Draft:Hannah Phillips

Hannah Phillips (born 11 December 1999) is a British politician, transgender activist, and YouTuber. Since 15 May 2023, she has been a Liberal Democrat councillor on Lymington and Pennington Town Council.

Activism
In 2015, Phillips began uploading videos to YouTube under the moniker HannahPhillipsReal. The account publishes guidance for parents of transgender children. Phillips' YouTube audience grew in popularity during 2017, as she was the first transgender YouTuber to produce a video everyday for a year. In the same year, Phillips spoke on the mainstage of Isle of Wight Pride, along side the likes of Peter Tatchall.

In 2016, Phillips began taking hormone blockers using the NHS Gender Identity Development Service. In 2019, she appeared on a BBC Newsnight episode on hormone blocker treatment, and was the only transgender person involved in the show. During the release of the Cass Review, on April 10th 2024, Phillips was invited back to speak on BBC Newsnight, where she critisised the U.K. Government for being transphobic.

In 2019, Phillips founded New Forest Pride. The event was postponed multiple times before being held. In November 2019, Phillips spoke out against various hateful comments and threats made against her, telling PinkNews that she received 'vile' threats on a daily basis.

During the early months of 2023, Phillips spoke to Le Monde, about her early years transitioning at the Tavistock and Portman, which was under criticism at the time from Hiliary Cass.

Political career
In the 2023 United Kingdom local elections, she was elected to the Lymington and Pennington Town Council, the first openly transgender member elected to the council, winning against all three Conservative incumbents. In her campaign for both Town Council and District Council, Phillips had advocated for more unisex public toilets in the New Forest, safer streets, more environmental protection, and investment in Lymington's high street. She supports an improved local cycling network.

Internet Career
During 2021, Hannah hosted season two of My Umbrella LGBT+'s podcast Under The Brolly, a monthly show that focused on a range of topics around the LGBTQ+ community.

Personal life
Phillips grew up in Brockenhurst throughout her primary and secondary school years, having attended Arnewood School. While at secondary school, Phillips met her now boyfriend, James.

Phillips then moved to Lymington aged 18. She previously took part in an Extinction Rebellion protest, but is not a member of the group.