Resurrecting this thread (probably to the annoyance of all non-feminists) , just because I think the Celebs version has offered a fascinating insight into how certain trends - not last gender ideology- have been able to take hold in the arts.
Firstly, there is a huge reluctance to engage in any kind of critical thinking. When anyone tries to get them to think differently, as both Joe Marler and David Olusoga have both tried (in different ways), they end up being accused of ‘traitor behaviour’ themselves. Regarding the gender debate, you can see why it became easier to dismiss JKR and gender critical feminism, rather than think logically about it.
Secondly, as others have pointed out, there is a definite hierarchy and a need to be liked by those in positions of power – their careers depend on it. Not only does it make it far less likely that famous people will go against the grain and say something that may prove unpopular, they are also far more willing to accept people at face value. ‘They are who they say they are’ comes from a need not to be seen to be judging others, upon whose good opinion your career depends, but it’s obviously proved disastrous on both the traitors and, much more seriously, for gender ideology. You can’t compromise safeguarding because you want to be liked.
And thirdly, as JKR said in her brilliant response to Emma Watson, neither of these things really matter to celebs because, as long as they play the game, they are insulated from the real-world consequences of most of the pronouncements they make. As JKR said, Emma won’t have to use her local leisure centre or go to a high street changing room - at least not without security in tow. Stephen Fry can look down on the whole debate as unkind and unseemly because it literally has no impact on him. It’s been quite fun to see him and so many of the other celebs, who have been so gutless on this debate, fail to catch any traitors so far - it’s probably the nearest thing to a consequence any of them is likely to face for not thinking through the impact their opinions have on other people’s lives.