Mermaids, the UK transgender charity currently embroiled in controversy, has again found itself in hot water. The charity was recently exposed for going behind parent’s backs and caused controversy when a trustee had to resign amidst a paedophilia furore.

This time, pornographic images posted by the digital engagement officer for the charity, Darren Mew, have caused outrage among parents and critics of the charity.

He “posted an image of himself on Instagram with an upwards view through his short skirt with the words “Sorry I can’t hear you. I’m just out here living my fantasy” and the hashtag “nonbinaryfinery”.

Mew was also featured in a collage of six pictures of himself naked, holding his erect penis, from the rear and with pairs of breasts with penises protruding from them for a shot for Haus Magazine, an LGBT publication.

The worker lists himself on LinkedIn as the digital engagement officer at Mermaids.

Mew has featured in campaign material for the charity, and until recently on the Mermaids website under a staff profile saying: “Darren joined Mermaids in 2021. They have many years of experience working in the LGBT+ and charity sectors, and believe in the power of community and bringing people together.

“When they aren’t working, you’ll often find them reading magazines, watching videos or at a drag show.”

Mew was nominated for a positive role model award at the 2020 National Diversity Awards. As digital engagement officer, Mew’s role could involve attending residential weekends.

A parent raised her concerns regarding safeguarding for children using the transgender service.

She said in her complaint to the Charity Commission that in the pictures, Mew was “seemingly hairless like a young boy… the graphic clearly presents the imagery of amputated breasts. In another Darren wears a Hentai style schoolgirl skirt and adopts a provocative pose and appears to be broadcasting sexualised little girl vibes.” She called for an investigation.

Kirralie Smith, spokeswoman for Binary, said parents need to be vigilant.

“What are your children looking at online?” she asked. “Looking into sexual identities such as transgenderism will more often than not lead to sexualised content.”

“It is in the label – ‘sexual’ identity. Children do not need to be exposed to sexualised content nor do they need to engage with adults who are hypersexualised.

“Let kids be kids and be hypervigilant in who you allow to access them.”