@titchy, I think, as I said before, that the Mermaid’s response is reasoned, measured, and empathic.
I am really at a loss to respond to @ItsLateHumpty . She accuses me of “playground insults” without referencing a single one I might have thrown (and I am at a loss to imagine to what she might be referring), while her responses to me have been “okay Boomer” (twice), “sucks to be you” and “dumb arse”. If I were really in the playground I fear I might have replied, “I know you are, but what am I?”
But I won’t, because that would be silly. And I thought we were trying to have a serious discussion about a serious issue.
As to the issue at hand, this is an extremely difficult problem, which I think we should all recognize. Trans teens, particularly (and that, along with children, is Mermaids’ main focus) are at risk in both male and female changing rooms and toilets. Given that, the question is how much risk do they afford to others in changing rooms and toilets. And, broadening the argument, especially given JKR’s valid points, there is the question of refuges and prisons.
I do not in any way pretend to have the solutions to this and I don’t think it is helpful to throw silly insults. There is good will, at least among some, on both sides. I think it would be reasonable to ask commentators here to accept that other posters (including me) have that good will.
I extend that courtesy to JKR, as I think Mermaids did in their response.
I have enormous respect for JKR, and I have often applauded her political tweets and blogs. I am not a fan of her fiction, but I know kids love it, and she has made millions, so I am definitely not one to judge there.
Nevertheless, I think the young actors who embodied her characters, have a right, even a duty, to consider her views, to evaluate them, and to take their own positions, as some of them have now done. If they now disagree with her I do not think that makes them hypocrites, nor do I think they should be expected to forgo the profits from their efforts, which came from them as well as the original author. (Just responding to a different Mumsnet link).
I am fully aware that Mermaids is a controversial organisation, and especially, it seems, on Mumsnet.
I am obviously not in a postion to advise JKR, but if I were, my advice would be to follow Mermaid’s advice:
“Don’t speak about trans children until you have talked to them first.”
JK Rowling is in a postion to do that, and I very much hope she will. Then someone who really matters can educate herself. She already knows a lot, but all if us who are willing, can learn more.
I have attempted at every point to post respectfully, and I hope I have here explained, as best I can, my thoughts on this issue, in fond expectation of some reasoned debate. I don’t think I have been met with the same courtesy on this thread, which is sadly typical of Mumsnet, and I do not intend, for that reason, to post or comment again.
I think if I were asked to describe myself in half a dozen words “feminist” would be among them. Celebrating women and female rights and female spaces and just valuing women have been among the most defining principles of my life.
But yeah, go for it. Dismiss me with Okay Boomer.
But talk to the kids. They matter.