This evening I went to an event in a library where there was to be a discussion about LGBT ++ books, apparently as part of International Women’s Day. I dug out a few of my old lesbian books , thinking I could donate them. When I arrived I asked if my books could be displayed alongside any others that might be offered. This was rejected. The speakers turned out to be from the LGBTI collective, no visible women or lesbians . Then a man with coloured hair, and a male who identified himself as trans and a teacher explained that books were important to give young people and children role models etc. Some of the books were described, and apart from the fact that there were many on the subject of trans, there were about 2 about lesbians. I did wonder whether the one about a trans prostitute in Argentina was suitable material for use in schools. The speakers then talked about their lives, and sure enough it was all about the T. How that TW are just like cis women, like black women etc. By this time I was seething as lesbians had more or less disappeared. Eventually I got the mike and explained there had been lesbian culture in the past and how it had been destroyed over time by Trans ideology and actions. This was not popular and there was a tussle with the mike as the teacher aggressively tried to prevent me from saying any more by accusing me of believing all TW should not be in changing rooms and so on. Which is true, but I hadn’t said it. So this person did all the work and told me I had n right to say “she “wasn’t a woman, in a very male aggressive way..QED
I managed to say a bit about how young lesbians and girls are being harmed and how it would be great if afghan girls could identify out of their oppression. Two gay guys then took the mike off me and having received no support from any of the women there including the women’s officer, who reassured the men that all feminists are not like me! I know the woman and was surprised that she took this line which was the last straw so I left. With my books.
I wish I had not been so angry outwardly but the absolute nonsense in the room was just too much. Anyway just needed to talk about it but glad that maybe something alternative was heard.