Jennie Russell & Libby Purves on Times Radio

[SerenityLoveLamb]

Did anyone else catch this?

Both women clearly and unequivocally supported JKR new charity aiming to provide refuge for women away from male presence.

"On this, as on so many things, JKR is completely right"

"Traumatised women need safe spaces away from male bodies that may cause further trauma, no matter how those makes identify"

Not verbatim quotes, but close to. (I'm too slow!)

The male presenter said, "I'm sure there will be thoughts on your comments..."

I don't know much about Times Radio or who listens to it and what comments will be sent in, but it was such a surprise to overhear such clarity and brave and firmly held statements from both women (don't know if they've spoken out before either). I'm really pleased. And go JKR!

Jenni Russell is excellent. I have a feeling Purves has said something before too.

But you know what? This is the only sane view possible. Anyone who thinks that there isn't a need for single-sex services for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse is demonstrably a nasty piece of work.

Sounds great - do you have a link OP?

Does this work?

www.thetimes.co.uk/radio/show/20221212-9023/2022-12-12

But you know what? This is the only sane view possible. Anyone who thinks that there isn't a need for single-sex services for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse is demonstrably a nasty piece of work.

This. It surely doesn't have to even be part of the (no) debate? Transwomen have all of the other services available for them to use in Scotland. There is absolutely no need for anyone to try and force male bodied people into this lone female specific service.

Let's face it, JKR could bring about world peace and some people would say she'd done it transphobically. She knows that. So there's no need for activists to even comment on this project. It takes nothing from them or from the trans people whose best interests they claim to have at heart.

Sorry, I just happened to be in the 'right place at the right time' to overhear! I'm more of a BBC /Sounds person normally!

Absolutely.

So sad that we've reached a point that both women, without hesitation, when asked to comment on the new service, replying positively and emphatically, feels like a surprising and brave response.

Libby Purves has been openly GC for a while, having originally been pro the GRA when first passed and having indeed written a novel whose protagonist is a very supportively portrayed transwoman. I admire her for changing her mind in response to the facts. Jennie Russell is generally excellent too.

Thank you @Birdsweepsin it works! How far in is it? (To avoid listening to the full three hours!)

So sad that we've reached a point that both women, without hesitation, when asked to comment on the new service, replying positively and emphatically, feels like a surprising and brave response.

And also sad that in response to two women talking about another woman setting up a charity to support women, the presenter feels compelled to say 'I'm sure some people will have thoughts on that'. In what I felt was a slightly - 'Please don't have a go at me, these are the views of my guests' sort of way.

I have thoughts and they are; Good for JKR and good for Libby and Jennie for speaking up about it too!

Thanks for flagging this up OP; I wonder if Woman's Hour will cover this important story?

@Fenlandia WH did cover the story, Emma interviewed suzanne Moore about it, the last item.
The news broke as they were going on air.

Suzannes interview with JKR:

https://open.substack.com/pub/suzannemoore/p/an-exclusive-interview-with-jk-rowling?r=co0eq&utmmedium=ios&utmm_campaign=post

Which is why she was the guest on the topic. Jk not doing media.

Yep. He said it in a very "gosh you've said it now," kind of way.

It was on just moments before I wrote the OP if that's any help with the maths. The next guest was Joe Lycett.

I’m a Times Radio listener, partly because of presenters like LP.

I think one of the genius aspects to this brilliant project is that there is absolutely nothing for anyone to reasonably object to.

JKR is using her wealth to create a much needed designated resource for women at a time when rape is on the increase and sexual violence against women and girls is endemic. It is, as Suzanne Moore said, literally NOTHING to do with trans women. It takes nothing from them. They are simply outside the specific remit of this service, but can access help - should they need to - via Rape Crisis or the other services that have chosen to widen their original single-sex provision.

There are many wealthy trans people and supporters who would be perfectly at liberty to set up a parallel service specifically for trans people. Perhaps JKR's project will inspire them to do so.

Thanks Bumper, I don't tend to listen live unless someone here flags up something of interest.

I didn't know anything about this new charity. JKR is amazing!

Shame on the other charities that have been unable to provide female only services.

Winter trees and yet apparently there are already TRA’s on Twitter claiming it is transphobic to bar transwomen from accessing this facility

I like Matt Chorley ( presenter on Times Radio) but like so many he's utterly clueless on women's rights either through ignorance or choice. I remember him having Ben Cohen on from Pink News a few months ago and I nearly threw they radio through the window it was such a sycophantic interview.

Great to hear Libby and Jenni standing up for JK Rowling. A few years ago they probably wouldn't have dared, things are changing.

Which beautifully spotlights their unreasonableness, as JKR must have exactly foreseen 😊

IW is saying jk has only done this so she can be transphobic.



Yes, I heard it too!

Interestingly, the next guest was Joe Lycett who I'm pretty certain does NOT agree with Jenny and Libby. Could have been an interesting "back stage" chat if they crossed paths!

I didn't know she is a presenter, he asked her opinion as though she was a guest. I've read a couple of her books and columns and enjoyed them. I could be tuning in again!

IW is coming across as more obsessional and unpleasant than usual