You are safe with me

Of course, it is not just sexual and other boundaries that could be crossed. It is also reinforcing the feeling of alienation that these children and teens feel. That someone wears a badge declaring they are ‘allies’ subtly and no one else at an event does reinforces that sense of isolation that is being weaponised. And if you believe it is not being weaponised, why does Stonewall keep using language and messages that builds on these feelings? Just continuing the message about suicide Is enough to communicate the sense of vulnerability and that society in general doesn’t care enough. It has been shown across countries to not be true, yet the message is repeated all the time.

Very good point. It's so bloody cynical, isn't it?

"This is hugely important because the world can feel a very unsafe place for those who aren't straight or cis."

Think for a minute why they feel that way - the statistics (in the UK) don't back this up for violence or genuine risk but someone is telling these kids:

• if someone misgenders you they hate you
• if someone believes something different to you they wish you didn't exist
• you are the most vulnerable group
• there's a trans genocide happening
• if women say no, it's discrimination and a personal attack
• you're not safe with most people

No wonder these kids are scared, tell us again who has their best interests at heart?!

I personally don't think paedophiles will rush out and get these badges. However, I do think feeding into this culture makes these kids more vulnerable to trusting someone who tells them what they want to hear - putting them at risk.

As did McKinnon, the cyclepath.

Absolutely this.

DT can parent his own child as much as he wants, but don’t put other peoples vulnerable kids at risk by creating potentially unsafe situations.

Anyone remember when Munroe Bergdorf encouraged children to get in contact privately?

amp.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/12/nspcc-apologises-over-decision-to-cut-ties-with-trans-activist-munroe-bergdorf

Exactly.

It's not the badge, it's the implied invitation to young people to entrust an adult with their secrets.

frankly there are many situations where a child is MUCH safer with an adult who doesn't try to pretend that they're a member of the opposite sex. If I had a daughter who identified as a boy for example I'd want her scout leader to understand that she isn't a boy, and therefore shouldn't be placed in a situation where she'll be naked or partially dressed around boys.

just another way in which the badge is complete and utter bollocks

@StephanieSuperpowers Suspicious badges, whatever next? Suspicious cupcakes and keyrings afoot...

I'm suspicious of any adult who think that badge doesn't ring any alarm bells. What is wrong with them?

We know that even adult trans people are often quite vulnerable mentally.

It's a bit nuts, isn't it? Tennant and anyone else wearing this badge (much like the rainbow lanyard worn by some NHS staff) is clearly designed to send a message to gay, lesbian and trans people that they (the badge-wearing individual) won't hurt them.

But the message it really sends is "This is a dangerous world for gay, lesbian and trans people, where lots of people are out to harm you."

I don't think that's a wise message to be sending out.

For the most part, this isn't a dangerous world for gay, lesbian and trans people, at least not in the UK. Luckily, we've moved on from the days when being gay meant you had good cause to be frightened of being beaten up.

The real aim of this badge, it seems to me, is to signal your virtue. The person who wears it does not inconvenience themselves in any way, but they get to show the world what a good person they are.

It seems to imply that gender diverse children are only safe around people wearing a badge proclaiming the fact.

It tacitly implies that the world is a hostile place, full of people who are 'unsafe', and that 'trans' children should seek out people who identify themselves as 'safe'.

Cross posted with Helle along the same lines.

Tennant is just a useful idiot. But I absolutely believe that this badge represents a safeguarding risk.

Yes. That is exactly where this leads. Whether it was intended to or not.

It creates a trust signal that is being built over time and different messages. But the result is just that. Unless someone overtly signals their acceptance, those children or teens will assume non-acceptance by others. That is what happens with this type of programming.

Does David’s badge imply that by contrast, trans kids are “unsafe” around gender critical people? How does that work?

Maybe “Trans Ally” or “You Are Accepted” would have been a less creepy message.

We had a young tween aged client complain that we no longer had all the sexuality flags displayed in our library. Because it had been so welcoming before.

Well, we welcome everyone, including people who don't like rainbows, are religious conservatives, whatever. And actually, we even have a guy who used to pimp out young women, who is a big science fiction fan since he started reading in prison. We try hard to provide good service to everyone who walks in the door, no matter what we think of them privately.

It makes me a bit crazy that to show we will serve this one group we are supposed to display symbols that some others will find alienating, when the actual fact is no one is turned away or treated poorly.

I think this was the Block Parent program. You didn't just get a sign though, you had to be accepted into the program.

OMG my ribs!!!!!! 😂

I fully believe the intentions are good, but I have to agree with the majority here that this badge is super creepy - and does suggest a child catcher! OMG! 😱

And is any women totally 100% safe with any man... really?

What has happened in the world that a child or teen has been taught by supposed support groups to expect a negative reaction to themselves as a person from others? So that wearing badges and lanyards are even needed?

Who the fuck benefits from further teaching children and adolescents to only approach people wearing visible signs of ‘acceptance’ and that another person not wearing that ‘sign’ is not as trustworthy?

Anyone want to answer that?

Who benefits?

Haha, one of the muppets who won't associate with me anymore because of my "hateful", views posted that badge on FB, clearly aimed at me.
I laughed.

If men were wearing these with the suffragette flag I’d think they were the most patronising creepy things ever and wouldn’t want to be in their company. It doesn’t mean anything but virtue signaling.

Can’t people just learn to live in the real world and that includes being around people who might not share your viewpoints. We’re becoming so intolerant and I don’t me
an of extreme views or any views that promote violence. I had a colleague say it was outrageous that people in our company could have the belief that there are two genders.