About Heather - Heather Herbert

Heather Herbert is a prominent transgender activist based in Aberdeen, originally from Leicester, England. A lifelong campaigner, she’s been active in anti-war, anti-fascist, and local community campaigns. She relocated to Scotland in 2013. She voted for independence and initially joined Scottish Labour in 2017 to push it to the left. She moved to the Scottish Greens in late 2021. There, she became co-convener of the Rainbow Greens alongside Beth Douglas.

In November 2018, Heather became the trans officer for LGBT+ Labour Scotland, focusing on eradicating transphobia through internal party education. She has stood as a candidate, referred to as a “paper candidate,” in multiple elections. These include the 2019 UK General Election in Gordon and the 2021 Scottish Parliament election in Aberdeen Donside.

Her activism gained national visibility during the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform battles. She had a standout moment on Sky News in January 2023. She decisively countered concerns around single-sex spaces. She asked, “When was the last time you needed to show your birth certificate when you went to the toilet?” Widely praised, she highlighted how trans voices were often absent from public debate.

She was featured in media like Al Jazeera. She shared her transition journey. She began hormone therapy and electrolysis in 2015. She has spoken about increased happiness post-transition. She’s a fierce advocate for faster trans healthcare. She highlights long waits (2–6 years) for gender identity clinics across Scotland. These waits impact mental health and self-harm risks.
Heather also emphasis’s the need for improved political leadership on transgender issues. She notes that while hate remains a minority, it has become vocal and emboldened, often fueled by negative media portrayals. She’s criticised leaders for inaction and highlighted the daily transphobia, being spat at, misgendered, feeling unsafe, that trans people experience.

Heather Herbert’s work combines political savvy and bold public engagement. She uses personal stories to shift attitudes and strengthen services. Her efforts ensure trans people are seen and heard. They are not viewed as faceless policy issues but as real people shaping society.