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Letter in the Times - Plea To The Trans Lobby from group of transsexuals

682 replies

PimmsnLemonade · 08/12/2018 00:23

www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/comment/times-letters-reasons-for-private-schools-oxbridge-success-sqjb6kkgt

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6
LeanneMills1961 · 13/12/2018 21:10

Hello everyone.

I am a signatory of Debbie's letter to the Times and thank you to all on here who have shown support.

The Daily Mail has recently responded to a letter I sent them, in which I outlined my grave concerns regarding the negative effects on confused young people by the thoughtless and misleading philosophy of the TRAs, which I feel sure will result in disasterous, irreversible life-changing decisions for many of the individuals concerned. They agreed to expand my criticisms of the activists and the Self ID bill in a spread, originally intended for publication Saturday last.

However it appears that the TRAs got wind of the article and, incensed at spotting my name in Debbie's letter, proceeded to apply pressure on the Daily Mail's chief editor (I have this on authority), even going as far as demanding I refer to myself as a 'trans woman' instead of a 'transsexual woman' (which I refused to do).

I'm sorry to tell you that following the intervention by the activists the Mail now seems reticent to go ahead with publishing the piece.

People, THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. IT IS A BLATANT ATTACK ON MY FREEDOM TO SPEAK OUT AND THAT OF THE PRESS! The TRAs are now succeeding in shutting down debate by a LEADING NATIONAL NEWSPAPER. It is ironic that Debbie's letter focuses on the very issue of TRA intimidation!

They have gone too far this time. Which newspaper will be censored next? I appeal to all concerned to raise merry hell on this one. I am willing to stand up in public and voice concerns over the dangers of this bill and the 'trendy to be trans' culture we now see. But alas I have lost my media platform. Needless to say I feel pretty gutted.

KayM2 · 13/12/2018 21:24

Hello Leanne; we don't know each other at all, but I signed the letter too.
I'm sorry you have had this setback. It does tend to underline the issue of TRA behaviour, aided, I think, by many organisations thinking that the " progressive" and " informed " thing to do is to support the self ID thing.

It all sounds great, and "politically correct" doesn't it? Till you think of the actual implications. All we can do is plug on. Some people DO get it.

We hope that in some small way the knowledge of the existence of some ( largely post op, more mature) TS people who think that self ID( especially rapid self ID) is a dangerous idea can be one more piece of evidence to be used in the campaign. People like us do enable those maknig the case against have one more thing to say to well meaning doubters.... I have experienced this myself; a hair dresser, and some relatives who went; " ah...… oh...…. see what you mean now"

R0wantrees · 13/12/2018 21:39

However it appears that the TRAs got wind of the article and, incensed at spotting my name in Debbie's letter, proceeded to apply pressure on the Daily Mail's chief editor (I have this on authority), even going as far as demanding I refer to myself as a 'trans woman' instead of a 'transsexual woman' (which I refused to do).

I'm sorry to tell you that following the intervention by the activists the Mail now seems reticent to go ahead with publishing the piece.

Leanne
Have you thought about approaching other journalists not just with your intended perspective but also this development?

Bullying and coercive control by some seems to run almost unchecked.
That national newspapers can be so controlled by a single-interest lobby group should be deeply worrying to all.
Julie Bindel and Janice Turner have described this week the impact of trans-activists on their work as journalists.
As James Kirkup has described, MPs are similarly fearful and remain silent.

Good luck.

Letter in the Times - Plea To The Trans Lobby from group of transsexuals
BirdseyeFrozen · 13/12/2018 21:46

Hello Leanne and Kay
Leanne I just read your post, I am really angry at the way you have been treated. It strikes me that this it is the ultimate in irony.

TRAs got wind of the article and, incensed at spotting my name in Debbie's letter, proceeded to apply pressure on the Daily Mail's chief editor (I have this on authority), even going as far as demanding I refer to myself as a 'trans woman' instead of a 'transsexual woman' (which I refused to do).

Now that is what I do see as transphobic behaviour, appalling behaviour towards you.

What you have to say is important, and that is why this ramshackle bunch of self interests, are so intent in shouting you down.

They can't shut everyone up.

LeanneMills1961 · 13/12/2018 21:51

Hi KayM2, thank you for your support.

Whether the Mail will eventually run the piece is anybody's guess. I acknowledge the activists seem to hold all the ace cards.

Still I have a few more ideas up my sleeve. My despair only strengthens my resolve. I know I'm just a little guy faced against them but I intend to be a thorn in their side.

