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 Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.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

"Since 2004 the Gender Recognition Act has realised, in law, the rights of trans women as women and trans men as men."
No, it hasn't. Unlike this letter, the law recognises biological sex is different from gender id and allows the former to be considered as an excluding factor if it is a "proportionate means to a legitimate end"- eg the legitimate aim of protecting women.

But then we have a government where parents are not trusted to do parenting by the government

By our own government

Named persons

Where a male sex offenders who attacked wee girls put in a woman’s hostel. The council said they were women not wee girls so yeps all fine

The sex offender would never dream of assaulting women would he

Fuck what the women felt having a male sex offender there

Scottis( women who signed this letter. Fucking disgrace

Ffs national Scot

No one reads that

It's in the Herald too.

I am SO bored of women telling other women to be nice first and foremost. That's what the patriarchy demands of women. Be quiet, be nice and don't make a fuss.

They let Scottish women down. They let my nation down
😢😢🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

It’s quite an emabarrassing letter tbh. Considering the pro trans tag line is #nodebate trying to accuse us of shutting down debate is an interesting approach. The subsequent misinformation about what the Equality Act allows and the suicide myths tells us where they are at in terms of actually thinking critically about facts instead of believing pro trans propaganda.
Like datun I can only hope that people like Mhairi Black are still on a journey of discovery and will look back on this letter with regret once they have experienced sex based oppression which comes to most women with life experience unfortunately.

Thyats same group of papers

RockyFlintstone
I listened to that too. It's fascinating how people can compartmentalize their thoughts like this.

She spoke so well about giving girls the confidence to speak up when they are uncomfortable, yet is now telling them that they are silly, uninformed and probably breaking the law if they speak up about male bodied people.

I hope her next words of wisdom will be telling girls how to tell the difference between a male bodied person with feminine gender and ones without.

It doesn't surprise me at all that someone like Emma Thompson who has spent her life in the entertainment industry can't think past the surface.
But women's orgs? Unforgivable.

Scotland again...

Scotland again...

The SNP is rushing to show they are more inclusive than the WM government. I really hope that the fact a few SNP voices are speaking up means that people will at least begin to apply some critical thinking.

Well, as others have said, we now have a clear list of women with blood on their hands. Shame on them. We will not forget how you have let women and girls down. They will not get my support in any capacity going forward.

That letter btw was circulated to all female MSPs before the Stage 1 Census Bill debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday. Now imagine for a moment how that will have looked to all those who had bothered to read the committee's report which set out why sex matters for data collection. I mean that was what this letter is meant to address (it doesn't of course). When I had heard about this letter earlier this week, I had thought it set out in cogent arguments why sex doesn't matter and why we don't need to collect sex disaggregated data anymore.

And then I saw it's just more guilt-tripping waffle of the you're so mean kind. Replete with misrepresenting the law and those of us that seek to uphold it.

All of these women signed a letter whose express purpose it was to speak out in support of those who want to stop the census collecting data by sex. Let that sink in.

Slow handclap for Mhairi Black (what a fucking disappointment she has turned out to be.

Absolutely this. She's just shown she's too young, too limited in life experience for the role she has. Nor, it would seem, has she been keeping up with events in Scotland. These SNP politicians are going to be responsible for a huge fall in the number of actual women voting for them. Hell mend them. My great grandmother did not blow up post boxes etc in the cause of
women's rights so some cock in a frock can eliminate both rights and women as a biological reality. This SNP supporter who will resign membership over this shit show.

I love Emma Thompson.

I don't understand why she thinks puttign rapists with functional cocks in womens prisons is a good idea

I don't understand why she wants to see womens sports fucked over

etc

I suppose if she literally believes that any man who says "I'm a woman" literally and immediately becomes one then it makes sense.

But she doesn't believe that does she, no one does.

