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

[EweSurname]

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 Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.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

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.

In a national poll the vast, vast majority were against self-ID. Only 18% were in favour if I recall correctly. This is consistent with global research on the wider population’s views.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6765249/JAMES-KIRKUP-Britain-FINALLY-coming-senses-transgender-madness.html#comments

Meanwhile, in the political sphere, the word in Whitehall is that Penny Mordaunt, the Equalities Minister, is starting to have doubts about changing the law to allow people to self-identify their sex.

Responses to a Government consultation on those reforms showed opposition from women in every part of Britain, other than a few very small clusters in London and a few university towns.

The letter reads to me as:

Some people are being mean to trans people by saying things that go against gender identity ideology.

Although there's freedom of speech it must only be used to say things that trans allies approve of.

Is Emma Thompson on Twitter? I can't find her, but I'm not on Twitter, so might be doing it wrong.

If she isn't, that might explain why she is so ignorant of the issues.

She needs to read James Kirkup's article.

They are ensuring though that women cannot do this by weaponising the law against any woman/org that tries. This is what is so bleak about it. There are loads of examples on the Glinner thread and other threads explaining how the centering of men in women's spaces has decimated services and groups for women. When faced with being inclusive to disruptive men they just fold and quietly cease to be leaving many areas with no provision.

Yes. Which is why we desperately need an acknowledgement from TPTB that any further reform to the legalities will not be going ahead.

Until we get that, we can't even begin the work of rebuilding.

Are they trying to cause a rift in women? Is that it? Us and them?

None of them have heard of the cotton ceiling then and how lesbians are being treated by activists.
How can they not see the reality?
It is frightening people can become so blinded by ideology they end up actually damaging the groups they should be representing.
Insanity

It is kinda funny how spectacularly they a) miss the point and b) how easy their arguments are to refute.

I'm kinda disappointed that they keep making it so easy.

1. This is not a debate about denying equal rights to trans people or rolling back their legal rights. It's a debate about denying equal rights to women and rolling back our rights. We all support equal rights for trans people, however, the law seeks to balance the rights of those with protected characteristics and their rights stop where ours begin (to put it bluntly).

2. Survey after survey has shown that 75% of women outright oppose legal sex self-id, outright support has fallen from 18 to 13%

3. The only detailed survey we had on the questions surrounding the 85% min of men claiming womanhood who have not medically transitioned at all, showed the majority of women do not consider them to be women

4. The GRC specifically and only recognises a limited number of men claiming womanhood as legally female (3000, only 900 of whom are not post-op IIRC). Those fulfilling the requirements of two letter from medical professionals supporting the application who have officially diagnosed the person with gender dysporia, one typically from a psychiatrist, full social transition ie living in role and a treatment plan for transition (they don't have to transition medically but still have to show intent). In other words, the GRA recognises medically diagnosed transsexuals, not non-binaries or crossdressers.

5. The GRA still does not recognise them as women for all purposes either specifically referring to sport, parenthood and inheritance.

6. Consequently, the Equality Act 2010 spelled out in no uncertain terms that GRC-holders do not have an automatic right to access single-sex provisions of the opposite sex. And that only GRC-holders get a look in anyway. Those who remain legally male have no right to access at all.

I mean it's all there in black and white. Just because trans privilege activists have trained all these organisations and people the wrong way with their false presentations of the EqA, doesn't actually change the law.

None of them have heard of the cotton ceiling then and how lesbians are being treated by activists.
How can they not see the reality?

Because they've been deliberately lobbyied, coerced and convinced otherwise.

cf Flying Monkeys
(extract)

"So the role of these flying monkeys is first of all abuse by proxy.

Abuse by proxy is when the narcissist gets other people to abuse you. That way the narcissist gets to abuse you but through these people. They’ll reject you, they’ll make you feel not good enough, they’ll shame you, maybe they’ll put you in a bad situation, they’ll tell you that you’re crazy, things like that. This way the narcissist looks like the one that’s clean. They’re not involved.

The flying monkeys are also used to spread rumors and gossip.

This is one of their most prevalent roles. They are addicted to gossip. Usually these people go around and spread rumors and gossip that they heard.

Flying monkeys do the narcissist’s bidding. That’s what the smear campaign is, is they’ll do whatever the narcissist wants. The narcissist wants them to go out and talk badly about you and spread lies about you or the narcissist wants them to outright abuse you or to make you feel like you don’t belong. Or maybe they invite you to a place where they know something horrible is gonna happen for you and you’re not going to be comfortable there, those sorts of things.

Flying monkeys make the narcissist feel like they’re important and special. They help the narcissist feel like they’re grandiose, like they have high status, like they’re famous or a celebrity, which is what the narcissist wants to feel. Narcissists often have a whole entourage around them just like a celebrity needs an entourage in order to feel secure about themselves.

