University Transgender Event

[AnonUni]

I have to be quite vague here but want advice/opinions.

There is an event tomorrow at University where there will be two very well known transgender people as keynote speakers and workshops from Transgender Activists.

It said in the first event were teachers and social workers, I am assuming this is mentioned as they will be expecting the same people attending this one.

The event is to teach people how to be good cisgender allies.

The two well known people use terf blocker. They claim most things are transphobic. They are two very controversial people known for being fairly vocal on Twitter.

My concern is that they will be giving advice based on false suicide statistics, I know at least one of them thinks there is no harm in puberty blockers ...

If I attend can I correct things they're saying? I mean I'll just be accused of being transphobic (and possibly kicked out of Uni?) if I question anything. Should I go and take notes and raise any concerns after the event? or should I just not go at all?

Staff or student?

If you’re a student I wouldn’t worry about being kicked out of uni. As long as you’re polite and don’t have a slanging match or threaten anyone.

If you work there I’d be more cautious. But go and make notes/record it.

It depends whether you are a student or staff as to how risky it is. Is there any danger of ending up in a fitness to practice situation?

I'm a student there. I think just opening my mouth at all and saying anything critical or questioning will make these two particular people demand I be kicked out to be honest.

I'll definitely take notes if I go. I'm just not sure if I'll be able to keep my mouth shut if they start promoting puberty blockers

Is there any danger of ending up in a fitness to practice situation? No issue with of that happening.

The worst that could happen is that you are asked to leave the event. But if you are it will be an own goal for them and would make a great article about how you were no platformed for trying to have a polite discussion.

How many workshops are being given on how to be allies of women I wonder?

NicoAndTheNiners I'd definitely be making it well known if I was kicked out for asking polite questions.

IdaBWells Hmm yes, exactly! We know how many Unis have problems with sexual assaults and how very little is done about it!

You're a fee-paying student. A customer. The university will not kick you out if you ask a polite, factual question.

On what grounds would they do that? If there is a Q&A, you can ask a question.

Good luck! There may be more people in the audience who agree with you than you think.

Please do record it!

I'd view myself as a spy and go undercover to record as much as I could.

I'm going to have to grow some ovaries and just go aren't I? I just wish I knew some other gender critical students to come with me. I'll be going on my own.

On the very slight chance any Mumsnetters know the Uni and the event and are thinking of going please PM me if you don't mind me tagging along with you.

I'll be taking notes but do you think I'd be allowed to film it?

Shall I ask for their Twitter accounts so I can follow them and act surprised when I find I'm blocked?!

Good luck OP.

Sorry, don't know the uni ...
You might find like-minded people there (those who are rolling their eyes).

Maybe print off a few leaflets, regarding how the ‘suicide’ statistics came about and the advice from the Samaritans, regarding how talking constantly about suicide actually increases the likelihood of it, and leave them in the toilets. So many people head to the loos after things like that.

PositivelyPERF That's a great idea. I'm not sure if I'll have time. Mind you I'd probably be 'told off' for distributing transphobic material (facts can be transphobic too)!

Definitely keeping an eye out for fellow eye rollers.

I'm pissed off that I'm even worried about asking damn questions, in a university of all places, where debate should be encouraged.

Please go and let us know how it goes! I'd love to hear their responses.

I know the two TRAs you speak of, I saw a tweet about Laurel and Hardy turning up somewhere.

Go, record it. Leave a few fairplay leaflets around.

One has based their career on getting their faux breasts out, so not sure political debate will be rousing.
The other has a very privileged background as a law student if it is the pair I'm thinking of.

God, I don't know how I'd keep my mouth shut in the presence of such gaslighting and ego.

Good luck.

HandsOffMyRights Yes that's who I mean! Now you can see why I'm going to struggle to not say anything. Sadly I've no leaflets to give out. I only got the email about it yesterday and only read it this afternoon, I wonder if that was deliberate. Absolutely gutted my Adult Human Female TShirt hasn't arrived yet though I'd probably be way too chicken to wear it there!

At the end of the email it states "They are keen to speak to Law students in particular about placements and potential careers at their firms." - what firms do they have?

Ahh ignore the last comment, it's probably referring to other speakers.

Well you have every right to be there to witness the TRA show.

I'd try to stay low key as you can inwardly cringe through the whole act and report back here. Though I'd be biting my hand off.

No doubt Canon and Balls (a reference for the over 40s) will be viewed as stunning and brave.

Right, I best get to bed because I need to be up at 4am now to do the Uni work I was going to be doing tomorrow. Will report back tomorrow. I'll update via my phone if I can. Wish me luck (I'm going to need it)!

Best of luck, op. We support you.

Even if you can’t film it voice record it on your phone. They won’t notice that you’re recording audio.