Remember the Girlguides thread? We have our first success!

[AgnesBadenPowell]

A few weeks ago I posted here and in AIBU about Girlguiding UK and their transgender policy - I'm a leader. I'm also using the App so can't link to the threads but will come back later when I'm on a laptop.

I did not expect such a large response - over 800 posts in all. The support has been amazing. Via those threads, some people made contact with me and another leader and bravely agreed to speak out about their concerns.

We now have a story published in today's Sunday Times! This couldn't have happened without your support, input and encouragement. I'm grateful to everyone.

The only downside is the original article was heavily edited at the 11th hour to make way for other stories. Lots of other points and quotes were cut out. I made it clear to the reporter that I love Guiding and it was a tough decision to be publicly critical. I was also clear that GG's policy, however misguided, was written with good intentions. This was all lost in the editing.

The important thing is the message is out there now and GG will have to do something.

Do also check out the comments - lots of common sense and reasonableness. If we can demonstrate that there's lots of interest then we have more chance of a follow up so please leave comments if you can; I plan to stay in touch with the ST.

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gender-swap-boys-spark-guides-revolt-wtcv7xjk5?shareToken=772e2cb2a2f2c493cf7fdcdbc245ab9b

I'm off to name change and then go to lunch but I'll be back later. Thanks again

The more Normans the better!

Well done Agnes ⭐️** 🌟 ⭐️

some kind of cookie-phobe I shall have myself sent for re education, immediately.

I know you're joking but I'm getting slightly worried that I really will be sent off to a gulag somewhere for my "re-education". Raise the alarm if I don't check in regularly!

I wouldn’t mind a critical mass of Normans if he looks like Norman Reedus.

I did wonder if GGHQ will try to sanction you for bringing the organisation into disrepute or somesuch Agnes.

I wish Norman Reedus’s mug was as fine as his biceps. /objectification

Absolutely excellent Agnes and very courageous!!

I think the best part is that they kept in the 'not telling the parents' part of the policy. I can't imagine any parent being fine with being kept in the dark deliberately.

@boatyardblues I haven't heard from GGHQ yet. I have no doubt that I will soon.

This was such a hard decision but what choice do I have? Wait until the worst happens? Loads of us have written and been ignored. I know of leaders who have resigned or been pushed out over it. It's GG fault that it's got to this point but it's all completely fixable. Imagine the goodwill towards GG if they agree to consult and update the policy.

Loads of us have written and been ignored.

I remember this from your other thread - you had tried and exhausted more formal internal routes.

Agnes

If they discipline you for this, you come right back here and tell the 12 million women who are listening to you. And who GGHQ need to hear.

OP - you and other leaders are in a dilemma.
In cases like this, organisations have followed advice from pressure groups who only care about their special interests and pay no attention to the rights, safety or wishes of vulnerable groups. Yet when those who are charged with keeping everyone safe - staff, volunteers and parents challenge this, they are immediately shut down using a 'we know best' model.
People are patronised on the assumption that they know nothing The leadership of the Guides have been gaslighted by skilled activists to the extent that they cannot see the glaringly obvious - the safeguarding problems. The challenge is to enable them to back down and reverse - and many leadership teams lack the emotional intelligence to manage this - let alone with TAs bellowing transphobia in their ears.
The safety of children ought to be enough - but sadly egos and reputations will get in the way of seeing this.

I think this is going to be a real turning point. The safeguarding issue is monumental and no Norman is going to want his daughter coming home pregnant or raped by a transleader/guide. It is unbelievable that trans rights are trumping those of the young girls.

Well done again OP and thanks busyboymum for the tip re getting access to the articles. in shock re wanting access to the times but hey ho

Bloody hell, OP. Well done. I'm so glad that there are women like you in the organisation who are going to stand up for the rights and welfare of girls that they are supervising. How the hell did GG ever think this could be
okay?

Good on you!

Thanks for your support everyone. I didn't sleep well last night after outing myself but most people are supportive and I'm confident I've done the right thing.

Tomorrow will be interesting once GGHQ are back in the office after the weekend....

AgnesBadenPowell If nothing else you should get your ‘warrior’ badge for this. You are inspirational.

I didn't even want to sign that petition at first, I can't imagine how terrifying it was to speak up with your real name and identity.

They could threaten you, but they might not carry it through, as the public would be furious with them. They’ve already had feedback from their volunteers, now they’re going to have to deal with a lot of very angry parents. Not just women, but the fathers too. As much as I hard to admit it, the voices of angry Normans will be listened to more.

"Going full Norman".

Snort.

It appeals to me as something of a warrier cry.

Going full Norman

The new feminist battle cry. 😁

Maybe the next step is to round up all the Normans? Not sure what forums they hang out on - Mumsnet was great for finding like minded leaders and parents - any ideas? Ideally forums with lots of dads of teenage girls.

This issue peak transed my own Dad. There's no way he would have let me go away with Guides under this policy.

Completely understand where you are coming from regarding being nervous. What you did was incredibly brave in the face of what has been happening to women who stand up.

BUT you can remember forever that you stood for those who do not have a voice in all this madness: those young girls.

When the TRAs are centring everyones attention on the feelings of the poor men, you directed it back to where it's suppose to be - on the truly vulnerable.

Normal has probably been radicalised by that other Sunday Times TERF, rod Liddell (there's another thread on that which mentions the GG one.)

Well done OP!

Now I'm seeing such a serendipity with Norman.

Normal Man = Norman.

If anyone is commenting on that article, can you direct our Norman over here.