www.thenational.scot/news/17472564.they-do-not-speak-for-us-feminists-hit-back-at-trans-exclusionary-activists-in-open-letter/
We, the undersigned, are a large and diverse group of women who are committed to ensuring that trans people feel welcome and safe within our society.
Recently there has been a rise in ill-informed articles and commentary, where writers have continually insinuated that trans women are not women. These same pieces misrepresent current legal statutes, equalities policies, and public attitudes in Scotland.
Since 2004 the Gender Recognition Act has realised, in law, the rights of trans women as women and trans men as men. Since 1999, the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations and then the Equality Act (2010) have recognised, in law, the right of the trans community not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender reassignment. The right of trans people to access gender specific services is an already settled legal matter.
Many national and regional news outlets routinely fail in their pages to recognise this legal reality. Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.
We believe that national conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence are necessary, however these conversations should not in any way attempt to roll back the rights that trans people already have in Scotland, nor spread misinformation.
In the Scottish Government's recent public consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act (2004) a majority of respondents supported gender self declaration, as well as recognising non-binary people. As a collective of women, we urge that trans-exclusionary writers do not suggest that their narrow and archaic arguments are in any way representative of the women of Scotland. They do not speak for us.
This is not an issue of Freedom of Speech. Both sides have a plethora of platforms to outline their position. However, it is imperative that these platforms should not be used to spread misinformation or misrepresent the law or the facts in this area.
When this conversation is reduce
d to allegations of "shutting down debate" whenever misrepresentation or misinformation is challenged, the result is to purposefully discount the position of many women - like us - who support the trans community. We will be heard.
Trans people have played an integral role in every civil rights movement to date; from LGBT equality to women's causes. Attempts to airbrush trans people from conversations regarding equality and human rights, or to exclude them from advancements for LGBT and women's rights, have happened before. Such efforts may have re-energised, but they are nothing new, and we say as a collective of women: they are not representative of us. We support trans rights.
Outlets and commentators have an ethical responsibility to consider the impact of their reportage, analysis and commentary particularly on the mental health of trans young people. Recently, data from Stonewall Scotland revealed that over half of trans people considered ending their lives last year. Trans people continue to face unlawful discrimination and violence. Routine misinformation and sensationalism is contributing to a cultural climate where this is legitimised. This has to stop.
Journalists, commentators, and publishers have a central role to play in ensuring Scotland is a welcoming and inclusive place for trans people.
The conversation has to change.
Rhiannon Spear, Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Glasgow City Councillor for Greater Pollok
Tiffany Kane, Vice Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Operations Manager at Common Weal
Dame Emma Thompson, Double Academy Award Winner
Laura Waddell, Publisher and Writer
Dr Jennifer Jones, Independent
Rosa Zambonini, Communications Manager to Member of the Scottish Parliament
Cllr Jennifer Layden, SNP Councillor for Calton
Dr Claire Askew, University of Edinburgh
Laura Wylie, Sexual Violence Prevention Worker at the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus),
Sinead Daly, CEO of the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus)
Christina Neuwirth, Writer
Kate Adair, SQIFF
Eve Livingston, Freelance Journalist
Kelly Given, Equalities & Mental Health Advocate
Jennifer Constable, Journalist
Rachel Hamada, Journalist
Leona Jack, Gender Based Violence Practitioner
Angela Haggerty, Journalist
Lynne Davies, Foster Carer
Amanda Stanley, Freelance Podcast Producer
Kaite Welsh, Author & Journalist
Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston
Miriam Brett, International Finance Project Manager
Sarah Masson, or Co-Artistic Director of Shift, Shift Theatre
Fi and Charlotte Duffy-Scott, Co-Owners, Category Is Books, Glasgow
Claire Biddles, Freelance Writer
Erin Hardee, Schools Outreach Organiser
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee
Dr Pat Cullum BA (Hons) DPhil FRHistS, FHEA, School Co-Ordinator for Student Experience, School of Music, Humanities and Media, University of Huddersfield
Gail Ross MSP, SNP Member of Scottish Parliament for Caithness
Dr Eleanor Janega, Guest Teacher at the LSE
Cllr Kim Long, Green Councillor for Dennistoun
Cllr Eva Murray, Labour Councillor for Garscadden/ Scotstounhill
Cllr Christina Cannon, SNP Councillor for Springburn/Robroyston
Cllr Martha Wardrop, Green Councillor for Hillhead
Bailie Christy Mearns, Green Councillor for Anderston/ City & Yorkhill
Cara Spence, Head of Programmes, LGBT Youth Scotland
Amy Irons, Broadcaster
Hannah Pearson, Queer Feminist Campaigner
Rebecca Crowther, PHD Social Science Researcher
Susan Ross, Police Scotland
Jane Friffin, Head of Partnerships, LGBT Youth Scotland
Michelle Sodo, Head of Operations, LGBT Youth Scotland
Nicola Booth, Head of Youth Work, LGBT Youth Scotland
Bridget Bradley, Teaching Fellow, The University of Edinburgh School of Medical Anthropology
Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland Programme Director, Amnesty International
Gayle Telfer Stevens, Olivier Award Winning Actor
Jen Ang, Lawyer and Director, Just Right Scotland
Lisa Clark, Senior Communications Officer, Children in Scotland
Mhairi McMillan, Solicitor, Logans Solicitors, Cumnock
Margaret Logan, Women’s Aid, Support Worker
Dr Brandi Lee Lough Dennell, Research Associate
Rona Mackay, SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden
Hazel Marzetti, PHD Student, University of Glasgow
Pam Currie, EIS FELA President (Personal Capacity)
Fiona Robertson, SNP's National Women's and Equalities Convenor
Katherine O’Donnell, Journalist
Christine Burns MBE, Equality Campaigner and Author
Lucy Spraggan, Musician
Leeze Lawrence, Producer, Editor, Filmmaker & Trans Advocate
Helen Nugent, Journalist and Editor of Northern Soul
Janet Coulson, Actor and Creative Director of Firebrand Theatre
Paris Lees, Writer and Broadcaster
Marlene Zwickler, Agent and Producer
Elena Soper, Feminist and Activist
Mhairi Black MP, Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Dr Lindsay Clark, Post-Doctoral researcher
Jackie Brock, Chief Executive, Children in Scotland
Joanna Murphy, Chair, National Parent Forum for Scotland
Louise Oliver, Actor and producer
Lady Mary Hope, Lady Hope of Craighead
Audrey Barnes, Campaigns & Programmes Coordinator at YWCA Scotland
Jemma Tracey, Senior Participation Officer, Children in Scotland
Laura McGlynn, University of Glasgow
Bailey McCormack, Event Coordinator and Freelance Performer
Emma Rogan, Senior Policy Officer at Children in Scotland
RóisÃn McKelvey, Feminist PhD Researcher
Janine Ewen, Queer Feminist, Violence Against Women Campaigner