I read an interview with a female comedian*, clearly the interviewee asked her about her position on the trans rights debate (sorry, I mean no debate), and it set me wondering as to whom, if anyone, you'd expect to be asked in an interview as to what they think about it. Obviously people directly responsible for setting policy in that area, but all women? all politicians? everybody no matter who?
I do strongly feel it puts people in a bit of an impossible position, knowing you'll potentially be 'cancelled', or frowned upon here, or punched in a public place or threatened with stabbing etc, whichever 'side' you take. I don't know though. I appreciate it when people do set out their side if it's properly reasoned, but I think more men should be asked about it. Then again I wouldn't expect everyone to be asked e.g. about Israel/Palestine.
It does seem that any time you mention feminism or women's spaces or literally anything for women the question 'but what about trans women' always seems to be put forward. I do find it a bit tiresome that we can't discuss anything female-related without having to have some sort of declared stance or proposed 'solution'. Not really sure of my thoughts though as I only just saw the article and it set me thinking.
(*it was Jenny Eclair: "Eclair has a trait rarely seen in standup: she’s quite conflict-averse. Even while she’s feminist to her bones, there are faultlines in feminism – the battle over trans rights, for instance – of which she would “steer clear, in case I inadvertently said something inflammatory. Fortunately, I’ve got a 31-year-old very right-on daughter [Phoebe Eclair-Powell, a playwright]. I can always call her up and say: ‘Am I right on this?’ And she could go: ‘No, Mum, I think you’ve got this a bit wrong actually.’” What kind of thing does she typically get wrong, I wonder? “It’s mainly about checking my privilege,” she says ruefully.")
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Feminism: Sex & gender discussions
Do you think women/everyone should be asked about their position on 'trans rights' in any press interview?
18 replies
bishopgiggles · 28/06/2020 19:23
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