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 Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.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

@PotteryGirl I can't see why any men would be bothered by FtM transitioning as they will not erode their sex based rights. Nor will they scoop up prizes in male sports as male bodied people are doing in women's because women don't have any advantages. I think the fact that concerns re: Transmen are seldom spoken about shows that this is not about Transphobia. I don't even think, for many, it is about Transwomen. It is about men/male bodied people trying to encroach on women's spaces/sports/services etc.should self id become easier & the erosion of language we use to describe ourselves/our bodies. It is stark that words to use re: men have not been changed!
I don't know any men, personally, who would be bothered by a woman giving them intimate care. I was apprehensive going for a breast check up, recently, even though I was reassured it would be women only who would be lifting my breasts onto the XRay machine. This is because I now know someone who is biological male cannot be screened out (according to articles in papers) because employers cannot ask for GRC, which are issued even if have not had surgery.
I know women who have not gone for Smear check ups because of concerns re: this (numbers going have dropped & I believe women won't even state this, if asked, in case seen as prejudiced). It is of particular concern for women I know who have been sexually abused as children as they are unlikely to complain/ask for another worker. They may undergo it if don't feel assertive & be re-traumatised. It is very unlikely they will go back. But all of us should have rights to state our personal boundaries & if we ask for female HCPs-the services should be person centred around US-not the employee. This is why EA2010 is explicit that even transwomen with a GRC can be excluded from jobs as e.g. Counsellors in Rape Crisis Centres.

The trans debate is an excellent litmus test for those capable of critical thinking.

Critical thinking isn’t a prime attribute for a career in the arts. Not to disparage the arts, but different areas of human endeavour require different mindsets.

Emma Thompson gives legs to that metropolitan, liberal elite trope.

We'll that letter is fairly breathtakingly ignorant of the issues. I wish I was arrogant confident enough to offer up opinions on issues I clearly haven't taken 5 minutes to inform myself about.

Fuck off, Thompson, with your luvvie head-up-your-arse super-woke bullshit.

@Trousering - yes, the same Life Sciences dept. at Dundee who train the Biomedical scientists and the same department who work alongside the medical school and the rather exceptional Anatomy dept. The mind lay-dee brain truly boggles - along with the fellow from Edinburgh.

Fuck off, Thompson, with your luvvie head-up-your-arse super-woke bullshit.

Too right.

ET has always struck me as one of the more sanctimonious luvvie wokesters and it's no surprise that she would put her name to this brainless pish.

Just wait until she is aggressively pushed aside for a job by a man. Or her daughters.

The most excellent Dr jane clare jones wrote a response thread

mobile.twitter.com/janeclarejones/status/1102287895967215616

Remember when the TRAs used to argue that we had nothing to worry about because the equality act would protect us?

I remember that.

Amazing response by JCJ and complete dismantling of their nonsense letter.

They never ever produce evidence, just slurs, lies, insinuations, DARVO, abuse. Am really sick of it.

As JCJ says: And yet, we think it's best dealt with by sticking to the facts and the arguments. If you could do the same that would be GREAT.

Ah, I do adore a good JCJ response. Very cathartic!

Dr Jones speaks truth.

There are significant social and political consequences of trying to change the meaning of the word 'women' so that it no longer means 'the class of female people,' and we want to have a conversation about those consequences without you wheeling out your trusted tool-box of hand-waving, social shaming, denial, legal misrepresentation and emotional manipulation.

Jane expresses this so well I could stand up and cheer. Yes. This exactly. And THIS needs to be in the press as a rebuttal for ordinary people to be guided through the bullshit and have it pointed out to them, step by step, trick by trick.

I would most likely have signed this six months ago. Until I casually Google 'terf meaning' I was in the dark.

Between 'no debate' and terfblockers a lot of these women have no idea of the real state of play.

ALittleBitofVitriol that's why the recent boycott of the Audacious Women Festival in Edinburgh was so instructive.

They made some of their events women-only, something that the EqA specifically allows for. They were fully inclusive within the confines of the law, by including GRC-holders and (out of a desire to be kind) also those who passed.

There's a grey area about the latter group, because the only males who have a right to be considered for inclusion are GRC-holders, ie those males who are legally female. The law says that all males who identify as trans but who are still legally male can be excluded where all other males are excluded. But the guidance from EHRC is typically confusing and misrepresents the act.

So, the organisers applied the sex-based exemptions as available to us, while also including all males claiming womanhood who had a right to be considered for inclusion and they were attacked and boycotted as exclusionary and bigoted and transphobic.

All those assurances as to how we have nothing to fear, the EqA won't be changed and sex-based exemptions will remain are nothing but a lie if we cannot actually use the EqA exemptions without being attacked.

Which is why For Women Scotland and ReSisters are asking everyone who can to go to see their MPs on IWD to ask them to call for clearer, more accurate guidelines from the EHRC and to properly publicise those so that businesses and organisations can feel confident using sex-based exemptions. Or to write to them.

JCJ 4 pm!!!

We have written a thread here:
twitter.com/ForwomenScot/status/1102274482494947328?s=20

Also, our reply to Engender's open letter
forwomen.scot/02/03/2019/engender/#more-1027

Thank you all for fighting the good fight. We believe that if the Scottish government sees sense on this, Westminster will heave a sigh of relief and shelve it. This is why is so important to win here first. Joan did an amazing thing this weekend.

Sinead daly has left wrasac for a new position at the University of west of scotland so what is her name and previous job title here?

Also laughed at seeing Janine Ewen on the same list given she wrote an inaccurate acticle in either The National or Commonspace blasting Sinead Daly after secretly recording her in a 1-1 meeting at WRASAC.

I see that the letter is being shared amongst scottish feminist groups / collectives to get more signatures and support with a hint that they are scrutinising who isnt signing up, therefore must be a TERF that needs outed.

Thank you for all your hard work Susan!

It has been incredible to see a grass roots organisation be so effective and stand up for women's rights

Ewe thank you! We are trying...

Frazzled we have reason to think the letter may have been doing the rounds for a while. The compulsion aspect is very concerning.

Somebody on Twitter has referred to ET previously supporting a man who seriously assaulted a child (they're more specific than that on Twitter) - does anyone know whom they're talking about?

Roman Polanski? She signed the petition and then backtracked.

DoctoressPlague

Thanks for that - he was the only one I could think of.

with a hint that they are scrutinising who isnt signing up, therefore must be a TERF that needs outed

That's disgusting.
Thank you for all you're doing, Susan. I think you're right, Scotland can lead the way on this!

They aren’t feminists then are they?