FFS...this is a women's issue.
Women come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, colours and creeds.
I may have nothing in common with another women, dislike her views on a number of things, dislike the woman herself, but she has a right to a voice. And I have a right to disagree with her.
It has been interesting that the two women who have effectively been lightening rods for abuse and worse, have been Posie and Caro. Strong strong women, with strong views.
Though this forum is normally polite it is clear that there is a natural divide between those who have feminist roots, who talk a language of intersectionality and patriarchy, and others who have arrived here via forums on breastfeeding or secondary education, and who, whether Labour or Tory, are new to political activism. This is an issue that affects all women.
One real joy of this forum has been the way women have come together. It's been a chance to come out of our bubbles, to talk to people with very different backgrounds about those difficult topics of race, religion, sex and politics (the Douglas Murray thread was great) and be remind ourselves that you don't need to agree to respect.
That your own views should and can be challenged, and can evolve.
Caroline Farrow continues to amaze me. How does she do it? We should be grateful for the way she has exposed how beastly people can be, and how low they can stoop. Some men really seem to hate women. Ditto with Posie. Her energy, her creativity went a long way to opening up the debate. Who knew that Adult Human Female would prove so controversial. I have met her twice, the second time approaching her specifically to buy her a drink. I am a fangirl. Which is very different to being sure I will agree with her on much, or even enjoy being a friend.
It is inevitable that strong characters will clash. Look at the people at the top of any political party. Julie Bindel is also fab, articulate and caring. She has made her own compromises. Writing for the Mail in order to get your voice heard would have pleased everyone, but I think it is right. I want women's voices heard. Being out there means being exposed.
Long ago I asked a senior friend how she managed to work to a very difficult director. She said that before she entered his office she would remind herself of the things she admired about him. Perhaps this is true of both Posie and Julie. There is lots, really lots, to admire about both. And, as with anyone who puts their head above the parapet, things that can be criticised.
Women want an end to the Stonewall pushed, unexamined, queer ideology. We worry that the main losers are women and children. Our drivers may be social conservatism, opposition to the patriarchy, religion, culture, whatever. Let's focus on the problem, and use our amazing diversity of backgrounds and networks to protect ourselves and those who are more vulnerable. Let's appreciate those who have gone above and beyond. Including both Posie and Julie.