I have a dilemma about how to vote on July 4th. The variables:
- My eldest child (almost 18) identifies as trans.
- I find this really, really difficult. By instinct, I'm fairly gender-critical and believe in the preservation of biologically selective women's spaces, sports etc.
- On the other hand, after a recent massive falling out with child, I vowed to suppress my feelings and try to support them and their identity as much as I can. Relationship with child more important than my feelings, etc.
- Now to the GE. My MP is a massive, vocal, trans-advocate. It's a safe seat and she doesn't need my vote, but any of the parties I would entertain voting for (ie not Conservative or Reform) are all v liberal on the subject of trans identity. On this policy point, I wouldn't choose any of the parties but I'm open to Labour if their manifesto reassures me that they've learned something from Cass.
However, however, the bloody MP! She'd put Cass in the shredder. Voting for her would be the right thing by my child, probably the right thing to do in relation to the bigger picture, but deeply, deeply the wrong thing by my (feminist) heart.
Can't see any independents worth the vote, and I've never yet spoilt my paper. Is this the only thing I can do in good conscience?
What would you do, wise ones?