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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) I have noticed here

388 replies

heresyandwitchcraft · 14/08/2018 17:21

Hello! Are you new? I am still pretty new, myself. Mumsnet can be hard to navigate.
Here are some commonly asked questions I’ve seen asked on the feminist board, with links to threads. Please have a look at these, as many of the regular posters will have likely covered your question in-depth before. I am hoping they don't mind me creating another basic FAQ, that can hopefully be added-to. Remember that this board is not a monolith (even though it might appear to be such), although the majority of posters do seem to have a clearly gender-critical slant, where feminism is centered around biological females. Centering females is also known as radical feminism - because the radical part refers to going back to the "root" of female oppression (which in such feminist theory is the female body).
These FAQs will be heavily related to the "transgender debate" because that is a hot topic right now.

What is the definition of "trans" that is typically used in this forum?
It is Stonewall's:
An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.
Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), gender-fluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, two-spirit, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman,trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois.
www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/glossary-terms#t

You will notice that it does not specify only individuals who have gender dysphoria (discomfort with their own body/sex), but includes cross-dressers and those whose feelings are fluid. This is different from the classical term "transsexual," which refers to people with a medical condition named "gender dysphoria," which can only be alleviated by permanently inhabiting the social role of the opposite sex and potentially undergoing medication and surgery in order to achieve this. So the current trans umbrella has been significantly widened and now includes people who have no discomfort with their bodies but simply "identify as" another gender.

It is worth remembering that the definition of "transitioning" now is also very loose. Stonewall defines it like this:
The steps a trans person may take to live in the gender with which they identify. Each person’s transition will involve different things. For some this involves medical intervention, such as hormone therapy and surgeries, but not all trans people want or are able to have this. Transitioning also might involve things such as telling friends and family, dressing differently and changing official documents.

So there is no set definition for transitioning. This could be as simple as wearing a different set of clothes, changing one's name or pronoun.

Under these definitions, the following people are to be considered fully women, just like any female:
Danielle Muscato:
www.daniellemuscato.com/
Ibi-Pippi Hedegaard:

Alex Drummond (who identifies as Lesbian and is on the Trans advisory panel of Stonewall): www.stonewall.org.uk/trans-advisory-group www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3275432-Why-does-Stonewalls-definition-of-Transgender-trump-all-others-and-does-it-really

Material that serves a useful place to start to understand the gender-critical feminist perspective:
Rebecca Reilly-Cooper
sexandgenderintro.com/
Kathleen Stock
medium.com/@kathleenstock
Magdalen Berns
www.youtube.com/channel/UCvTTakI97sQ4SkMnsH8r0qQ
SAGES Fact-sheet
sages.org.uk/publications/sages-factsheet.html

What is up with the “transgender debate,” why are feminists protesting?
START HERE: “Break it down for me” is a very good introduction (best I have seen) with plenty of links to other beginner’s resources
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3145470-Break-it-down-for-me
A short and snappy summary by Datun
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3175666-Want-to-know-why-women-are-livid-trans-thread?pg=1
“A Beginners guide to the transgender debate” is EXCELLENT, with signposting to a whole bunch of relevant material covering specific subjects (I have basically shamelessly ripped off that post - sorry DJ)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3246322-A-Beginners-Guide-to-the-Transgender-Debate-A-Signpost-to-Useful-Mumsnet-Threads?pg=1

What are some female-rights organisations that are looking into this issue?
fairplayforwomen.com/
womansplaceuk.org/
manfridayuk.org/

“Trans women are women”? Why is self-ID into the category “woman” so troublesome for some feminists?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3122473--Transwomen-are-women
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3170708-If-youre-pro-Self-ID-for-trans-people-please-could-you-explain-it-to-me?pg=1
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3297719-self-ID-sinnlos

Why do women care about the definition of woman?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3296831-Can-we-talk-about-the-mental-impact-of-being-told-the-definition-of-woman-is-changing

