Leicestershire County Council social worker Louise Chivers, 52, has found herself in the midst of controversy and under investigation for her critical comments about transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s recent modelling of a Nike sports bra.
Chivers, a mother of two who works in adult social care, is reportedly struggling to find work after a manager suggested she might misgender someone, following her controversial remarks.
During a training day, Chivers referred to Mulvaney, who identifies as female, as “a skinny gay man with no t*ts” and labeled the TikToker a “misogynist who mocks women,” according to The Telegraph.
In response to her comments, Chivers has been referred to Social Work England, and recruitment agencies have informed her that they would not find her work until the conclusion of the investigation.
Chivers has expressed frustration with the situation, stating she feels like she’s been “blacklisted”. She also expressed concern that being gender-critical may be misconstrued as being transphobic.
“I feel like a lot of people are fed up with this obsession about gender ideology and just want to get on with my job,” Chivers said.
Dylan Mulvaney, 26, has gained fame for using her TikTok platform to document her transition from male to female. With over 11 million followers, she has become a prominent figure in the trans community but has also faced abuse from some quarters.
Recently, Mulvaney’s collaboration with US brands like Nike and Bud Light has attracted both support and backlash. An Anheuser-Busch ad campaign featuring Mulvaney has been credited with major losses, with the parent company losing $27 billion in market cap value.
Leicestershire County Council has confirmed that the matter has been referred to Social Work England, and both the council and the social work body have been contacted for comment.
Chivers’ comments have sparked discussions on free speech, gender identity, and professional conduct. Supporters of Chivers argue that she is entitled to her opinions, while others believe her comments were inappropriate and unprofessional.
The incident involving Louise Chivers highlights the fine line between personal opinions and professional conduct. With the investigation pending, the resolution of this case may have broader implications for discussions about gender identity, inclusivity, and professional ethics.
The social worker’s plight demonstrates the importance of considering the broader social context and the potential consequences of personal opinions when expressed in a professional setting. Meanwhile, the success and challenges faced by Dylan Mulvaney continue to shed light on the ongoing dialogue surrounding transgender issues in contemporary society.
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Image credit: Louise Chivers (LinkedIn)
