Some feminists, Emma Thompson amongst them, sign letter decrying trans-exclusionary responses to the GRA

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www.thenational.scot/news/17472564.they-do-not-speak-for-us-feminists-hit-back-at-trans-exclusionary-activists-in-open-letter/

We, the undersigned, are a large and diverse group of women who are committed to ensuring that trans people feel welcome and safe within our society.

Recently there has been a rise in ill-informed articles and commentary, where writers have continually insinuated that trans women are not women. These same pieces misrepresent current legal statutes, equalities policies, and public attitudes in Scotland.

Since 2004 the Gender Recognition Act has realised, in law, the rights of trans women as women and trans men as men. Since 1999, the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations and then the Equality Act (2010) have recognised, in law, the right of the trans community not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender reassignment. The right of trans people to access gender specific services is an already settled legal matter.

Many national and regional news outlets routinely fail in their pages to recognise this legal reality. Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.

We believe that national conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence are necessary, however these conversations should not in any way attempt to roll back the rights that trans people already have in Scotland, nor spread misinformation.

In the Scottish Government's recent public consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act (2004) a majority of respondents supported gender self declaration, as well as recognising non-binary people. As a collective of women, we urge that trans-exclusionary writers do not suggest that their narrow and archaic arguments are in any way representative of the women of Scotland. They do not speak for us.

This is not an issue of Freedom of Speech. Both sides have a plethora of platforms to outline their position. However, it is imperative that these platforms should not be used to spread misinformation or misrepresent the law or the facts in this area.

When this conversation is reduce

d to allegations of "shutting down debate" whenever misrepresentation or misinformation is challenged, the result is to purposefully discount the position of many women - like us - who support the trans community. We will be heard.

Trans people have played an integral role in every civil rights movement to date; from LGBT equality to women's causes. Attempts to airbrush trans people from conversations regarding equality and human rights, or to exclude them from advancements for LGBT and women's rights, have happened before. Such efforts may have re-energised, but they are nothing new, and we say as a collective of women: they are not representative of us. We support trans rights.

Outlets and commentators have an ethical responsibility to consider the impact of their reportage, analysis and commentary particularly on the mental health of trans young people. Recently, data from Stonewall Scotland revealed that over half of trans people considered ending their lives last year. Trans people continue to face unlawful discrimination and violence. Routine misinformation and sensationalism is contributing to a cultural climate where this is legitimised. This has to stop.

Journalists, commentators, and publishers have a central role to play in ensuring Scotland is a welcoming and inclusive place for trans people.

The conversation has to change.

Rhiannon Spear, Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Glasgow City Councillor for Greater Pollok

Tiffany Kane, Vice Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Operations Manager at Common Weal

Dame Emma Thompson, Double Academy Award Winner

Laura Waddell, Publisher and Writer

Dr Jennifer Jones, Independent

Rosa Zambonini, Communications Manager to Member of the Scottish Parliament

Cllr Jennifer Layden, SNP Councillor for Calton

Dr Claire Askew, University of Edinburgh

Laura Wylie, Sexual Violence Prevention Worker at the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus),

Sinead Daly, CEO of the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus)

Christina Neuwirth, Writer

Kate Adair, SQIFF

Eve Livingston, Freelance Journalist

Kelly Given, Equalities & Mental Health Advocate

Jennifer Constable, Journalist

Rachel Hamada, Journalist

Leona Jack, Gender Based Violence Practitioner

Angela Haggerty, Journalist

Lynne Davies, Foster Carer

Amanda Stanley, Freelance Podcast Producer

Kaite Welsh, Author & Journalist

Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston

Miriam Brett, International Finance Project Manager

Sarah Masson, or Co-Artistic Director of Shift, Shift Theatre

Fi and Charlotte Duffy-Scott, Co-Owners, Category Is Books, Glasgow

Claire Biddles, Freelance Writer

Erin Hardee, Schools Outreach Organiser

School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee

Dr Pat Cullum BA (Hons) DPhil FRHistS, FHEA, School Co-Ordinator for Student Experience, School of Music, Humanities and Media, University of Huddersfield

Gail Ross MSP, SNP Member of Scottish Parliament for Caithness

Dr Eleanor Janega, Guest Teacher at the LSE

Cllr Kim Long, Green Councillor for Dennistoun

Cllr Eva Murray, Labour Councillor for Garscadden/ Scotstounhill

Cllr Christina Cannon, SNP Councillor for Springburn/Robroyston

Cllr Martha Wardrop, Green Councillor for Hillhead

Bailie Christy Mearns, Green Councillor for Anderston/ City & Yorkhill

Cara Spence, Head of Programmes, LGBT Youth Scotland

Amy Irons, Broadcaster

Hannah Pearson, Queer Feminist Campaigner

Rebecca Crowther, PHD Social Science Researcher

Susan Ross, Police Scotland

Jane Friffin, Head of Partnerships, LGBT Youth Scotland

Michelle Sodo, Head of Operations, LGBT Youth Scotland

Nicola Booth, Head of Youth Work, LGBT Youth Scotland

Bridget Bradley, Teaching Fellow, The University of Edinburgh School of Medical Anthropology

Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland Programme Director, Amnesty International

Gayle Telfer Stevens, Olivier Award Winning Actor

Jen Ang, Lawyer and Director, Just Right Scotland

Lisa Clark, Senior Communications Officer, Children in Scotland

Mhairi McMillan, Solicitor, Logans Solicitors, Cumnock

Margaret Logan, Women’s Aid, Support Worker

Dr Brandi Lee Lough Dennell, Research Associate

Rona Mackay, SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden

Hazel Marzetti, PHD Student, University of Glasgow

Pam Currie, EIS FELA President (Personal Capacity)

Fiona Robertson, SNP's National Women's and Equalities Convenor

Katherine O’Donnell, Journalist

Christine Burns MBE, Equality Campaigner and Author

Lucy Spraggan, Musician

Leeze Lawrence, Producer, Editor, Filmmaker & Trans Advocate

Helen Nugent, Journalist and Editor of Northern Soul

Janet Coulson, Actor and Creative Director of Firebrand Theatre

Paris Lees, Writer and Broadcaster

Marlene Zwickler, Agent and Producer

Elena Soper, Feminist and Activist

Mhairi Black MP, Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Dr Lindsay Clark, Post-Doctoral researcher

Jackie Brock, Chief Executive, Children in Scotland

Joanna Murphy, Chair, National Parent Forum for Scotland

Louise Oliver, Actor and producer

Lady Mary Hope, Lady Hope of Craighead

Audrey Barnes, Campaigns & Programmes Coordinator at YWCA Scotland

Jemma Tracey, Senior Participation Officer, Children in Scotland

Laura McGlynn, University of Glasgow

Bailey McCormack, Event Coordinator and Freelance Performer

Emma Rogan, Senior Policy Officer at Children in Scotland

Róisín McKelvey, Feminist PhD Researcher

Janine Ewen, Queer Feminist, Violence Against Women Campaigner

My MP signed that, can someone help with a letter to send to her?

I think I would start by explaining why 'trans women are women' is a problem - ignores structural causes of inequality, at best means it's impossible to define women as a group, at worst affirms sexist stereotypes.

I would then outline examples of when Stonewall has objected to recognition of sex based rights.

I'd point out to the MP that women are not concerned about trans people, they are concerned about men. If the MP is so sure that human rights Lawyers such as Rosa Freedman are wrong to be concerned, they need to explain why, in detail and not just brush of women's worries as 'transphobic'.

Reading that letter again, it really is just pure guff isn't it?
Yep! Emotive wokey bullshir. Forwomenscotlands reply was a cracker though!

The right of trans people to access gender specific services is an already settled legal matter.

Now if you could just explain what you mean by 'trans'?

I've checked the Stonewall trans umbrella, and as far as I can see it includes about 7.5 billion people.

I'd also like to know what a gender specific service is. They don't sound legal. I think you are only allowed to have sex specific services.

The letter doesn't actually explain which articles are ill informed or why they are ill informed.

Funny that.

A useful list of people in positions of influence who are prepared to give away sex-based rights.

Presumably they are all prepared to talk more about their commitment to trans-inclusion in the definition of woman, and to debate the topic in the media.

Late to this, but like many, I'm really angry with ET.

Don't do as I do, do as I say.

I refuse to work with sex pests, but it's OK for other women, especially if they are poor

The rights given away - that these women are only too happy to hand over - won't touch these women. They are protected buy their bubble of influence, money and power. The rest of us can just suck it up as long as the minority (who say thast they are - in Trumpian terms - are 'the very worstest hardest done by in the whole history of humankind') get their jollies.

twitter.com/JoanMcAlpine/status/1102516697964126208

Joan McAlpine has tweeted that "many more MSPs contacted me privately offering support for personal thread below than signed the open letter published yesterday".

I can't get over the rubbishness of that letter. I don't think it's even the general position that irritates me as much as the fact that it's so feeble and illogical. Desperately empty word salad in many places. It's also perfectly clear that the majority of those who signed it have done zero research or reading, they're way too busy falling over themselves to get in there and grab a handful of precious woke cookies. Have they even read it properly?

