I'm pissed off because the 'Carnival' counter protest - including Furries - are now advertising their counter protest as being 'near George Square'. I thought the initial plan was that it would be on Glasgow Green.
Their obvious intention is to 'drown out' women's voices by making as much noise as they can, next to the Standing for Women gathering. Women of Glasgow and beyond deserve a chance to gather, listen and have our say individually in a supportive atmosphere. Why should they wish to deprive us of that?
I thought about contacting Police Scotland to say, "I'm planning on attending this event, can you assure me that you will do all you can to keep women safe and let our voices be heard? Will you endeavour to keep the Furries and Pro-GRR Bill protesters far enough away so that they don't drown us out or physically intimidate us?'
I thought about contacting them by their email form but I'm actually reluctant to give my full name and address to them for obvious reasons. I'm nothing to do with KJK so don't want to do this through her - although I'm sure she'll be asking for a similar reassurances. Is anyone else thinking of approaching the police? Is there a way to ask anonymously? It's ridiculous that I should even be worrying about this and a definite symptom of the intimidation most women feel in speaking up about this issue.
I won't agree with everyone who is there or who chooses to speak but I defend their right to be there and speak if they feel so inclined. I attended the Pro-GRR Bill rally outside Buchanan Galleries and felt safe. I want to feel the same at this gathering.
The best tactic I guess will be safety in numbers. If we get a spectacular turn out of women that will be the best result for democracy. I hope many, many women who live in Scotland come along. And obviously support other women who are travelling to Glasgow from outside Scotland in a show of solidarity.