People with cervixes – why are women protesting against dropping the word “woman” to refer to female anatomy in public health?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3277806-Cancer-Research-anyone-with-a-cervix

What’s the issue with “cis”?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3323848-Could-we-reclaim-cis

Why is “TERF” considered a slur?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3330245-Abuse-of-GC-women-on-twitter-be-warned-graphic-disturbing
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3330285-Woke-guy-that-did-that-terfs-are-trash-song-accused-of-sex-crimes
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3040706-TERF-isnt-just-a-slur-its-hate-speech
terfisaslur.com/
The “science of gender identity”?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3331998-The-science-of-transgender-gender-identity?pg=1

A discussion on misgendering:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3334275-Misgendering

Why is the argument “trans women are women, just like black women” considered to be so offensive?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3326391-Why-do-TRAs-keep-using-black-women-when-defending-TWAW

“Don’t most feminists support trans people?”
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3327679-vast-majority-of-feminists-trans
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3327466-People-apparently-support-trans?pg=1&messages=25

What about intersex?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3305291-Trans-activsims-appropriation-of-intersex

Why the fixation on toilets?
A perennial favourite. This subject has been discussed multiple times.
Here are some relevant threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3330297-Museum-of-London-why-female-only-toilets-were-so-important
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3322488-GRC-and-Toilets?pg=1
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3329936-teen-films-girl-in-toilet

What about women’s prisons?
Fair Play for Women: fairplayforwomen.com/prisons/

Recent threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3334473-BBC-reality-check-on-trans-prisoners
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3309758-This-never-happens-male-offenders-in-female-prisons

What about women’s shelters?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3158576-Women-s-Aid-considers-employing-self-declared-transwomen-i-e-men-in-womens-shelters
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3325247-Stonewall-report-into-domestic-and-violent-services

What about transgender children?
The first port of call should be:
gids.nhs.uk/
A gender-critical parent view is represented by:
www.transgendertrend.com/

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3265524-Transgender-Trend-Crowdfunder-suspended?pg=1
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3317880-Parents-who-wont-affirm-8-yr-old-gender-change-being-referred-to-social-services
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3280972-Rapid-Onset-of-Gender-Dysphoria-in-Adolescents-and-Young-Adults-a-Descriptive-Study
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3318996-Excellent-counter-view-to-ROGD

Why are lesbians protesting?
Magdalen on "Are Genital Preferences Transphobic?"

Trans activism and the lesbian community www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3146166-Transactivism-and-the-lesbian-community

London Pride 2018 protests: Get the L Out
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3301033-Get-the-L-Out-Statement-by-the-lesbian-protesters-at-Pride-London

An introduction to the “cotton ceiling”
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3294339-cotton-ceiling-evidence-thread

What about women’s sports?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3324477-Transwomen-in-sport-I-need-sources-re-their-advantage

What's going on with the Girl Guides?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2832114-This-puts-me-off-Girl-Guides
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3314566-another-girlguiding-update

What is the difference between transsexuals and the current understanding of transgender ideology? Why are some trans people against the ideas being espoused by some trans activists?
Rose of Dawn
www.youtube.com/user/AshleeK9
Debbie Hayton
debbiehayton.wordpress.com/
Miranda Yardley
mirandayardley.com/en/

What are the protected categories in the Equality Act?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3327711-Has-Transgender-replaced-Gender-Reassignment-in-protected-characteristics-of-Equality-Act

Why is self-ID/reform of the Gender Recognition Act considered controversial?
fairplayforwomen.com/full_guide/
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3188687-impact-of-self-id-on-equality-act
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3198512-Help-me-be-clear-about-the-GRA-Equality-Act-Exemptions

What can I do if I am concerned about this issue?
Links to consultations
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3318003-Bringing-your-MUST-DO-WOMENS-RIGHTS-consultations-together-with-links-and-timelines-thread
Other actions
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3329362-Get-offline

