Oh, Ben.
To the cis women who feel betrayed by the Guardian's coverage of trans issues: I'm genuinely saddened to have lost you as everyone working here wants to fight misogyny, sexism and patriarchal power/bullshit.
No, Ben, you collectively clearly don't want to fight that stuff, or you wouldn't be calling us "cis" and wouldn't have run that bloody awful piece about Cologne.
There needs to be debate on how to ensure safety and agency of all women; of methods and timings of transitioning, which will vary for each person. But any debate needs to come from a place of compassion where the fact of trans women's existence and womanhood is honoured.
Perhaps you could stop trying to prevent debate from happening then? If women are involved we will be coming from a place of what our needs are and what's important to us. Ben cannot force us to come from any other position, nor should he be trying to do so. Which takes us back to his earlier point.
This debate should continue until everyone feels safe. People often approach it in bad faith. I encourage people to think openly. Talk to trans people and understand the reality of their identities; their difficulties and joys.
But you just said it couldn't even start until it promises not to center women. See how that's going to be a bit of a problem?