A group of journalists are launching an investigation into the experiences of transgender people amid the ongoing ‘culture wars’ over trans rights.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism says trans rights have been used as a “political football” by MPs and commentators while the voices of trans people themselves are missing.

Now as part of what it calls a new community-led approach to reporting, TBIJ reporters will work alongside trans and non-binary people to hear about the impact of this political discourse and highlight the issues most affecting them.

The project, Trans+ Voices, will begin with a series of listening events around the UK while stories arising from the project will be published throughout the year.

TBIJ cehif executive Rozina Breen, pictured, said: “I’m proud to be Editor-in-Chief of a newsroom that dares to deliver courageous and inclusive investigations in the public interest. How we commission, news-gather and tell the story is everything.

“Following the facts to lift up the stones nobody else is, with TBIJ’s formidable and world-renowned accountability journalism lies at the heart of everything we do.”

Trans+ Voices is being led by the Bureau Local team within TBIJ, which was set up to support investigative journalism at a local level. It will initially focus on Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Gwent, Leeds and Northamptonshire.

TBIJ is asking those who are interested in collaborating on the project or want to contribute their experiences to get in touch at [email protected].