Why are women protesting self-identifying trans women taking places on all-women’s shortlists?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3136891-Transwomen-should-be-considered-for-all-women-shortlist-Guardian
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3329447-People-Who-Oppose-Trans-Rights-Have-No-Place-In-Labour-Says-The-First-LGBT-Mayoral-Adviser?pg=1

How has the gender debate evolved, from the gender-critical perspective?
This “Greatest hits” thread is illustrative
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3318916-Gender-Critical-Greatest-Hits
Also this:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3317032-Using-women-as-human-shields
And a discussion around the silencing of gender-critical voices
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3273966-Twitter-banning-accounts-that-deadname-Ian-Huntley-is-not-using-his-female-name-hate-speech-now
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3262965-Good-article-today-BBC-on-the-twitter-ban-on-womens-free-speech-on-trans-issues?pg=1

“Feminism is about equality” or the related “Is feminism for men?”
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3331306-Feminism-is-equality
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3332894-Can-a-man-teach-feminism

Are we evil?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3301684-Are-we-the-baddies

Are you alone in your gender-critical thoughts?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3291425-Gender-Critical-Lurkers
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3277047-I-am-S-p-a-r-t-a-c-u-s

Are you affected by marital difficulties related to trans issues?
You’re not alone
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3101834-trans-widows-escape-committee

Who is Jess Bradley and why is this individual important?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3320513-Jess-Bradley-first-transgender-student-officer-suspended-after-flashing-photos
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3321764-Jess-Bradley-suspended-Part-II
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3325623-Jess-Bradley-a-government-advisor-on-womens-rights-suspended-by-NUS-over-indecent-blog-Part-iii
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3323623-Who-is-really-funding-Jess-Bradleys-defence

What are some of the theories about the funding of the trans activist movement?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3328210-Follow-the-money-who-is-funding-the-US-transborg

Why is the feminist board so careful?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3321127-public-service-announcement

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 18/10/2018 00:06

What has happened with the Guardian? They've essentially admitted that gender-critical feminists have some points?! Two days before the consultation closes?!?!?!?!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397678-The-Guardian-REVERSE-FERRET
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397633-is-this-an-about-face-from-the-guardian

Meeting with a group of Muslim women to talk about the GRA? Fabulous work by MN Star Sarahjconnor
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397383-Meeting-a-group-of-Muslim-women-to-discuss-GRA

Stephen Whittle, prominent trans activist, in the Guardian: "I am sure there will be a flurry of attempts and suicides". Absolutely appalling statement that flies in the face of Samaritans guidance on mental health. The threat of suicide if activists do not get everything they want is a highly emotionally manipulative and dangerous narrative.

Stephen himself is on this thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397010-Guardian-article-on-MPs-concern-with-GRA

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397127-Stephen-Whittle-Press-for-Change-irresponsible-use-of-likely-suicides-follows-Helen-Belchers-Trans-Media-Watch

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 17/10/2018 10:30

We have been lied to, deliberately, about single sex wards.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396859-Weve-been-lied-to-about-Single-SEX-wards-since-2010

The Guardian covers MPs being afraid to speak out about this issue. I would personally prepare for some more pro-transactivist pieces, and maybe an Owen Jones column forthwith
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397010-Guardian-article-on-MPs-concern-with-GRA

What rights do transpeople not have, which other people do?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396918-So-what-rights-do-transpeople-think-they-don-t-have

Stonewall is rattled by Fair Play for Women, so goes on the offensive with an advertisement in the Metro, that actually conveys a good message but is linked to Stonewall's own political position on self-ID, and is signed by big influential organizations. Including GCHQ. Again, Orwellian is overused, but c'mon people. How much clearer does it need to get?!?!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397047-Full-page-advert-in-Metro
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397090-Which-companies-charities-and-public-organisations-are-supporting-Stonewalls-position

