Women's Institute and the Trans movement

[Fluffymule]

I was just chatting with a friend generally about women only spaces and groups and she brought up the WI.

I wonder if they have had to address any trans issues yet or whether they are likely to be targets of the TRA movement soon?

Would the perceived membership demographic, particularly in age, of the WI mean it isn't of interest to the type of Trans Activists who might prefer more high profile and political organisations, ie those that provide some power?

Their website doesn't immediately have any information on inclusivity, equality or gender policies with simple searches.

One of my neighbours is a member of a local branch, I might broach the subject with her next time we speak.

The WI has accepted transgender members for years now, since their big anniversary.

""If someone has made the decision to live as a woman, they are always more than welcome to come and join the WI."" - Charlotte Flander, WI spokesperson (2015).

Thanks for the info Puresummer that didn't appear on my initial cursory look at the site.

I may have also articulated my post a little poorly. I don't want to give the impression that the WI should not be open to transwomen, that is not my opinion at all.

It was more about the sort of power grab away from existing women in their management and policy making structure as we can see in other organisations right now.

Oh I totally see what you mean. I don't think it's changed too much, although their PR people are a lot younger. Still biological women though.

I'm sure there was a thread about this a while ago.
but I can't remember what it said
I think that means I meet their criteria
Or I am WI-ist

I’m surprised that the WI has allowed trans women. I attended a couple of preliminary meetings with 2 different branches. I found them to be entirely unwelcoming and racist. I never went back.

clonakiltylil I have no experience of them, but I expect them to be middle

age and class !

I am not middle class
and sadly probably not even middle age now well by MN standards