I'm Jack Monroe. Ask me anything.

[MxJackMonroe]

Hi Mumsnet.

It seems every time I am in the news, a MN thread about all things transgender crops up. I didn't see the last one (yesterday?) as I don't come on here very often these days - people who eavesdrop etc etc. I was cooking in a tent in a muddy field all day, having a ball, not googling myself on the internet!

The thread was deleted - which was nothing to do with me, nor my lawyer. The day I call him about a MN thread is the day I pack everything in for good. So far only the Mail and Hopkins have had legal action taken against them, and both for quite serious statements. I'm not rich enough nor quite bothered enough to call him every time someone says mean words on the internets.

ANYWAY. Threads about me tend to get deleted. So here's a new one. Because there are clearly some questions that keep coming up, criticisms that I could answer, speculation I could clarify and untruths that could do with correction.

So I'm taking questions. I'm an adult and I take an awful lot of criticism and unkindness online, on the chin. I am pretty mentally stable right now, and feel this could be a constructive discussion.

In order to stop this descending into pandemonium, using general 'chair' rules, to start with I'll take one question from each user - if it's quiet and everything gets answered, feel free to add follow up questions.

It doesn't have to be about boobs, dresses, hormones. Literally ask me anything.

MN - please don't delete this thread. I think people have valid things to say and I'm here with my big girl/boy pants on to hear them.

Over to you.

My medical report said I presented as 'masculine-leaning androgynous

I suspect there are a few people on here who could say that.

Late back to this - jack, I'm really glad you said that about gender not existing. I wish more people would come out and say this openly.

Then the problem is also the pointless NHS gender stereotyping box ticking exercise.

Shouldn't they just be sending everyone on their way telling them they can wear trousers/a dress if they want?

Bloody hell, I just thought this is the monthly / weekly Jack Monroe bashing threat!

This is better .

Then the problem is also the pointless NHS gender stereotyping box ticking exercise

I was under the impression it was more to do with the body rather than presentation (ie what clothes you wear).

doing what experience do you have of the ohs in this area?

nhs

LadyStoic to be fair I first asked my question at half one this afternoon and have asked the same thing rephrased several times since. That's not to say "my" question is so important it must be answered, but my question represents a whole category of questions that came up on the thread last night and on every other transgender related thread I have seen: as such it is surely useful to answer it in order to aid understanding of such issues, as I'm still at a loss as to why rejecting gender roles can't just be done from the standpoint of a feminist woman.

Cocolepew: Why do you take hormones if you dont want to transition?

I do want to transition, just not 'to male'. In fact I am 'in transition' and have been for some time.

But that's the "apparently unpalatable) flip side isn't it?

If gender doesn't exist, it shouldn't matter what your body looks like.

Then the logical conclusion is the rejection of body dysmorphia/transgender issues and diagnoses.

Which is where everyone tends to fall out...

iggi999 I will answer it when I don't have a 6 year old in tow. I have difficulty processing things when there is noise around, and this requires concentration. Please. Even my editors give me a day to tackle the big issues.

None, Twisted, which is why I'm interested.

Jack, do you know what you are transitioning to?

Jack, if you believe you are not a woman, what name do you think we should use for the group of people with the female reproductive system? How do you feel about biological males who "identify" as women being accepted into women's shelters? Do you think women, particularly those who have suffered abuse at the hands of men, have a right to gather in a space free from male-bodied individuals including transwomen?

It's all a box ticking exercise because there's no way to prove transgenderism. It's all based on what the person says. Reddit and Tumblr are full of advice on how to get the speediest transition possible including what lies to tell and where to buy hormones online.

Can you have a working lunch with Jamie Oliver at some point?

I think his heart and media savvy is in the right place but I think his forays into teaching l people on low income/difficult circs to cook were cringeworthy.

So much modern cooking is over engineered and setting people up to fail.

We need you two to be Delia for a new generation.

It is interesting if that one is harder than all the other questions as it seems fundamental to choosing a non binary or transgender path, I would have thought.
I think you should switch your phone off and enjoy the movie Remember we are only posting at all as you invited us too - though perhaps you weren't expecting to still be doing it so many hours later!

Just to say Jack, I was on the deleted thread and wasn't supportive of your ideas, as I perceived them.

Having you answer these questions has been really enlightening. It has definitely changed my view of you (sorry)

Now I have to get my three year old into bed. She's in a massive glittery Snow White dress and is shedding glitter all over the carpet. I'd love her to be even a bit interested in pirates and dinosaurs, but I accept her for who she is and will place no constraints on her at all due to her femaleness and femininity.

That's what it's about really, isn't it? You don't need to identify as anything to do that...

Gender is a socially imposed construct Robins. ;-)

Which doesn't contradict my treatment etc. I am trying to break down the gender constructs rather than reinforce them. I might not always say the right thing but hell, i'm learning too, and transitioning in public is bloody hard work and an awful lot of unforgiving scrutiny.

Well doing, It seems as if many assume that nhs clinicians in this area are not at all aware of gender stereotypes and socially constructed gender rules. Rather than imagining that they may work incredibly hard to think about these things. And absolutely do not support surgery just because boys like to wear pink etc. But are actually trying to think about how to support mental health in very complex circumstances.

By the way- I have said before- but gid is associated with high level of and traits. ASD also is not diagnosed with a blood test.

I'm impressed Jack that you came here to start this thread.

Personally I couldn't give a hoot about the trans/non binary stuff, wear what you want, be who you want. I do get that people are interested though & that it may help some people think they are not the only one feeling as they do.

I do still wish you were mostly asked about your other stuff though, the cooking on a bootstrap, food bank, anti poverty etc, it is much more important in my view. I started popping things in the food bank basket in my local supermarket after reading your stuff so thanks for the awareness.

Hope BFG was good, my DS is too big for that now . Do you think you'd like your son to go to grammar school?

Why is everyone expecting Jack to have all the answers to the whole of the worlds issues around Transgenderism, specifically the politics of MtF?

They have repeatedly said that they are answering only on their behalf and their feelings and experiences.

Jack does not have all the answers and some posters really need to stop using their thread to air grievances Jack has no need or place to answer.

I can agree with that.

I really appreciated your replies and I wish you all the very best.

Jack.. an easier question for you... Slow cookers. Do you have any good recipes on a budget i could look up?

I've got a trivial one. How do you cut watermelon? We eat it most days now it's in season.

Halves scooped out= watery mess. Slices = good portion of paxillin fingertips and blood...

*Gender is a socially imposed construct Robins. ;-)

Which doesn't contradict my treatment etc. I am trying to break down the gender constructs rather than reinforce them. I might not always say the right thing but hell, i'm learning too, and transitioning in public is bloody hard work and an awful lot of unforgiving scrutiny*

But then how does that work with your assertion that your female body is trying to catch up to your brain which knows it isn't female (apparently)? That's not saying gender is a social construct: it's saying that gender exists and matters and must match the body!