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 16/10/2018 22:05

Women's groups went to parliament to brief MPs on the concerns of ordinary women around sex self-ID. MPs reportedly elected to remain anonymous, so that they would not be targeted for harassment.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396641-MPs-scared-to-be-caught-in-same-place-as-gender-critical-feminists-Edited-by-MNHQ-at-OPs-request

David Davies, Conservative MP, has spoken out about being under investigation and a colleague threatened to call the police on him.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396459-David-Davies-MP-speaks-out-about-harrassment-calls-for-stop-to-GRA-reform-urgent-review-involving-womens-groups

Woman's Hour- finally talks about the gender-shaped elephant in the room........ It goes as one would expect.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3395121-Womens-Hour-Tomorrow
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396634-Women-s-Hour-not-fit-for-purpose
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3395180-Please-email-Womans-Hour-today

John Berkow - who decided NOT to allow discussion of transgender rapist Karen White and how this individual ended up in a women's prison - in controversy.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396169-John-Bercow-sex-pest-ridicules-GC-Women-friend-of-Pink-News-Edward-Lord-who-refused-UQ-about-prison-policy-following-Karen-White-Case-Unconnected

Transwoman takes the women's cycling gold... How can anyone really believe this is fair?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3393442-Transwoman-takes-womens-world-record

Is the GRA really working well? Panel decides not to allow a legal gender change for a person convicted of illegal explosives, but is overruled...............
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396449-GRC-for-transwoman-with-illegal-explosives-conviction

Some good news with this letter in the Guardian, full of gender-critical academic signatories!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3396754-Academics-letter-in-Guardian

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 16/10/2018 01:58

Now is really the time to fill in the GRA consultation, closes 19th October! Please consider contacting your MP about your concerns, too!

Threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3395563-GRA-consultation-FPfW-website-crash

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3393829-26-000-hits-on-the-one-click-page-from-Fair-play-for-Women

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3395079-has-anyone-completed-the-GRA-consultation-from-the-perspective-of-thinking-it-should-be-repealed-altogether

Reporting problems with how this whole GRA consultation has been done:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3393523-Reporting-problems-with-the-GRA-consultation

Analysing a Gov.uk statement on the consultation:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3394716-Gov-uk-statement-about-the-GRA-consultation

Please do so, if you can. There is a simple version, or you can complete your own responses, perhaps using guidance from Woman's Place UK and Fair Play For Women. Wonderful people have been updating on correspondence with their MPs, talks they've had with others, and the amazing steps they've taken. Thank you!

We now have some evidence from a poll of MPs that many of them are concerned about these changes, and oppose self-ID.

The Times:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3393645-the-times-mordaunt-faces-backlash-from-mps-re-trans-reform

James Kirkup:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3395328-James-Kirkup-Coffee-House-Even-our-MPs-are-afraid-of-the-transgender-mob

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 12/10/2018 23:19

Petition against self-ID for demanding access to female prisons - please sign!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392617-New-Petition-re-Prisons-in-respect-of-Self-ID

Adult Human Female: lightshow in London!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392696--adulthumanfemale-in-London

Delete my gender, please (I have a SEX)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392580-Delete-My-Gender-Please

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 12/10/2018 17:03

Self-ID in Norway, a woman is sued for challenging a male who identifies as a woman in the changing room.... Is it really "working out fine" over there?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392233-Self-ID-in-Norway-woman-sued-for-harassment-for-challenging-intact-male-in-changing-room

There are apparently more trans women who have committed murder than been the victims of murder in the UK over the past few years (zombie thread but worth a read)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3064926-Number-of-trans-people-who-are-murderers-is-greater-than-the-number-of-trans-people-who-are-murder-victims-in-UK-Title-amended-by-MNHQ

The thought-police target the Rector of Edinburgh University for tweeting a gender-critical message....
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392001-Calls-for-Rector-of-Edinburgh-University-to-be-sacked-because-she-re-tweeted-message-about-House-of-Commons-meeting-on-GRA

Karen White, transgender rapist moved to women's prison and sexually assaulted four females:
Jeremy Vine:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392001-Calls-for-Rector-of-Edinburgh-University-to-be-sacked-because-she-re-tweeted-message-about-House-of-Commons-meeting-on-GRA
Ricky Gervais:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392352-Ricky-Gervais-chimes-in-over-Karen-White
Dr Nic and Julia Hartley-Brewer!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3392163-Nicola-Williams-on-Talk-Radio-with-Julia-HB-at-9-30am

(And Adrian is now apparently being transphobic by questioning if maybe Karen was a "faker"....)

