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Original poster

What's the problem with FiLiA?

289 replies

RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 06:26

On another thread a few posters referred to "the FiLiA debacle". Without wanting to poke at the wounds in the current feminist movement, can someone tell me what's gone on?

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Original poster
RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 09:44

@BinturongsSmellOfPopcorn mainly stuff on Twitter, not threads on mumsnet. I don't like to ask on Twitter because it's really fighty there 😀

But, for example, Belstaffie, who is awesome, has been blocked by FiLIA.

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BinturongsSmellOfPopcorn · 06/02/2023 09:33

As you've not said which thread or which posters you're referring to, I don't see how we are meant to guess what unknown people talking about an unknown topic might mean. Surely your best bet is to ask those posters in the thread?

Original poster
RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 09:28

@TheGreatATuin yes, I do tend to ignore but it's getting harder as women I admire are saying they've been blocked etc. And I'm a regular donor to FiLiA so have to decide whether I continue.

I can't get to the Glasgow conference so maybe it will have resolved itself by the time the 2024 event comes around!

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TheGreatATuin · 06/02/2023 08:26

I haven't heard anything. I assume it's the usual this person blocked that person or whatever.
Filia does good work. Its extremely possible, probable in fact, that one of the many women there has said something I vehemently disagree with, but that would be the same as any random group of people. Filia still does an enormous amount of good.
One of the many issues I have with the trans movement is its focus on purity politics and that everyone has to toe the party line exactly or be cast out.
I like the actual diversity we have in the women's movement, including diversity of thought. If there's conflict, then we need to deal with it like grown ups.
Unless I hear something actually substantive around actual and specific allegations, then personally I'd take it with a pinch of salt

Original poster
RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 08:19

@CliantheLang I did skim that thread but found it a bit obtuse. And if it's one session in a large conference does it speak to the ethos of the whole organisation? I was at FiLiA 2021 and saw Helen Lewis who is at odds to some of the FWR board (and me) in some of her views but I don't ascribe them to FiLiA because she was on the agenda.

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Original poster
RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 08:16

@MiaMoor that's from 2021 so not the cause of recent unhappiness?

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RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 08:15

@JoanOgden it's Claire Heuchan and I'm disquieted because she is perceived as divisive by many women I follow and respect. I find her abrasive on social media and generally (IME) FiLiA tends to the look for positives and productive opportunities and inclusive rather than focusing on what divides us.

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ResisterRex · 06/02/2023 08:04

I thought I saw they'd blocked someone who was or said something pro-KJK. But it only popped up while I was trying to find something else on Twitter so no idea really. I had thought they were solid so am keeping an open mind until whatever it is, emerges. Or doesn't. Maybe it's nothing. Who knows!

MiaMoor · 06/02/2023 07:23

Possibly

(youtube link to assault of autistic woman by heavy handed security staff)

IamSarah · 06/02/2023 07:18

bellinisurge · 06/02/2023 06:45

Haven't they not held the line about keeping men out of the movement?

There was a sentence in the free version of the Radical Notion that said socialist feminists should take account of the needs of minority groups including trans people.

I don't think this is an unreasonable approach, especially considering the rising number of trans people born female.

CliantheLang · 06/02/2023 07:15

Don't know. Might have been this: www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/4662757-womens-place-uk-filia-event-the-elephant-ignored-yet-again

JoanOgden · 06/02/2023 07:12

Who's the recent trustee appointment and why are you disquieted?

Original poster
RhymesWithOrange · 06/02/2023 07:10

I genuinely don't know. I know they've blocked women I admire on Twitter and a recent trustee appointment is unpopular (I'm disquieted by it) but I don't know what other people are referring to, and I was at their conference in October!

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bellinisurge · 06/02/2023 06:45

Haven't they not held the line about keeping men out of the movement?

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