The spiked podcast ‘Trans activists are little Hitlers’ | Graham Linehan
Dec 3, 2025
Graham Linehan, a comedy writer known for classics like Father Ted, joins Georgina Mumford to discuss his recent legal battles and the attempts to silence him over his gender-critical views. He shares insights on how trans activism has taken hold of the arts and examines the contrasting tactics used against men and women. Linehan also explores the shifting momentum in the trans debate in the UK, emphasizing the importance of caution for young creatives entering the industry as they navigate these contentious discussions.
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A Decade Of Legal And Press Battles
- Graham Linehan has faced litigation and public smear campaigns for about ten years over his gender-critical views.
- He says the press and legal actions have worked as a pincer movement to exhaust and worry him.
Overreach Breeds Backlash
- Linehan suggests the trans rights movement may be overreaching, which fuels public backlash and losses in court.
- He cites extreme cases as evidence that legal overreach will ultimately weaken the movement's position.
Why The Arts Stayed Captured
- Linehan argues the arts are particularly captured by trans advocacy because many in the gay and arts communities empathise with outsiders.
- He warns this empathy was 'weaponised' to prioritise trans rights in those industries.