OP posts:
OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 11/10/2018 18:14

Karen White is jailed for life - and will hopefully never set foot in a women's area again
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391430-Karen-White-sentenced-to-life
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391374-Life-Sentence-for-White-You-represent-a-significant-risk-of-serious-harm-to-children-to-women-and-to-the-general-public

Can we talk about PinkNews? Because, friends, this is not an unbiased media outlet, and they seem to be very close to certain powerful individuals in this debate
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390910-Can-we-talk-about-Pink-News-Collecting-examples-of-their-propaganda

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 11/10/2018 13:39

Jean Hatchet being smeared by TRAs, in a truly disgraceful manner, who accuse her of diverting the money she has raised for women's refuges
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391093-trans-attack-on-fund-for-refuges

Kathleen Stock's excellent speech to the House of Lords
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391330-Prof-Kathleen-Stock-WPUK-speech-at-House-of-Lords-Important-disection-of-the-key-issues-for-MPs-policy-makers-etc-with-ref-to-The-Trans-Equality-Report

Why are older women being vilified in this debate? Does nobody respect their elders anymore?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391208-it-may-be-a-while-before-older-women-stop-feeling-erased

Freedom of speech and the Irish bakery case
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390689-Implications-of-the-Irish-gay-cake-ruling

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 11/10/2018 09:04

Trustpilot erases negative reviews left by women in the wake of Ocado deciding that the dictionary definition of what women are was hate speech!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390317-Trustpilot-have-removed-all-negative-comments-re-Ocado

More about the ridiculous word WOMXN
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390975-Womxn-controversy-on-Newsnight
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390766-womxn-at-nottingham-contemporary
Another piece by James Kirkup
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390655-James-Kirkup-nails-it-once-more-The-word-woman-is-under-attack-Edited-by-MNHQ-at-OPs-request

At least one MP believes in basic science
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390955-my-mp-thinks-self-id-is-ridiculous

Women are an economic force to be reckoned with
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385285-Vive-la-Revolution-Harnessing-the-economic-power-of-women-concerned-about-self-id-call-to-action-capitalist-comrades

Posie can't get the definition of woman to be displayed in Scotland..........
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3391029-Definition-of-woman-banned-from-buses-in-Edinburgh

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 10/10/2018 19:52

What the heck is a womxn? And WHY is a SCIENCE museum using that term?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386022-What-s-your-definition-of-womxn

Fair Play for Women puts out an impressive ad in the Metro! Well done! Choose reality!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390365-FPFW-full-page-ad-in-the-Metro

Dawn Butler appears to completely ignore the "WOMAN" part of her remit, and listens to a MAN who appears to be systematically attempting to erase women's autonomy and free speech
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390213-Dawn-Butler-Shadow-MP-for-WOMEN-has-doubled-down-on-her-hatred

Woman's Place UK goes to the House of Lords!!!!!!!!!!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390587-Womens-place-in-the-House-of-Lords-right-now

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 10/10/2018 10:24

A positive thread - awards for awesome women! Massive congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist, including A Woman's Place UK and Jean Hatchet!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390008-Fantastic-women-recognised

What are the definitions of "woman" and "man" that the government are actually using for the consultation? Why are these words suddenly so hard to define?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389708-Definition-of-man-and-woman-used-in-the-GRA-consultation

