Suzy Eddie Izzard, the 63-year-old comedian and activist, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sussex, a institution previously at the centre of a transgender rights controversy. The university faced a record £585,000 fine in March 2025 for failing to uphold free speech rights of feminist academic Professor Kathleen Stock, who was forced to leave in 2021 after being accused of transphobia.
Professor Stock's comments, including that 'the claim "transwomen are women" is fiction, not literally true', led to a campaign of hate and abuse against her. The Office for Students criticised the university's policy on 'Trans and Non-Binary equality', saying it could lead to self-censorship. Sussex has vowed to challenge the fine legally.
Izzard, who grew up in Bexhill and Eastbourne, received the honour alongside Sir Ben Bradshaw and four other alumni during summer graduation ceremonies. She said: 'It is an honour to be conferred this doctorate in recognition of my work as an actor, comedian, my activism and charity work over the years.'
Izzard has raised millions for charity through marathon running and is a prominent campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights. Speaking recently, she said she is open to having children and finding love with a woman, though she is currently happy with her own company.
