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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Linda Bellos disinvited to a Black Workers' Group gathering

52 replies

ICantBelieveIDidThis · 06/09/2018 10:42

Because a member of Unison has reported her remarks as transphobic.

Member of Unison is more than likely white.

From Linda Bellos' Facebook page

Freedom of Thought?

5.9.2018

I have today been told that I am disinvited to speak at a Black Workers Group at Lambeth Council as part of Black History Month because a member of Unison believes that my ‘reported remarks’ about the proposed changes to the gender recognition legislation’ are transphobic, whereas I believe these Transactivists are anti-woman.

It is true that as a Black feminist and lesbian I am critical of the new politics of Trans which sees gender as interchangeable with biological sex and consequently seem to attribute all the stereotype features of femininity; such a wearing dresses and make-up; as markers of being a woman.

^It is true that as a feminist I have fought alongside my sisters to get rid of these stereotypes and limitations placed upon women.
I was the first Black lesbian to be Out as a Local Government Council Leader - in my case, in Lambeth where I had grown up. I endured many attacks as a Council Leader from the Labour and Tory Parties and from the Press.^

I have a strong feeling that the person who opposes my attendance at a Black Workers Group celebration of Black History Month may be white and it is, therefore, inappropriate that they should specify who can address such a gathering. I did say I would fight back if attacked. I know that many White men consider such a remark an affront to their dignity but I assure you that I have been exercising the same ‘affrontery’ for over 50 years.

I am sorry that the Black Workers Group have been placed in this position but hope that they and their members will soon feel strong enough to invite who they wish to speak to them whether white men agree or not.

For the record, please note that there has only been one act of violence in the political tussle between ‘Trans women’ and Feminists in the UK. This was at Speaker’s Corner in September last year, I was referring to this incident when I said I would defend myself.

I am defending myself now in writing and in speeches, making the case for Equality as I have had to do for many decades. I will be appearing a Marylebone Magistrate Court later this month to answer another complaint about the same alleged threat of violence against trans women.

These and other issues will be enlarged in my forthcoming Memoirs.

In Solidarity and Support

This is wrong and unfair.

Whoever reported her really is a shameless twat.

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ICantBelieveIDidThis · 06/09/2018 10:43

Sorry, C+P didn't work with all the paragraphs. 😳

OP posts:
NotTerfNorCis · 06/09/2018 10:47

Maybe the person who reported her is trans black. She is misracing him.

UpstartCrow · 06/09/2018 10:47

Its not just the person who reported her, its the people who decided that report carried any weight Angry

BertrandRussell · 06/09/2018 10:50

This is deeply shocking.

VickyEadie · 06/09/2018 10:51

This stuff makes me boil inside. Women - and black women especially - are being vilified for defending themselves and their rights to define themselves and their safety.

We're being slandered and libelled, called vile, abusive names, threatened with violence - and told we cannot even voice our views and opinions.

It's difficult to believe people who call themselves 'socialists' can justify this. But they do, because most of them are white men and they always control the narrative.

WichBitchHarpyTerfThatsMe · 06/09/2018 10:56

FFS, it just gets worse. Does anyone know if there's a crowdfunder yet for Linda's legal representation?

AndYetItMoves · 06/09/2018 10:56

Absolutely shameful. #IstandwithLinda

Noqont · 06/09/2018 10:58
Angry
LangCleg · 06/09/2018 11:03

This is fucking outrageous.

woman11017 · 06/09/2018 11:10

#IstandwithLinda Is the date of the case 26.9? We need to stand together. What would Bernie Grant have said. Sad Or does Bill Morris say now. This is a disgrace.

OvaHere · 06/09/2018 11:14

Really fucking appalling.

Solidarity with Linda.

gendercritter · 06/09/2018 11:17

This is ridiculous. TRA's repeatedly purport to value the voices of poc. It is so meaningless - this is clear evidence that they don't.

Beerincomechampagnetastes · 06/09/2018 11:54

How awful to have dedicated your life to fight injustices like Linda has and have this organization ostracize her for their own protection.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
If we didn’t have women like Linda, where would we be?

I am proud to stand with Linda.

All you people who agree and are appalled but are protecting your own skin, and I know you are there.... get your heads out of the sand and do the right thing.

IvysMum12 · 06/09/2018 14:46

What on Earth is she talking about?
What are any of them talking about?

sawdustformypony · 06/09/2018 15:03

Is the date of the case 26.9? We need to stand together

If the case is still going ahead (big if), I'd turn up early if I were you - you won't want to miss it after making a special effort to get there. I'd have thought the Clerk will be keen to deal with it asap. The first hearing will, in any event, be over in two shakes of a lamb's tail. A quick 'not guilty' plea and then adjourned to a further date to set down arrangements for trial.

ICantBelieveIDidThis · 06/09/2018 15:47

What on Earth is she talking about?
What are any of them talking about?

She was recorded as saying that if threatened or assaulted by TRAs, as has happened at Hyde Park or at WPUK meetings, she would use violence to defend herself.

Taken out of context, this means she's going to punch trans people.

Which of course is completely wrong.

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Imnobody4 · 06/09/2018 16:14

I am really in despair - not one single organisation I've supported throughout my life stands up to scrutiny. Trade unions, universities, charities, Labour Party, Amnesty, BBC etc . What the hell was it all for. The far right are going to sweep into power.

woman11017 · 06/09/2018 16:34

She was recorded as saying that if threatened or assaulted by TRAs, as has happened at Hyde Park or at WPUK meetings, she would use violence to defend herself

I am still puzzled as to the charges being raised against Bellos, unless women are no longer allowed the defence of self defence.

^Reasonable Force
A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances for the purposes of:
^self-defence; or
defence of another; or
defence of property; or
prevention of crime; or
lawful arrest^
www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/self-defence-and-prevention-crime

I see it's a prosecution under the Public Order Act.

"made under the Public Order Act – that she used threatening language that could cause alarm"

^Harassment, alarm or distress.
(1)A person is guilty of an offence if he—
(a)uses threatening [F1or abusive] words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b)displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening [F1or abusive],within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby^

Nope, still can't see a case, but I guess that's why I'm not a hot shot barrister!

KittyKlawsReturns · 06/09/2018 16:38

The way Linda Bellos has been treated is nothing short of disgusting and bringing the case to court is a misuse of the time of everyone involved.

woman11017 · 06/09/2018 16:45

I hate to say this as an ex union official, but unions like the major parties are another bastion of white male bs.
Like the Women's Labour party mass resignations in honour of Anne Ruyzlo, there needs to be an action by women trades union members on this one.
lambeth-unison.org/tag/black-workers-group/

redshoeblueshoe · 06/09/2018 16:46

This is fucking disgraceful

quietbutdetermined · 06/09/2018 18:06

I am a longtime lurker and have finally registered to state my feelings - it is absolutely outrageous that this is happening to Linda Bellos.

VickyEadie · 06/09/2018 19:08

She was recorded as saying that if threatened or assaulted by TRAs, as has happened at Hyde Park or at WPUK meetings, she would use violence to defend herself

I am still puzzled as to the charges being raised against Bellos, unless women are no longer allowed the defence of self defence.

Just to amend - unless women who are also fucking pensioners are no longer allowed to say they'll defend themselves if attacked.

R0wantrees · 06/09/2018 20:16

unless women are no longer allowed the defence of self defence.

It seems there is an ever growing list of things that women can no longer do!

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