For Women Scotland - Public meeting on Women's Rights in Scotland - Edinburgh, 31/1/19

Another who will be there tonight. Let them protest - as long as they don't prevent us meeting or cause problems then it's a legitimate part of democracy.

Of course, whether they're capable of being silent and not causing problems is a different question entirely.

Unfortunately I think they are more interested in talking at you, than with you. ☹️ If they aren’t prepared to debate, all that’s left is to dictate.

I think they are also intimidating your audience. I’m almost 50 and have been a feminist all my adult life, and I’ve never felt so unsafe attending a meeting. Presumably they are focused on no debate, and if they can’t shut up the speakers, at least let there be no audience 😡

However, I admire you optimistism 😊. God loves a trier 😘

I'm an eternal optimist -- we lawyers are idealists by nature and training! If they don't want to talk to me that will be their choice, but I will offer the opportunity because everyone has an opinion and it is only by engaging with one another that we can move the discussions forward in a constructive way. I spend a lot of time at the UN with diplomats from across the world. and also a lot of time negotiating with 9yr olds, both of which lays firm foundations for talking to protestors!!!

(10mins and counting until a cigarette....)

I love your optimism RosaFreedman1983, but I’m afraid you’re in for a disappointment.

Rosa there Facebook event says they are planning to handle us leaflets in silence as trans is not up for debate.

PS recommend nicotine inhalers, please don’t lose your head 😉

Peaceful protest is a legitimate and needed part of democracy. I welcome the opportunity to talk to protestors, to listen to their concerns and points of view, and to engage with them. Perhaps some dialogues between attendees and protestors this evening would go some way towards bringing people together to find constructive solutions? Just a thought. I plan to get there sufficiently early to do just that. See you soon, mumsnetters! (Also how glorious is this sunshine, and how beautiful is this country?! Loving staring out of the train window!)

If I just read those twitter posts I’d think it was an awful thing too. Fortunately we all have the right to question the GRA, to believe women are adult human females, and to have opinions on the census data. There is nothing in there that is about hate.

Just wanted to say I’ll be attending and won’t be put off by any protestors. Their aim is to intimidate people into having second thoughts and not joining the meeting, so if you have a determined business as usual approach, you’ll be able to move past them no problem. At last year’s WPUK event they were very loud and made lots of noise and liked to use their banners to appear as if they were blocking access, but if you just carry on as if you fully expect them to move aside for you - they do. So make like you are late to collect your kids or granny from inside the building, make brief eye contact and wear a smile as you go in. Same on exiting. Ignore them and just carry on. Will see you all there.

I’m so envious of all the courageous women attending and hope you have a brilliant day.

I'm sure all the non-attendees who just happen to be there will be thrilled to have one more group pushing leaflets at them. It's already fun running the gauntlet in city centre.

I do love the outrage at having been filmed! We're all being filmed every day by the omnipresent CCTV, so it's not like it's anything new. I agree with the sentiment about wishing for more privacy in general, but it doesn't strike me as though they really believe in that as a general right.

Best of luck to you brave women in Edinburgh today! Hope all goes smoothly.

The protest group called Sisters Uncut - are they transwomen who haven't had the op? Ie what does the 'uncut' bit mean?

It’s also very cold here today. It’s a day for sitting by a cosy fire, rather than congregating in a chilly public square 90 minutes before a 2 hour event. I hope they have their thermals on 😳

Presumably they bought a ticket. It’s difficult to stop people intent on this sort of action.

But solidarity with all those attending

At least they will be silent!

Here’s the plan

Saw this on Facebook. Looks like you will have company.

Emails have now been sent to all ticket holders with the venue details. As said above, would appreciate if you could keep it under your hat!

yes wear what you want. I'm coming from work so will be skirted but otherwise would have been in leggings or jeans

I've gotten an email now.

Just to ask, these aren't a formal sort of events? Casual wear is fine?

Yes agree not to post it here. But I've not had any email yet. Will post when I have (but not the location!) I so want to be there but think it may be too difficult. (No access to emails now til 2ish anyway).

No email yet ? being sent middle of day. I think that's when they've been sent before to give enough time to get there but not give our harassers too much time.

I'm beginning to be anxious about finding out where it is. I thought there would be an email via Eventbrite but nothing yet. Don't want to miss it!

Just to add, if you do know, probably not a good idea to post it here. But if others are still waiting for their email that would be reassuring.

I have got a ticket but I'm not sure whether I'll make it now - juggling childcare. When will we be told where it is, do you think? Will eventbrite email us?