Excellent piece in the Guardian by Owl Fisher 8/3 [Edited by MNHQ]

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Views that were beyond the pale are now commonplace. It is time to stop pretending that all opinions are equal

Contributors are presented as experts when, more often than not, they’re just another person with an opinion. We absorb their hot take on the day’s events often without questioning what lies behind them. Anyone with an opinion is invited on to TV or radio, without a hint of critical analysis

That’s why it’s important that we as consumers are critical of what we are hearing and watching, and are aware of where it’s coming from. We need to stop mindlessly accepting that everything we are fed is objective, be critical of the sources and who’s speaking. I constantly get contacted by media platforms to debate a range of topics related to trans issues — despite having no expertise in the specific topic being discussed — simply because I’m a trans person. Lived experience is important, but that doesn’t mean I can comment on the specific effects of testosterone on people’s bodies. For that you need a scientist.

amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/08/public-debate-is-a-shouting-match-what-we-need-is-experts?__twitter_impression=true

I am surprised that Owl still gets journalist work after their court case...

What case?

What case?

This maybe?

Ohhh that one. I seem to remember some videos that were taken off YouTube?

This piece smacks of someone trying to set themselves up a media profile on issues beyond their expertise in being in a nonbinary or trans power couple.
(the claim to the professional background in ‘film making’ is a bit sparse and maybe not very lucrative- you can see their actual output on IMDB- Where interestingly they are listed as ‘he’
m.imdb.com/name/nm10313820/ )

And noting that this article comes out at a time that they have a book for trans teenagers to sell, which has already been out for a few months since it launched with a book tour.

But anyway, back to the thrust of Owl’s argument:

Yes - I think anyone would agree with Owl- it’s an obvious truth, that self appointed experts can be dangerous. Talking beyond the limits of their knowledge and taking advantage of gullible or vulnerable audiences who may not be able to tell the difference between opinion and expertise and the like.

I am interested then to know what qualifies Owl and Fox Fisher to write a book of ‘practical advice’ for teenagers struggling with gender identity, including ‘how to’ on binding and taking hormones?

Are they actually also educationalists? Counsellors? Psychotherapists? Doctors? Some kind of research academic? Youth worker? Their relevant expertise in advising teenagers is in ..er...

On their publishers’ website
www.jkp.com/uk/trans-teen-survival-guide-1.html

Trans Teen Survival Guide
Owl and Fox Fisher
Frank, friendly and funny, this must-read guide is packed full of advice from authors who understand the realities and complexities of growing up trans. Readers will come away empowered and armed with practical advice on how to navigate everything from coming out, clothes and pronouns, to wearing binders or packers, hormone therapy and self-care.

Some reviews on here:

www.amazon.co.uk/Trans-Teen-Survival-Guide-Fisher/dp/1785923412/ref=nodl_?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I don't understand.

Is it the same Owl who a week or two ago wrote this piece? Saying the opposite, stating there is no advantage?

Or is this a different Owl?

metro.co.uk/2019/02/27/being-trans-doesnt-give-you-an-advantage-in-sport-but-fear-of-discrimination-keeps-us-from-playing-8750386/

An article, which Paris Lees referred to as "evidence-based", and told Navratilova she didn't know what she was talking about, and that Dr Renee Richards, a medical doctor and transsexual athlete, wouldn't know much either because they were just "an ophthalmologist". But Owl does know.

It's the same OWL Sonic and they aren't saying the opposite here, they are just no good at getting their point across.

There's definitely a push to conflate the American phenomenon of 'anti-vaccers' with feminists. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

the American phenomenon of 'anti-vaccers'

Andrew Wakefield is British. Bit unfair to imply all that nonsense is the fault of the Americans.

Well he fits in quite well out there these days! Although I’ve read a few articles in the US press recently around adults who weren’t vaccinated and have contracted measles - they are pissed off now.

Hilariously on twitter they're all agreeing whole heartedly.

Obviously none of them listened to the today programme on Friday.