Guardian interview request? (eeek!)

[CaptainWentworth]

So I responded to that gender survey on the Guardian website the other week- I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was a general ramble about sex being biologically determined and gender a social construct (with a bit about how my mum can't deal with not being able to tell someone's sex) - anyway I have just received an email saying my story was particularly interesting and would I like to talk further in relation to an article this person is writing.

How on earth do I respond to that? I'm just an average Josephine, not well up on gender studies etc, and don't want to put my foot in it... On the other hand it also sounds like an interesting opportunity? Eeek!

[EBearhug]

I have nothing useful to say just now, but good luck!

Presumably they want to expand on your general ramble - did you keep a copy? If not, write down the points you remember. If you were asked for more detail on any of them, would you be able to expand on them? If the answer is no, then maybe it's worth asking here for ideas on what more you could say.

[Theydontknowweknowtheyknow]

If you're sure of your opinions then do it but be prepared because it's so easy to trip up in this area. Everyone gets tangled up in labelling labels and the whole thing can be more of a mindfuck than quantum physics!

[Theydontknowweknowtheyknow]

Sorry that didn't sound very positive! I also meant to say you can try out what you're going to say here

[CaptainWentworth]

Yeah this is what I'm afraid of! Thanks for the support though

[Thelilywhite]

Sound's great -will you let us know when it's going to be in the Guardian?

[EDisFunny]

I would just caution you about sticking your head above the parapet, if you are going to be named, real name, maybe a picture, be prepared for a lot of abuse from generally nasty people.

[caroldecker]

You may be able to comment anonomously

[Parietal]

i've been asked similar by the guardian, but have never dared put my real name on anything on my opinions on their site (my real name is v easy to google) so they've never featured me after all ...

[dontcallmecis]

Given their censoring of any comments on their articles challenging the usual trans positive narrative, I'd be wary. Good luck with your decision. If you decide to do it, I'd record the interview.

[CaptainWentworth]

I've emailed back to say I'm a bit wary of putting my name to anything in a national newspaper, and can she tell me a bit more about what she's planning to do. I'm hoping I might be able to comment anonymously - I expect they are asking lots of people to contribute so they won't necessarily name everyone anyway?

I know nothing about journalism and very little about gender theory so am just perplexed why I've been asked for my opinion at all. I mean it's not like I'm an activist of any kind or anything.

[CaptainWentworth]

Parietal what were you asked about, and what happened?

[grimbletart]

Captain: first rule of interviewing..never say anything you would not be happy to see in print. Never go off the record. (I'm ex-media by the way).