Are academics quietly working together to disrupt the orthodoxy?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390172-An-academic-network-to-challenge-accepted-narratives

Someone raises the question of whether a transwoman being a woman is like being an adopted parent... So let's re-hash the "it's like adoption" argument?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3390138-Because-biology-is-not-a-good-argument

The Mumsnet take on a Vice article that appears to be dictating what others should be doing to make trans activists happier...
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389921-100-Easy-Ways-to-make-the-world-better-for-Transpeople

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 09/10/2018 20:48

Fairplay for women shows us a quick and easy way to respond to the GRA consultation
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389284-Quick-and-easy-way-to-fill-in-the-GRA-consultation

A poster wonders whether their gender identity truly is non-binary, and should they apply for an opportunity?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389169-I-m-thinking-of-applying-for-an-opportunity-on-the-basis-of-being-non-binary

Dr Radfem announces another meeting in Barnstable 26/10
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389295-barnstaple-26-10-18

A trans woman argues in court that they cannot be tried for a crime committed when they were a man.........
I can't remember if this thread is already linked, but it's worth posting twice if so.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386138-Trans-woman-argues-they-can-t-be-tried-in-court-as-they-were-a-man-when-they-committed-the-crime

Let's talk about the mental exhaustion of going up against trans activists
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387624-Exhausted-and-depressed-by-the-power-and-misogyny-of-TRAs

A lurker who speaks! Thank you so much to every person who is standing up in their own way!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387515-I-have-had-enough-now-so-this-is-what-I-have-done-A-lurker-speaks

Girl Guiding can't explain why boys and girls should sleep separately.......... Really?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389457-Girl-Guiding-can-t-explain-why-girls-and-boys-should-sleep-separately

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 09/10/2018 09:24

Sophie Walker writes an interesting Twitter thread, where she appears to acknowledge sex-based oppression
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389103-Sophie-Walker

Lucy Bannerman on youth hostel policy that essentially makes same-sex spaces mixed sex
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3388965-Lucy-Bannerman-Youth-Hostels-Association-allow-trans-guests-to-use-female-dormitories

Radio 4 Thought for the Day........ another one to add to the BBC Bias thread!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3389092-r4-thought-for-the-day

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 08/10/2018 18:00

What's wrong with the GRA consultation? (What isn't)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385683-Whats-wrong-with-the-GRA-consultation

Equality Act Guidance has changed
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3388551-Important-The-Equality-Act-guidance-has-just-changed

Interesting background on the original GRA discussions
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3388507-Fascinating-background-on-parliamentary-questions-re-the-original-GRA-bill

Trevor Kavanagh in the Sun talking about debate being stifled
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387961-Trevor-Kavanagh-in-The-Sun-National-Conversation-is-being-gagged

What happened to the MN intern that doxxed women?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3388461-The-aftermath-of-the-intern-data-leak

Do all young people and university students really believe that trans women are women?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387659-Given-that-nearly-every-university-student-seems-to-believe-TWAW-will-sanity-ever-prevail

LGBT Youth Scotland - what's the story?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3377446-Tell-me-about-LGBT-Youth-Scotland

Sandy Draws Badly
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3388140-the-sandy-draws-badly-appreciation-thread

John McLean - who is this man?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387870-John-Maclean

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 07/10/2018 22:57

Busy busy board this weekend!

Fair Play for Women meeting MPs at the House of Commons on the 16th October - ask your MP to attend
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386544-Fair-Play-For-Women-meeting-MPs-at-House-of-Common-on-16th-October

The Sunday Times exposes the full scale of the activist silencing campaign against women who speak up for women! How is this allowed to happen in a "democracy"?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386895-The-Sunday-Times-exposes-the-full-scale-of-an-activist-silencing-campaign-against-opponents-of-controversial-gender-reforms

Magdalen Berns - gender critical heroine - posts an update. Sending her love and all the best wishes for her health.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387028-magdalen-berns-has-posted-an-update

