Spectator transwoman journalist

[Gingerbreadrules]

www.spectator.co.uk/article/harry-potter-and-the-strange-absence-of-j-k-rowling

I'm interested in the author of this article and her point of view. I haven't come across Debbie Hayton before but she seems to be a transwoman who accepts that she remains biologically male, and that trans rights should not take away women's rights. I have literally never come across this before (and I am heartened by it). She describes herself as a transwoman (and also in other places, a transexual, which I thought was not allowed terminology these days).

Debbie Hayton is a regular on MN and a regular topic. Advance search is your friend to learn more about DH.

Hayton is a physics teacher, not a journalist, but quite often gets to write columns for papers such as the spectator and times, or interviewed.

Hayton's primary concern is - as is perfectly reasonable for a trans person - trans rights, not women's rights; but as a moderate who clearly recognises and can articulate the harms done to 'genuine' trans people by the extreme trans activists, on some issues there is alignment.

Thanks, I hadn't come across this person or viewpoint before. Intrigued to know how many other transwoman feel the same.

I believe they post on Mumsnet as @debbieinbirmingham if you want to speak to Hayton directly.

Hello @Gingerbreadrules

You can find my other work on my blog at debbiehayton.com Its probably fair to say that my ideas divide opinion here and in other places, but am keen to debate with those who disagree with me as well as those who agree with me.

My campaign is to protect the rights of transsexual people but without compromising the sex-based rights of women or the safeguarding of children. I am open to persuasion - I've changed my mind on issues in the past and may do so again on the future.

There are a few transsexuals who think similarly to me and are willing to speak out. I know rather more who are getting on with life and keeping their heads down.

Thanks @DebbieInBirmingham, I haven’t always agreed with everything you’ve said but you always come across as respectful and level-headed and I’m grateful to you and other trans people who are capable of civil debate.

Hi Debbie

I always enjoy your writing and appreciate the work you do

@Gingerbreadrules

Thanks, I hadn't come across this person or viewpoint before. Intrigued to know how many other transwoman feel the same.

Virtually none.

Lol

Robin, I noticed that you said that D was 'not a transwoman' the other day. Would be good to hear why you think that and what makes someone a transwoman and not a transwoman?

Amazing, yes.

OP there are quite a lot of transwomen who accept they are biologically male, but they do get an awful lot of stick for it. Fionne Orlander, Miranda Yardley, Seven Hex are three names that spring to mind. And Kristina Harrison:

Oh, haha, I hadn't actually noticed that was Robin, above!!!!

Mumsnet, huh??

Ps, Debbie, if you come back, I really admire the way you are respectful of women whilst still being true to yourself. The interview with James max was great - I can tell you are a teacher.

I loved Fionne on Twitter. Also Noona Hora.

@ArabellaScott

Robin, I noticed that you said that D was 'not a transwoman' the other day. Would be good to hear why you think that and what makes someone a transwoman and not a transwoman?

That’s a good point. I thought it was down to how one identified for themselves? We can’t judge who is or not or what their motivations are?

Virtually none.

Well that's not true either is it Robin. 😉

I honestly don't know, ElPollo. Would be interesting to hear Robin's reasoning. I can't imagine it's just a question of disagreement on ideological grounds, surely?

@ArabellaScott

I honestly don't know, ElPollo. Would be interesting to hear Robin's reasoning. I can't imagine it's just a question of disagreement on ideological grounds, surely?

No I'm sure there must be a proper reason.

What is it Robin?

The ‘trans umbrella’ is pretty extensive… yet you can still be the wrong kind of trans? Amazing.

Yet Debbie and Robin have far more in common than anything that divides them

If you're reading Debbie sorry about the rubbish you've been getting off IW on twitter. We don't all have to agree on everything but we can at least be respectful. No-one deserves that bile.

It's always fascinating to see who's monitoring lurking on this board.

Yes I'd like to know too. Shall we ask India W on here too and the three of you can have a nice chat?