So who can become flying monkeys?

There are two different categories of people.

The first category is the naive.

The naive are people who are just clueless. They can’t see it, they can’t fathom it, they’ve never been through anything like that, so they can’t even imagine that somebody would do such a thing to just make up all these lies about you and spread them across town. They just can’t even fathom that a human would do that or maybe the naive is also the fawning type.

This is the type of people who when faced with a fight or flight dilemma, they choose fawning instead where they just melt into into a strong, dominant personality to feel safe and they don’t realize what’s happening. You might have noticed that even you became one of these flying monkeys when you were in your naive state before you woke up, before you figured out what was going on.

The second category of people who can become flying monkeys are the toxic.

These are the people with no boundaries. They love gossip and drama, they’re addicted to that stuff. They have an integrity problem and usually they want something from the narcissist. They want status, they want flattery, they want favours. They’re getting something out of the narcissist, which is why they’re willing to do their bidding." (continues)

medium.com/@OwnYourReality/flying-monkeys-the-narcissists-tool-for-the-smear-campaign-798daf7a59c0

Trans people have played an integral role in every civil rights movement to date

This is that myth about transwomen that weren't even there starting the Stonewall riots, isn't it?

I wonder how much of this lot is down to Christine Burns and Press For Change's tentacles - I'm so sick of saying this, but we have to follow the money and connections again.

Exactly Courday

The letter is extraordinary in that it is doing everything it accuses others of doing itself.

Are they trying to cause a rift in women?

Yes. This is exactly it. A very good tactic that hopefully won't work because we can see it.

Well outs them as anti women them. Good to know who is on your side.

I think a lot of them have signed it thinking it's a kind thing to do and without having actually really examined the issues. I know I would've been happy to support this years ago, on the assumption that being inclusive was a good thing, and not really realising that including men would be excluding women.

Of course, they may well have really thought about it and come to different conclusions, but I suspect some of them might be amenable to changing their minds once the implications are highlighted.

Many of us here would not be safe to put our real names to a letter outlining our concerns about self ID. Even if the letter was written extremely carefully and fairly. I have never in my life been effectively silenced about political or ethical matters before.

Ffs national Scot

No one reads that
Apart from the posh privileged wokies

Scotland being led by sturgeon trying to make Scotland the most woke nation ever. Arse

Sort out the education and health and sectarian abuse

What a pack of idiots these women are

Is this all that concerns them about Scotland
Idiots

Datun
I'm on twitter and I don't think Emma Thompson is, there are several ETs but none of them appear to be the real one. I went looking for her on the back of this letter and the only references to her that I could find was how wonderful she is to have pulled out of a film because of John Lassiter and accusations of sexual misconduct

Emma Thompson

She was on the My Dad Wrote a Porno podcast recently (I'm a fan, if you know from my username ) and she was talking about this book she had made for her daughter about sex education and her daughter read some extracts.

One of the bits that really stuck out to me was when she had written 'if it feels ick, it's wrong and you say no to it'.

'Ick means no'.

I thought it was such a great thing to teach your teenage daughter.

I guess her daughter isn't allowed to feel ick about getting changed in front of a male if that male 'identifies' as a woman. I guess she thinks that the level of 'ick' her daughter feels is first and foremost dictated by the male and how the male feels.

Glad we have cleared that up Emma.

But the evidence is there that debate is being shut down. It’s right in front of their noses, waving in their faces. Evidence is there that women are being bullied and treated appallingly.

Every single one of those people who have signed that letter has thrown women and girls under a bus.

However, I suspect they will end up with egg on their faces. The wheels are coming off the cart. People are seeing the agenda of the lobbyists for what they are. Women and transexuals are pushing back.

In fact they (the signatories) look pretty stupid already after what happened to Miranda.

Ps- Emma Thompson. So disappointed in you.

No I think she has said before that she doesn't do twitter.

See a Glasgow city councillor on there
Where women had to fight through the courts for years to get equal pay from Glasgow city council

Idiots

down to Christine Burns and Press For Change's tentacles

Did anyone else mis-read the last word there?

Great to see a list of delusional SNOWFLAKES signing what is a comic to appease leftie liberal nonsense.

Facts:

1. A XY male, born with testes & penis, cannot become a biological female... EVER - even if castrated.
2. A piece of paper suggesting that someones "gender" has changed does NOT change his SEX. He remains a biological male, even if castrated.
3. To suggest that 1 or 2 above are wrong is DELUSIONAL.
4. "celebs" stating they support trans ideology does not change reality.

I sincerely hop that these snowflakes are put in their place. Stand up against self ID, stand up against trans delusional ideology -

The women who have signed that, are they female women or male women?