The Manchester Police Pride Network supports banning uppity women who believe in female sex-based rights... So. That actually happened. We really are witches now.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387573-Greater-Manchester-Police-Pride-Network-supports-No-T-on-our-turf

Graham Linehan gets the attention of the West Yorkshire Police... Hope he is okay.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386917-West-Yorkshire-Police-AGAIN

Fionne Orlander, beautiful on the inside and out. Please take care of yourself.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385912-fionne-orlander

Is the feminism board far too aggressive?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3387052-aggressive-feminism-boards

Jenny Jones (Green Party Member of the House of Lords) gets her flyers defaced and is now fed up with the bullies! Solidarity to you, Jenny!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386603-Jenny-Jones-Green-member-of-House-of-Lords-is-officially-fed-up

A Trans widow article in the Guardian?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3386391-My-life-in-sex-I-no-longer-want-to-make-love-to-a-person-who-wishes-they-didn-t-have-a-penis

Sending warm thoughts to Caroline Farrow, Posie Parker, Alison Moyet, Jonny Best, Graham Linehan, and everyone who is experiencing the harassment unleashed. Flowers
Ongoing thanks and wishes of well-being to Magdalen and Jean Hatchet. Flowers

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 05/10/2018 22:05

Thanks for the very useful links, MrsFogi!

So for some VERY interesting developments:
Dr Helen Webberley (of BBC "unopposed expert on trans issues" fame, according to Nicki Campbell) has been found guilty of providing an unregistered online medical clinic!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385789-Helen-Webberley-found-guilty

Solid articles to prove sexual dimorphism when you're trying to engage with people on a very basic level
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385592-I-need-a-really-solid-article-proving-our-sexual-dimorphism

What is "queer heterosexuality"?
I don't actually know because I haven't read the thread, but it sounds a bit like the whole "non-binary" concept to me....
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/2974673-Can-anyone-explain-queer-heterosexuality-to-me

Debbie Hayton writes another impassioned letter in the Times
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385263-debbie-hayton-letter-times-05-10-18

A Spectator podcast with a gender critical slant!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385680-spectator-podcast-madeleine-kearnes-and-india-willoughby

New blog from Rosa Freedman and Rosemary Auchmuty! Legal gender-critical views in conversation!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385619-New-blog-from-Rosa-Freedman-and-Rosemary-Auchmuty

Tara Hewitt, prominent trans activist campaigner working with the NHS.... Apparently doesn't think there is anything to see with the exponential rise in girls with gender dysphoria
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3385533-Prominant-campaigning-role-of-Tara-Hewitt-NHS-TELI-Social-work-universities-etc

And just a reminder to be careful, I believe there is still at least one active doxxer on Twitter.

OP posts:
MrsFogi · 05/10/2018 10:20

Flexing the economic power of women

Ocado Boycott

List of the good guys and bad guys

Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 04/10/2018 23:41

Jonnny Best on BBC Radio, defending women's rights, freedom of speech, and calling out Stonewall. Truly excellent work! Thanks Jonny!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384782-PM-radio-four-Stonewall-petition

Susie Green of Mermaids in the Guardian, with predictable results...
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384335-Susie-Green-article-in-the-Graun

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 04/10/2018 17:52

Holy cow, things are heating up!

Please fill out the consultation on enforcing the Equality Act
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384441-Inquiry-into-the-Equality-Act-2010-please-participate

Stonewall petition in the Times!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384220-Jonnie-Best-co-letter-to-the-Times-petition-article

STONEWALL DOUBLES DOWN AND REFUSES TO ENGAGE
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384455-Ruth-Hunt-Stonewall-do-not-and-will-not-acknowledge-that-there-is-a-conflict-between-trans-rights-and-sex-based-women-s-rights

James Kirkup gets a cover in the Spectator, and writes an EXCELLENT piece indeed.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384307-James-Kirkup-Spectator-lead-article-Trans-rights-have-gone-wrong-The-new-gender-orthodoxy-allows-no-room-for-dissent

