5 Gateshead councillors stick their heads above the parapet

[PimmsnLemonade]

Let's see if this gets agreed on Thursday:

democracy.gateshead.gov.uk/documents/s18511/Notice%20of%20Motion%20-%20Gender%20Recognition.pdf

That's fantastic. Very clear, very reasonable.

What sex are the 5 councillors? Is Leigh female?

Really encouraging to see. Let’s hope others listen and are emboldened.

Brain by name ...!

Oh this is near me. We are quite tough up here . Brave people.

Ooh lovely

democracy.gateshead.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=404
This is Leigh Kirton

All Labour councillors!

Excellent

All Labour councillors!

Even better

Labour's NEC have elected Ann Henderson - a long term feminist activist (and rector of Edinburgh Uni ) as chair of the equalities sub committee.

She apparently has a history of sharing material which has been described transphobic ( not actually being transphobic - or even sharing transphobic material, but only material which has been described as transphobic). LGBT Labour are calling for her to be binned and for labour to begin to rebuild trust with the Trans community

Wonderful! Cllr Kirton and colleagues, you are ! Very best of luck for Thursday.

Fantastic. Very sensible.

LGBT Labour are calling for her to be binned and for labour to begin to rebuild trust with the Trans community

That reminded me of a poem:

After the uprising of the 17th June
The Secretary of the Writers Union
Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee
Stating that the people
Had forfeited the confidence of the government
And could win it back only
By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?

Bertolt Brecht

Well, we know where A Woman's Place can look for the next venue! That is really very clear, isn't it - definitely sounds like they've taken advice (or are lurking here. Hi!).

Ace. Good for them.

for those Labour councillors. I remember the fuss over Ann Henderson. She retweeted details of the drop in meeting for MPs organised by WPUK - no comment about it, just information sharing. She is a long-standing activist and sounds very suitable for an Equalities Committee

I'm from this area, and to me it's obvious that the Geordies will never accept this brave new world of multiple genders. Not surprised this has happened, I'm just surprised it wasn't sooner.

Fantastic!

This is brilliant news - lead on you Geordies! (no newkie brown icon available )

Brilliant!

LGBT Labour calling on the councillors to withdraw the motion.

twitter.com/LGBTLabour/status/1087734666109571072

"LGBT Labour has become aware of a motion being proposed by Labour Councillors to Gateshead Council which is damaging to the trans community.

We have written to the Councillors who have proposed the motion asking them to withdraw it and meet with us".

"We are aware of an increase in transphobia across the movement.

If you have any concerns please get in touch with us on: [email protected]

If you would like to report transphobia please contact: [email protected]"

Good work Gateshead! The north east is where common sense prevails

Aye it does that!

Ssh. Don't let Fanny Haddock hear - he lives quite close I believe.

Brilliant - I hope that anyone who lives in their wards will contact them to let them know that this is much appreciated (and that they will be getting their vote in the next election).

Thank fuck for that. I was beginning to doubt my own sanity 🤪