Maria Miller jumps the shark (again)

[PricklyBall]

Telegraph article on proposal to remove question on sex from the next census

Quote
Maria Miller, the Chair of the Women and Equality Select Committee, said: "I think its a sensible recommendation given the increasing numbers of people not wanting to identify in traditional ways. It's a progressive way of handling the problem."
Unquote

How the hell are we supposed to address things like the pay gap between men and women if the ONS aren't able to collect the data? (I admit to a vested interest in this particular one as my pay claim is limping through the courts as we speak.)

"'non-gendered people are often treated as though we have no rights'.

How I wish for the cushioned, privileged life of someone who was able to say that sentence with a straight face."

Well yes, how would anyone even know you are non-gendered in order to deny you your rights?

I think these people genuinely don't realise that nobody other than themselves cares what gender identity they have. Call yourself non binary, I don't care (like at all) but why do you expect the rest of us to give a shit?

Hmm. Sometimes I suspect that they do realise that nobody cares and so they take steps to make sure that they get in people's faces so they are forced to care.

Seems that Stonewall are at Houses of Parliament today to discuss non-binary inclusion in amendments to GRA.

They are just going to steamroller this bullshit through, aren't they?

Anyone watch the Facebook Q & A?

Couldn't they give out gender recognition certificates to anyone who wants one stating their preferred gender identity then they can leave biological sex out of it completely?

Nauticant - I think you misunderstood me - the vast majority don't accept you can switch back & forth. I've read what I posted and I thought that's what I said? Possibly not as clear as I intended.

Anyway it's the only place mumsnet aside where I've seen much discussion - I.e. Comments often closed on articles etc. And thought it was interesting for that reason.

Some comments echoed what I read here. So though that was positive.

Anyway possibly a bit off topic. As you were!

Yy
Add an extra optional box on official things with a space to add in a gender identity if you want to, after the m/f which should be compulsory and accurate.

They should have an "Assigned male/female at birth" question, and a "How you identify now" question. And claim this is how they can collect vital stats on trans people and the services they might require.

I suppose a lot of trans activists don't want any actual data collected though, as it might conflict with the ideology...

jellyfrizz I can understand it is important to protect people from discrimination but how will a piece of paper do that? And in what circumstances would you use it?

I don't think it's acutally about protecting people from discrimination, or fighting for tangible rights. It's about getting people to agree with your belief system. This might be one reason why trans "rights" have made such headway so quickly - it doesn't actually challenge the status quo at all (but does tick the boxes to appear progressive by going along with it).

Right now you can ask your GP for a letter confirming your intention to live permanently in the role of the opposite sex. No other diagnosis needed. On the basis of that, you get a new NHS number stating the new gender, so henceforth won't be called for the relevant screening unless you ask for it. You can then also get the gender (sex) changed on your passport with the addition of a deed poll, driving licence etc too. The only thing (I think) you can't change is your birth certificate and marriage certificate.
So non binary folk don't have that option, being a new thing. Not sure which ward they would put you in if you came into hospital. Non-binary wards, anyone?

No misunderstanding Justanothernap. As you say, some people are expressing doubts about claims of switching sex overnight. I was just making the point that the next things they'll be expected to believe will be even more outlandish.

If I can lurch into your discussion justanother and nauticant, switching back and forth between genders is a very accepted part of this thinking.

Here is credit suisse's head of IT engineering who presents as male (Philip) some days of the week, and female (Pippa) on the others. www.fnlondon.com/amp/articles/mistranslated-i-split-my-time-as-pippa-and-philip-20171002

This person has been nominated for multiple lgbt awards, notably as a woman
www.out-standing.org/heroes/2017-top-50-women/

Disclaimer: I would be delighted if more men adopted feminine clothing at work.

Apparently the whole purpose of a GRC was for people to live stealth as the opposite sex after full reassignment surgery. This was to protect their safety. This obviously is only really necessary for the very small number of actual transsexuals who pass as the opposite sex.
The modern equivalent that is being demanded (GRC for any tom dick or Harry with a beard and dick who fancies himself a woman, non binary certificates for people with too much time on their hands) bear no relation to the actual purpose of one.

Ah yes. Sorry Nauticant I see now.

Regarding Pippa/Phillipa - I don't massively mind how he comes across in that article. (compared to some at least). And wouldn't have minded that he got an award. IF (big if) it was for supporting women in business not for his struggle in presenting in a stereotypical feminine manner.

It was unclear if he thinks he is the same as a born xx women when he's Pippa or if that award is just for women not for anyone supporting women in business.

I guess as all the other's mentioned were women that is the criteria. Oh. I just noticed
'nominated for multiple awards as a woman'

How nice if he'd said thank you but refused the award & explained that he recognises his struggles are not the same as women who don't choose to be women on & off.

Bit of an aside (though perhaps not so irrelevant, given the posts about Credit Suisse) - but does anyone else follow the "Alex" cartoon strip in the Telegraph's business section? The running gag about Steven transitioning to Stephanie makes me sure the cartoonist is a secret mumsnetter! Today's has Stephanie fixing their gender pay gap just in the nick of time before legislation comes in to make business disclose their pay gaps. A week or so back, they had Stephanie having to dress up in men's clothes again so she/he could get into a men's only club.