LeanneMills1961 · 13/12/2018 22:08

Hello BirdseyeFrozen & ROwantrees,

Thank you to you also for your warm words. I'm glad to say I have a local journalist waiting in the wings and am already contacting him as we speak. In addition I have the opportunity of bringing in another interested national newspaper (won't say which one less the TRAs get there first). So this fight goes on. I'll keep you posted.

lassupthebrew · 13/12/2018 22:38

Leanne, sorry to hear what has happened. Good luck. Have you thought about asking Debbie for help. She has some good media contacts. And if you are on Twitter why not contact Glinner (Graham Linehan) as he is friendly with several of the more sensible transsexuals who oppose self ID. Being a very successful writer (Father Ted for instance) his view carries weight and will get the media interested.

This mess needs sorting and it will only happen if we talk to one another frankly. Something these activists seem incapable of doing.

It is odd that whilst the trans activists cry transphobia against many transsexuals (on Twitter it is almost a given if you post critically and admit you are TS - but the names you get called are usually nastier). And yet many of those who signed that Times letter seem quite happy to post amicably on here. A place the trans activists regard as deeply transphobic and which has been the subject of recent articles singling this forum out because women rightly express concern over how their rights are being eroded.

There is a pattern here and it infers clearly who is really transphobic and who is just seeing everyone as transphobic who does not share their mantra.

KayM2 · 13/12/2018 22:42

What Rowantrees said; good idea!

BubonicTheHedgehag · 13/12/2018 22:49

Yeah: but could we get back to centring women in our feminism?

BubonicTheHedgehag · 13/12/2018 23:10

For example: the right for girls and women to say No to you, even though you believe yourselves to be the good guys who are on our side?

BirdseyeFrozen · 13/12/2018 23:27

Yeah: but could we get back to centring women in our feminism?
Always have, always will. Not sure of your point here?

BubonicTheHedgehag · 13/12/2018 23:30

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

gendercritter · 13/12/2018 23:41

The Mail have now printed an article here

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6493959/Transsexual-warn-reality-transexual.html

Needmoresleep · 13/12/2018 23:44

Bubonic...

Many here support transexuals who face the same issues as we do, perhaps even more acutely. The right to free speech and democratic debate is absolutely fundemental.

BirdseyeFrozen · 13/12/2018 23:45

Not mine. I've just checked.
All lesbians, with tits bigger than mine, over here.
Will send reinforcements if you are having bother this evening.

R0wantrees · 13/12/2018 23:49

It is odd that whilst the trans activists cry transphobia against many transsexuals (on Twitter it is almost a given if you post critically and admit you are TS - but the names you get called are usually nastier). And yet many of those who signed that Times letter seem quite happy to post amicably on here.

Why is it odd? Its not women abusing TS on twitter.

I understood the main point in the letter was that some TS were challenging the abuse against women by transactivists rather than seeking validation here from the women who are being silenced and bullied.

Hamster00 · 13/12/2018 23:51

Many here support transexuals who face the same issues as we do, perhaps even more acutely.

And many of the transsexuals here will stand with, and support women who frankly are facing not only the same but WORSE issues than we are.

BubonicTheHedgehag · 13/12/2018 23:54

I managed to read about half of it before clicking off. It's very badly written. It does not serve any one well, including the journalist who wrote it.

Needmoresleep · 13/12/2018 23:55

Leanne Flowers

Outside the whole GC debate, admitting to loneliness and to having made mistakes is brave. These poor children. Thank you for speaking up.

BirdseyeFrozen · 14/12/2018 00:00

Thanks gendercritter got the link, just reading.
www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6493959/Transsexual-warn-reality-transexual.html

Leanne SadFlowers Will call back when I've read it again.

feministfairy · 14/12/2018 00:07

Another one who appreciates Leanne for being brave enough to share her story. We need to hear from those at the heart of this and with direct experience of the consequences - both negative and positive.

Thank you.

BirdseyeFrozen · 14/12/2018 00:08

That is one courageous interview Leanne
Respect to you for speaking out.

Bluebellsarebells · 14/12/2018 00:18

Leanne Flowers
Thank you for speaking out, for women, for children for other people like you.
I'm sorry you have had such a hard time. It's not an easy road to take.
Be assured most of us understand that,we really do have empathy with you.
For all the accusations of transphobia, we're not scared of people like you, but the men who will happily throw you under the bus along with us.
I think you would be a lovely friend to have.
To kay, and hamster Flowers thank you for being here and your sensitive and insightful posts also.

LeanneMills1961 · 14/12/2018 00:21

Greatly surprised to learn the Daily Mail has just published. I am grateful for this turn of events. For as Needmoresleep says, the right to free speech and democratic debate is absolutely fundemental.

BirdseyeFrozen · 14/12/2018 00:24

Sorry Hamster00 missed you there, what with all the bog diversion.
Flowers to you also. Not playing the TRA divide and rule shit.