R4 Today (28 Feb): Tom Holland interview equating trans debate to the Reformation

I am sick of hearing people describe this as a "niche issue".

This is how sexist society is. This is how invisible women are. This is how invisible child protection is. It doesn't occur to anyone to count anyone other than the XY persons in the equation. Women are half the population. Children a quarter. But it doesn't affect many XY persons, so it's a niche issue. No, it bloody well isn't.

It was ridiculous frankly. He said something along the lines of the idea that men and women are created separately is fundamental to Christianity. Er no. It's fundamental biology that men and women are different.

Then he talked about caring for people who are persecuted. Dear Tom, Disagreeing with people on t'internet isn't persecution and middle class white males are not the most persecuted group on the planet.

He was trying to draw parallels with the Reformation in Europe and how that developed.

People suddenly found that their church walls were being whitewashed, society was being reformed, in the universities etc. I think I can see the point he was making, in terms of how cultural changes happen. Personally I don't think it was a particularly good comparison.

He's got a new book out. Nuff said.

Why on earth are they interviewing Tom Holland about this stuff? What does he know about it?

Used to think he was quite good.

We are well into the witch-hunt phase, with anyone who canot say the incantation TWAW found guilty. Most women accused of witchcraft in the 17th century were 'scolds,' who spoke out in ways not approved.

Heard it and it gave me the rage this morning. It effects EVERYONE! Grrr.

Obviously he had to compare it to the Reformation not the Enlightenment. I seem to recall the burning of books and people in one but not so much in the other.

Here we have people promoting going back to magical beliefs built on sexist roles. Running backwards into the dark ages.

At least now these odd beliefs are getting sunlight. I doubt most people want to go back to theocracy, even under a new magical belief system.

I shouted at the radio when he said it only affects a tiny minority.

No, changing the legal definition of man and woman to be based on feelings not biology affects everyone who ever uses single sex services, i.e. EVERYBODY.