Like the use of iffy suicide stats to prop up things
Also the standard lie that trans people have been front and centre of all progressive things that have happened anywhere at any time

I see a lot of positive elements about that letter. Firstly, the fact that it's signed by so few people. I mean, if it were hundreds or thousands I'd be worried, but 70? That's pathetic. Emma Thompson is the only big name they could rustle up. Then the fact that they are accusing feminists of stifling debate, when it's TRAs who have pushed the #nodebate line, hard, for years. So... they're now open to debate. Great. Thirdly, the fact that it's all waffle and made-up nonsense that's easily refuted. This won't stand. When the responses come in, we will see some true facts and information aired. Finally, the fact that they are pushing women's voices to the forefront suggests that they feel weakened in their position that women shouldn't get to speak on this topic. I know they are only saying what's permitted to be said, but still.

I'm sorry to be so optimistic about it! I don't see it as a blow but as an expression of the TRAs weakness. It may be coloured by the fact that I read James Kirkup's article in the mail this morning - I reckon that will have a far more influential effect that this nonsense. I hope so, anyway.

"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."

pretty much everyone is non binary
this whole thing is utter drivel

Sadly Emma Thompson is being dragged into the world of wishy washy liberal left, - common for such celebs who are out of touch with reality.

Ignore such nutters, she is lost to the fools. Shows how our nation is being dragged down in many ways, she is a "Dame".. not long before we are forced to have biological males who become "dames" and not just for acting - it is madness .

We have to just make sure all those we love and speak to know the facts... she has done her credibility no good. In years to come she will change her mind.

No experience of the impact it is having on many families, and in prisons, schools and NHS wards... she does not see any of that... in her celeb world of delusion..

Absolutely yes to this being visibly a group of middle class women with no concept of what life is like for people without their education, money and protections. And from a specific group of jobs that are also highly ivory towered. For God's sake you twits, go and TALK to some of the women raising problems with this. Get out of your fucking ivory tower and realise what you're helping to happen.

The women above (and hello to those of them reading this because I'm positive they will) have signed up to:

• removal of right to women assembling outside of the presence of men
• removal of the right of women to a female person for intimate care and medical treatment, or for a compulsory search regardless of that woman's reasons for requiring a female person
• removal of the right of girls and women to be undressed or toilet or sleep on wards outside of the presence of men
• removal of the right to make sexual choices including to be homosexual, that exclude men
• removal of the right to safeguarding, the NSPCC pants rule for children or the right to bodily privacy or even to show discomfort, distress or attempt to leave the area if a man wishes to be present with them
• removal of the right to recover from severe abuse and trauma without the presence of men
• removal of the right to be part of support groups helping women with medical problems affecting people with only female biology
• the right to name themselves without being told this is too upsetting and offensive for men to be expected to tolerate
• the right to name reality without being told this is too upsetting and offensive to men to be expected to tolerate
• the right to name and talk about their biology and the issues specific to it without being accused of this being offensive and excluding men

Any woman standing behind that has a very, very big problem. And that problem is not the other women standing up and saying: holding these views is insane. It is mad. And the effect it will have upon women and children in this country will be appalling.

For God's sake look ahead. Think.

Mammoon

I think you are right.

The use of the word archaic also looks desperate, resorting to ageist slurs. Historical transing is fine but the human dimorphic species is archaic? Did that come from the Life Sciences faculty?

I agree with two things in the letter: misinformation has to stop. But that include the fraudulent use suicide and violence statistics.

Also the law is settled over discrimination against men who have undergone ‘gender reassignment’ to identify as ‘transwomen’; without a GRC they must be treated just like other men. They must not be discriminated against compared to other men.

That letter btw was circulated to all female MSPs before the Stage 1 Census Bill debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday

That is interesting. They must have been bitterly disappointed by the content of the debate then...

I suppose if she literally believes that any man who says "I'm a woman" literally and immediately becomes one then it makes sense.

But she doesn't believe that does she, no one does.

Who knows. I think many media & film types see this as a question of whether they would be girly friends with transwomen. They're not thinking about the real world consequences for women who need and want to be able to access single-sex services.

This board will be very, VERY happy to evidence that every single one of the points I've listed above is not only wholly truthful as a risk to women, but is already written into policy and/or has happened to women .