MNHQ make a statement on Twitter re FWR

[GirlDownUnder]

mobile.twitter.com/MumsnetTowers/status/1182615292813467648

Mumsnet will always stand in solidarity with minority communities. We don’t tolerate transphobic comments and will delete any when they are flagged to us. But we do also believe strongly in free speech. 1/3

The discussion of gender self-id and what that might mean for very hard-won women’s rights, as well as the rapidly growing number of children exploring gender identity issues, is contentious. 2/3

We know some people would like us to simply censor this entire debate but a similar number think we censor too much. We’re committed to allowing respectful discussion of an issue that is of particular interest to parents. 3/3

The usual suspects pile on, but I think the ratios look very good.

MNHQ

Thank you MNHQ

Ethics matter. Women matter
^^ This

Thank you MNHQ for your stance and willingness to provide and protect an online space for women to discuss their concerns and rights.

I started to feel very uneasy when I learned about self-identification and the queer and trans rhetoric, no platforming and banning people from Facebook groups, 'feminist' groups not centering women etc.

It was amazing to later find this forum where women could talk freely and I've learned so much in such a short space of time. And now we are seeing testimonies from detransitioners, and medical professionals and parents concerned about the harms caused to children.

I have never seen such a sustained and concerted effort to shut down debate and discussion in so many areas and the intimidation of women and feminists for daring to speak out.

As an autistic, bisexual British Indian woman, I have seen how homophobic, sexist and racist the trans ideology has become and how vulnerable groups like those who are autistic are prone to being swept up into potentially harming their bodies because they are told that if they do not conform to gender stereotypes then it means they are the opposite sex. If I was a teenager today, it would definitely be me.

I am truly grateful to all the women here who contribute their time and efforts and for MNHQ for not caving in to those who wish to silence dissent under the guise of transphobia.

Thanks MN, I've been quieter on the FWR board recently but still talking irl and tackling issues at work as they arise. FWR gave me the confidence to do this.

Any pointers to the money gratefully received...

It’s always amusing when people say “you’re saying the same things as right wing Christian fundamentalists”. The concept that two different groups can actually share the same idea is so alien to the younger generation. They don’t understand you can say “I agree with you about this, but I don’t agree with you about this”. They insist on saying “I don’t agree with you about this, therefore anything you say I will also not agree with”.

In fact it’s not amusing, it’s worrying.

Thank you MNHQ

And it’s not remotely transphobic to say McKinnon’s behaviour is abhorrent.

I have reported the OP so MN will def see the support they’ve got here.

And I [heart] the Streisand effect

Well said MN!

It’s always amusing when people say “you’re saying the same things as right wing Christian fundamentalists”.

Especially if they're referring to MN, where on e.g. the philosophy and religion threads such people are liable to find robust rejection of many of their stances and beliefs.

The phrase right wing Christian fundamentalists is chucked about by people who don’t even know what a fundamentalist is.

Equally, being right of centre doesn’t make one a fascist or oppressor. The fact that this gets chucked about demonstrates how ignorant political discourse has become.

Thank-you HandsOffMyRights. As a woman from a working class background who has had to use a homeless shelter in the past and having seen all sorts of exploitation of women on the bottom rung of society by opportunistic males, the hypocrisy of woke middle class white men and women labelling my desire to protect women's sex based rights as middle class 'white feminism' really angers me. I hope Mumsnet get lots of new members for allowing vulnerable women to have a voice.

Agree with @Datun - the agenda is 0.05% about the rights of GNC people and 99.95 % about controlling the inner and outer lives of women. If actual violence or even actual transphobia against trans people was the issue, your average conservative leaning straight white man would be the bogey man, not your average empathic liberal mum.

I think it takes a good deal of political and emotional maturity to say you agree with someone who normally your knee jerk response to them would be to oppose. It’s sometimes a bitter pill to swallow. It’s sometimes hard to admit. But it doesn’t mean you’re descending into “extremist hatred” or on a slippery slope, and how you handle the fact you agree with someone whose a political opponent is telling.

But in this current climate, politicians don’t ever, ever want to say the wrong thing. Watch how the US Democratic President nomination unfolds. No one will stand up for women’s rights if they think it will alienate voters aged 18-30.

Thank you Mumsnet - I don't post much but I read and I learn and I wonder.

My comment on Twitter was that it's odd that the TRAs only go after Mumsnet, never Kiwifarms. Can't think why that might be...

they are throwing actual trans people under a bus in an attempt to oppress women.

Well yes, miranda yardley, transwoman for example was taken to court for transpobi by a tra who isn't trans.

Thanks @MNHQ

It’s important that women have a place to discuss their existing rights under the equality Act, and what the impact of changes might be on the most vulnerable women and girls.

Thanks mumsnet. I've had a look on a male forum my husband uses and the way they talk there I can't even show you as it would get this post deleted. However they come after women always.

I personally find quite a lot of the things the TRA mob say to be transphobic, they are throwing actual trans people under a bus in an attempt to oppress women.

Like suing a transwoman ... I wonder if Upfield's 'investigation' realised who exactly was complaining against MN? And how feeble her court case turned out to be?

Funny how, alongside our supposed alignment with fundamentalists, MN FWR also aligns with @mirandayardley not mimmymum?

Google uk-muscle.co.uk and then transgender if you want to see what I'm talking about BTW. Proper disgust and hatred. That's what they should be targeting. Not women concerned about children and the protection of our sex based rights.

Thanks for standing up to bullies in public MNHQ. It does make a difference.

We don’t tolerate transphobic comments and will delete any when they are flagged to us

🤣 Funniest thing I’ve read all week.

Well stated Mumsnet.

I'm glad we're allowed to talk about AGP now.

Because there's nowhere in real life where women who've found themselves in a relationship with an AGP can talk about what it's like and how it feels and how horribly abusive and dehumanising it can be. It's really difficult to talk to friends or family about, there are no support groups, and it can get so very lonely and confusing.

This has always been a place where women can talk about their abusive relationships, learn to recognise the red flags, prioritise ourselves and our children, and get the help and support we need to make things better for them and us. It felt quite peculiar, for many years, being in a messed up relationship that probably qualified as abusive and really needing to talk about it and not being able to do so here. As though it were too messed up even for here.

So thanks @MNHQ for putting women ahead of their abusive partners and exes even when the topic is contentious and no doubt you get a lot of flak behind the scenes for hosting the discussion.