Christine Goodwin (activist)

Christine Goodwin (born c. 1937, died 2014) was a British trans woman who became a prominent activist for transgender rights, primarily through her legal challenges regarding her treatment under UK law following her gender affirmation surgery.

Goodwin's legal battles focused on her right to be recognized in her affirmed gender for purposes of marriage, pension rights, and other aspects of legal identity. Her case, Goodwin v United Kingdom, was brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The ECHR ruled in her favor in 2002, finding that the UK government's refusal to recognize her as female in all respects violated Articles 8 (right to private and family life) and 12 (right to marry) of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court found that the UK's laws were outdated and failed to adequately protect the rights of trans people.

This landmark ruling significantly impacted transgender rights in the UK and across Europe. It led to the enactment of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in the UK, which allowed transgender people to legally change their gender and obtain a new birth certificate. This Act was a major step forward in ensuring equal rights and legal recognition for transgender individuals in the UK.

Goodwin's activism, particularly her willingness to pursue legal action, played a critical role in achieving these advancements and improving the lives of countless transgender individuals. Her case remains a significant precedent in transgender rights jurisprudence.