Artist Replaces Transphobic Billboard With Oversized Dachshund Illustration

Weeks after the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled that a woman can only be defined based on biological sex, an artist took a stand against a transphobic billboard using a large Dachshund, Saveloy. The artist, known as “youralrightyouare” or Yaya, added a playful revision to a billboard in Keighley, West Yorkshire. This billboard was part of a controversial ad campaign by the daily conservative newspaper, the Telegraph, which read, “Should athletes born as men be muscling in on women’s sport?” referencing the ongoing debate about transgender women competing in sports.

The Trans Advocacy and Complaints Collective (TACC) filed a complaint against the campaign, calling it a “targeted, hostile message directed at a marginalized community.” Yaya, inspired by a friend’s reaction to the ad, created Saveloy using Posca markers and Molotow spray paint, designing the large cartoon Dachshund to cover the Telegraph’s message. Described as absurd and inoffensive, this approach aimed to avoid provoking those holding transphobic views.

After being posted on Instagram, Saveloy’s presence became a viral sensation, featured on “WeRateDogs” and amassing over 70,000 likes, delighting many and showing the positive impact of creative expression against divisive messages.