Also the type of responses to it from people who consider themselves feminists. Jesus. "I signed this because I don't like women framing trans people as a threat. Also, Trans support groups report that 50% of their service users considered suicide last year - why would women do that to trans people? Why would they want that to be the case?"

Give. Me. Strength. You. Ridiculous. Hypocrite. 🙄

Dr Brandi looks a bit foolish doesn’t she? When someone called her out in the murder of women in Mexico, she just said “my tweet speaks about my own experience”. But of course, the letter she signs goes rather further and implies that women as a class aren’t oppressed because of their sex.

It just defies belief that anyone can think that. It is probably false.

*provably not probably!!

Joan McAlpine is officially my Shero!

mobile.twitter.com/JoanMcAlpine/status/1102563083300540416

I'm mortified on the Dr's behalf. Other women explain to her patiently why her original tweet was stupid, and all she can come up with is "I focus on my own experience because it is my own experience" and some circular thinking along the lines of "not all pregnant people are women."

I see the chair of National Parent Forum for Scotland has signed. I wonder if there were any consultations/surveys/engagement exercises done with parents on this issue? Maybe any parents in Scotland would like to get in touch with the forum with their views? It would be great if such a forum did do some work on this issue with parents, it would be really welcome.
www.npfs.org.uk/about-us/

She is @RepealTheGRA, but you just know they're watching her like a hawk and waiting for her to say something that they can try and demand an apology for, or wilfully misinterpret, or debate intent, something they can twist as transphobic. Must be so stressful.

My MP signed that, can someone help with a letter to send to her?
I see someone has already given a good response above (think a couple asked). Write about why has their signature has affected you (if it has) as personal experience, as their constituent, is more likely to be met with anything more than a stock response (reiterating some of the ones in above letter). On the surface, those without a context of the debates, might read it & sign it even, & think this is just about sticking up for Trans people. But beneath that, it is critical of women who have every right to express their views (even if different from theirs) about threats to women’s legal rights under EA2010 (read this Act).
You could say that it seems ageist by referring to:
narrow and archaic arguments. Prof Rosa Freedman gave excellent evidence at the Scottish Parliament (video link online & transcript could send) & there have been balanced articles in the Press so could ask to evidence.
I'm not a lawyer but I think this statement is disingenuous:
The right of trans people to access gender specific services is an already settled legal matter.
As yes, laws protect all those who fit under "Gender Recognition" category (specifies Transsexuals) but that does not include e.g. Transvestites.There is a specific example in EA2010 re: even transwomen with a GRC can be excluded from some posts e.g. Rape Crisis Counsellors.
Non Binary is not included in EHRC's revised guidance (details on FWS).
Only 3 MPs have signed it (at time of writing) plus 2 MSPs. The letter is about devolved issues which MSPs deal with in the Scottish Parliament-not Westminster. Joan MacAlpine has said, on Twitter, she has had far more Politicians email her than this (see above).
For Women Scotland's suggestion (I heard they are joining with English, Irish & Welsh ReSisters throughout UK) is to write to MPs about non devolved aspects (advice here): www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3519928-UPDATE-CONTACT-VISIT-YOUR-MP-FOR-INTERNATIONAL-WOMENS-DAY

I know one of the women who signed and she's an insufferable woke twat.

Sad about ET I used to love her 😞

Assume lots of the list are TW 🙄

"not all pregnant people are women."

OFFS.

Not all pregnant women choose to call themselves women, and some prefer other labels. They are still, in fact, pregnant women. Supporting someone's choice of identity does not require the erasure of reality and telling active untruths.

Only women get pregnant. Men don't. That's one of those pesky archaic unchanging realities about human beings.

Scotland's bullshit limit has been breached I reckon.

Spot on -

Reality CHECK for delusional fools.
Biological sex change is IMPOSSIBLE.
a XY male, born with testes & penis, cannot become a biological female.
Only biological women (and some intersex PPL) can become pregnant.

It is now getting daft, trans delusion is bring insanity to society... yet we ALL know the facts -
Men should respect women, even if castrated and dressed as women they are biological MALE. end of!

The woman who coordinated the letter was on the radio this morning. Each time the presenter asked her about a specific example (single sex spaces, sport etc.), she shut them down saying she was worried about the tone of the conversation.

It was astonishing! She literally had nothing to say.

I refuse to work with sex pests, but it's OK for other women, especially if they are poor, to be forced to share sleeping and prison accommodation, school toilets and changing rooms.

Ali1cedowntherabbithole Just extended your comment for you!

I wonder if they KNOW they've signed up, and what to?

not all pregnant people are women.

Seriously?

VickyEadie so true.

it's all a bit Marie Antoinette isn't it?