Another excellent piece in the same magazine about NOT TELLING PARENTS
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384362-Don-t-Tell-The-Parents-Former-Teacher-on-Concerns-About-Official-Schools-Guidance

National Autistic Society, at least temporarily, distances itself from Mermaids following complaints
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384565-Good-news-from-the-National-Autistic-Society-regarding-Mermaids-Please-help

The less we talk about Amnesty's position on women, the better. Now they are coming out in favour of Mermaids and self-ID....
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3383981-Amnesty-has-jumped-the-shark

OP posts:
Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 04/10/2018 00:06

Stonewall petition started by Jonny Best alongside some other illustrous gender-critical names!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384045-Petition-to-Stonewall

Talking about the Gender Recognition Act, and sharing your criticism of self-ID in real life
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3384004-holy-crap-i-ve-approached-friends-about-gra-and-now-i-m-crapping-myself-a-bit

Penny Mordaunt thinks the public need to be re-educated? Remind me again how the public are supposed to be "consulted" about this?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3382991-Penny-Mordaunt-thinks-the-public-need-re-educated-on-trans-rights-issues

Can we talk about the fear of looking "unkind"?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3381834-why-are-appeasers-afraid-of-being-unkind

OP posts:
leonaza · 03/10/2018 19:42

Thanks heresy! I shall give all of that a read now.

Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 03/10/2018 19:13

Great questions.
My own opinion -
Gay men on the whole have, in my view, stayed either relatively silent, or given vocal support for trans activists.
When men get asked about things like whether cunnilingus is now gay sex, they either completely shut it down or get terribly offended at the very suggestion (like our buddy Owen Jones allegedly did). Basically, they refuse to be bullied (because let's face it, the power dynamics of a biologically female trans man telling a biologically male gay man to have sex with them is very different from the reverse), and a few may actively join in on the trans activist band wagon.
Some gay men are speaking out against this, and become powerful allies. Notably Jonny Best has written some very powerful essays and shown himself to be a true ally.
Regarding trans men, I think they have a much easier time passing once they go on testosterone. But you are right, they are pretty quiet. Given that they are all born female I HIGHLY doubt that they think they'd get away with going into a men's changing room with an obviously female body, as evidenced by what happened when ManFriday went to men's ponds in Hampstead - the police were called.

Here are some threads for more views than my own on the subject:

What about trans men?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3212371-Where-are-all-the-trans-men-An-Answer
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3312815-Trans-men-arent-men-according-to-gay-men
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3328371-Guardian-runs-article-by-trans-man

Male Gender-Criticals
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/2934803-Male-TERFS
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3345094-Gender-Critical-views-gaining-traction
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3345564-Another-bloke-making-another-strong-GC-argument
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3345940-Another-man-speaks-out

OP posts:
leonaza · 03/10/2018 18:05

Does anybody know where trans men and also gay men stand in this debate? Their voices seem to be largely absent and I don't know if that's because I'm not looking in the right places or if they are just not concerned.

Flipping the cotton ceiling around, I wonder if gay men are also being told they should have sex with trans men with female genitalia, and if so how do they feel about that? And how do trans men feel, are they as concerned about being accepted or self id ing as men if they do not transition physically?

It would be really interesting to hear those points of view on these issues.

Original poster
heresyandwitchcraft · 03/10/2018 10:58

An excellent response to trans activist propaganda outlet PinkNews
Do they ever talk about how lesbians are actually feeling about this? Because they're supposed to cover the "L", too. And I have seen enough to know that lesbians are our canary in the coalmine with this shite.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3241054-a-response-to-pink-news

Stonewall wants children to respond to the consultation?!?!
I am lost in a pit of despair. Rest in Peace, common sense. For ye have died a painful death, and it was the "woke" who did it.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3383249-stonewall-encouraging-primary-aged-children-to-fill-in-the-gra-consultation

OP posts: