Fantastic article by Graham Linehan

Well, I really disagree with you Lang.

I totally agree with Graham that the message is strongest coming from trans people (of either sex - Rhys McKavanagh is an example of a transman who get it) as it shows that this isn't a matter of trans against non-trans, it is a matter of one ideology against another.

Well, he's clearly made it an 'announcement' because he'd like to be left alone and not driven to stress related illness by pointing out that this unhinged ideology is entirely wrong and dangerous and who can blame him?

I'd quite like the opportunity to do so myself, but as it's my hospital wards, toilets, changing rooms, rape crisis services, GNC children and ability to name my own self and the causes of my oppression, even if I did make an announcement that I wasn't going to mention it all again, I'd still be dealing with all the consequences.

Glinner has been bold. He's done what decent people should have been doing for a long time. Obviously doing the right thing is always the right thing and shouldn't be condemned. But he is now going to back off and bat away any remaining gadflies, and, like Robert Webb who also partially gets it, indulge in the luxury of being male and able to choose whether or not to engage in this.

And yes, I'm still finding the centering of male voices in this really annoying.

Thank you for your support Glinner, we hear you and are so glad you heard us - hope you return soon we will miss your voice in the meantime.

Proof that there are brilliant men out there who appreciate the lived experience of women and support women's right to have an opinion, voice their opinion openly and seek support by explaining that experience.

Thank you for hearing us

I haven't read it, but are we really thanking a man who's decided to stop defending women?

He's just leaving twitter, not the planet. He, like us, will continue to discuss this in everyday life; with our families; neighbours, work colleagues, and on the streets.

Journalists at The Times and at other publications are going to have even more profound an impact on public awareness. Not everyone is on twitter. Most are not.

Agree. Twitter is a pointless cesspit for the stupid, abusive and immature. You can't argue with those kind of people, because they're not remotely rational. Many people are just there to troll and/or channel their anger at the world into attacking others, particularly the ones that remind them of their mum and all the terrible injustice they have suffered by not getting their own way in everything ever.

I hope our ruling classes come to realise that, and that the nice well adjusted people stop using it eventually and leave the trolls to it.

Yep the TRAs aren't making themselves look good in the comments. No actual answer to the article, just abuse

In the Orwellian world of doublespeak 'abuse is good'. They think they look great. Jeez! We shouldn't bother with these people. Not very bright and undeserving of time and attention.

I just hope that him stepping back isn’t seen as a win by the TRA

It will be. But who really cares? The world beyond twitter is where the debate really needs to happen - and it is there that we must focus our attention.

Wow! The nasty, abusive comments beneath, And people have even posted their image besides these words, as if proud to be associated with such vitriol. No shame whatsoever; along with no critical faculties. The twittersphere is truly toxic. Good job that the battle won't be won there, anyway.

Good post Lang. I agree. Women are the authority on women's rights, not male transsexuals, however welcome their support.

Thank you for all you have done for women Glinner. It is much appreciated 🍷

Not very bright are they?

An easy question to answer.

I understand his position anyway. I know he has been unwell and under a lot of pressure. Why make it so official though? Most people would just simply take a break and come back to it if and when they felt better. It's only social media, pretty casual. No need to make monthly GC tweet quotas.

This official announcement seemed more like he was trying to redirect the TRAs in some way. "This has been my position but don't flame me, i'm out of the game".

That maybe you would have more understanding his position. He hasn't said he will never support women again. Just that he needs to step back for the moment. I dip in and out. I actively engage for a while, get too drained and step back. And I am not a public persona.

If you still feel the same way having actually read it, fine. You are as welcome to your stance as I am to mine.

I have read it Spinnaret and my feelings on him remain unchanged. What were you hoping would happen?

Heartfelt thanks @glinner - you didn't have to stick your head above the parapet, and that you did will forever make you an even bigger hero to me than you were already.

Thanks, Graham, for all you've done. Hugely appreciated.

But y'know, to save this thread from becoming entirely Inner Beryl and White Knight focused, I'm going to say that ZuttZeVootEeeVro does have a point.

This is a pro-woman movement. I say this with love, Graham, and in acknowledgement of the shit you've taken, but, if you ever decide to re-enter the fray I would ask you to reflect on the way in which whenever you need an appeal to authority, you very often use a male trans person with some degree of GC views.

The authorities about women's rights are women.

Our Inner Beryls often stop us being direct about this with you: and I think that's something else you could reflect on.

My Inner Beryl duly vanquished - ingrate! unkind! take what you can get! don't moan! - I'll say thanks again for everything you've done and tried to do in defence of women.

Writer writes about the abuse one receives if one mentions trans.

Commenters confirm by posting they hope he dies. Thus proving the truth of some of his assertions.

Not very bright are they?

RuffleCrow I get what you’re saying, women don’t have the option here of just stopping when exhausted fighting for their basic rights... but anyone who has a public profile is being subjected to a lot more vitriol in real life than most of us are. There are women who have had to break from this too.

Incidentally, about a month ago I spent a bit of time looking up who follows glinner using this tool www.unfollowspy.com/isfriends.php

A LOT of very high profile people do, from many different walks of life, including the media and politics.

It gave me a lot of hope. Of course, it doesn't mean that they agree with him, but it does mean that they will have at least been exposed to some truth on the topic.

RuffleCrow sometimes people have to take a break for the sake of their own wellbeing. He's been under constant unremitting attack, he's probably exhausted from the doxxing and police harassment.

Maybe try reading it then.

I haven't read it, but are we really thanking a man who's decided to stop defending women?

Great. Smashing. Looks like it's just us against the trans juggernaut again then.

Thanks Glinner enjoy the break

Thanks Glinner, best wishes to your family and come back and see us

I thought it was such a good article. Summed it all up perfectly.

Thank you @glinner for all you've done. Now gowan and have a cup of tea. Go on, go on....