Linda Bellos disinvited to a Black Workers' Group gathering

[ICantBelieveIDidThis]

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.

She hasn't even hit someone in self-defence. She's merely said that she would. That's all. She said that she'd do something which is not, in itself, a crime. And for that she's being prosecuted.

How dare a woman say that if she was physically assaulted by a man she would physically defend herself? This feminism malarky has gone too far. They'll be handing out scolds bridles in the Courts before you know it, just in case we say anything that offends men, ffs.

It's been said but...

Some on the left are always trying to shut white women down with accusations of white feminism. We're supposed to sit down, shut up and listen to women of colour. But when a woman of colour says something they don't like, they're down on her like a ton of bricks. They don't really care what she thinks at all, they expect her to echo their own opinions. So many times have I seen TRAs assume all black people are on their side.

I'm genuinely speechless at this. It's a damned outrage.

I’m ashamed to be a member of Unison.

Perhaps now’s the time to reconsider my membership.

This is awful. Unbelievable.

We truly are living through a nightmare in this new age of misogyny.

This situation doesn't surprise me, God knows what's going on at Lambeth but black staff seem scared of their own shadow. So many rumours going around about how they're treated. People have no backbone anymore. If they think allowing Linda Bellos to be silenced will help them to keep their jobs then more fool them

Linda Bellos OBE has been "disinvited" to speak at the Unison Black Workers Group for allegedly being "transphobic" (i.e. gender critical)
Please tweet or contact @CamdenUnison. Appalling to see the side-lining and therefore silencing of women's voices.

^ Just seen on FB

I'm old. Linda Bellos is a bit of a legend. Ffs.

Wasn’t Linda Bellos the original instigator of Black History Month? Not that the wokey dudes who disinvited her are likely to be aware of that.
This is beyond parody now.

Wasn’t Linda Bellos the original instigator of Black History Month?

Yes, she was 😢

MistressDeeCee thanks for the link. Is there a hashtag we'd like to use?

woman it's #IstandwithLindaBellos

Thank you. MistressDeeCee

Anyone going along? Who a actually complained and approved the 'dis invitation'?

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=544597685960634&id=100012312227714

Her latest Facebook statement

I'm not on Fartbook.

I get expired or not available with that link!

Me 3 for someone for whom the link didn't open.

Sorry.

I've screenshotted it, but it's a bit long.

That's unreadable. 😳

Try again. It's brilliant, honest.

One more time. Thank you for your patience.

Last one.

Thank you for persisting to let us see this - it's inspirational and much-needed after the events of the last week. (Karen White; TUC; TES on sexual violence in schools.)