Ellie-May O'Hagan: backing the GRA is the feminist thing to do

[Freespeecher]

Though it would appear that opening comments isn't:

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/19/gender-recognition-act-feminist-self-identification-consultation

I read it. Because I like to read the opposing view and keep myself informed. Sometimes I wonder if today will be the day that I finally get my mind changed on this issue and finally see why self ID is such a great idea.

Today is not that day.

I can't even be bothered to rip it to shreds.

OJ's big mate.

Could just have written 'oh, be nice' and saved herself a thousand words.

In this case, opposition to trans rights has been led across the media by rightwing voices.
Personally, I feel this is a sign of a weak argument. You have to make up your own mind on an issue, by looking at the evidence, surely. Otherwise, when there is an idea that everyone should oppose, you run the risk of supporting it in error...

In this case, opposition to trans rights has been led across the media by rightwing voices.

This is true. And my unquestioning consumption of the Guardian & BBC is probably one of the reasons I came to this issue so late. I was so shocked when I finally saw what they were doing (reporting on the trans woman prisoner, I forget who, cruelly denied make up & straighteners without mentioning their sex crimes against teenage girls).

My principles remain further left than the Guardian; it is they who have let me down, along with the Labour Party. Not sure I'll ever trust a political party again and I'll certainly read around for my news sources.

Yes, I noticed comments on The Times' LibDem story today from people who felt disenfranchised from every political party. That is a theme, I think.
I'd trusted the BBC too. Pah!

I'm tired of reading stuff that doesn't actually say anything of substance. Just waffling around a vague "be nice" sentiment.

The GRA changes will have a negligible effect on British society

Does she really think that removing the objectively defined category of sex and replacing it with the indefinable subjective category of gender will have a 'negligible effect on British society'?

I’m a bit late to the gender critical party, and the fact that my views (as a left leaning woman) seem to accord with those of right wing people on this issue, and go against the views of groups like stonewall, causes me to question myself carefully in case I really am a terf.

But I’m not - I bear no ill will to trans people (at least those who bear no ill will towards me). But I will not see my daughters exposed to men in single sex spaces, I will not deny biology and fact, and I will not see women’s sport and professional achievements claimed by men.

I’m a lifelong labour voter and guardian reader, and feel let down by both.