an MA in gender studies, I’m not going to use big words like nuance, we’re just going to talk. You can ask me whatever. I’m accessible, I’m a council estate girl and honey I am clever, I had top grades in college. I can talk clever but I prefer to talk real because it means I’m more accessible to the people who need to hear the message more and I’m #relatable. I hope anyway, if I do ever start losing that DM me and be like “babe, you’re getting a bit boujee” [laughs]

Trans is a conversation we seem to be having more and more, how much more do you think there is much left for you to do? 

The saddest thing is that although generally there’s more acceptance towards Trans people socially, things are worse in the way that matters most. The global murder rates of Trans people are going up every year and it’s really scary. Most prejudices come from a misunderstanding and not knowing but at the same time, some people are blissful in the ignorance - they do understand but they just don’t care. A phobia implies you’re scared of something but they’re not scared, they’re hateful. It’s the same with racism. We’ve come a long way since the Sixties but it’s not going to end in my lifetime. But yeah, sadly, I’m think going to be in a job for a while, which is nice to know because I have no pension plan! [laughs]

What’s your transition been like?

It’s more a journey in your head. There are a few doctors appointment scattered along the way but it’s the journey within yourself. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of gatekeeping to do, there are long, long waiting lists but at the same time you almost realise there’s so much more to transitioning than just surgery. Focusing on loving yourself is much more important. The only thing that’s going to change when I get that surgery is my genitalia. Work on yourself first and start with self-love. There’s no waiting list for self-love, it doesn’t cost anything and you can start today.

Why is it important for you to be representing this Pride collection?

I’m really excited to be representing it as a Trans person because it’s really important that Trans people are reflected. Pride can be, no shade here, whitewashed and very gay, but it’s so much more than that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s for them too but Pride was actually started by Trans women of colour. Pride needs to be an intersectional celebration and I wish that all Prides were as intersectional as the collection.

FAST TALK

What does your dating profile say?

Trans girls do it better.

Can you tell us a secret about you?

I’m Transgender. No-one knows [laughs] 

Who’s the last person you called or text?

My mum.

Which colour of the rainbow is you and why?

I’m all the colours of the rainbow.