Can women listen to poetry in Scotland in 2023?

[ArabeIIaScott]

A poetry event at Blackfriar's in Glasgow has attracted protest. Why? It features women. There is a risk that women may speak freely.

Event: 'womanword'

'Poetry/Performance Women on the Frontline. Featuring award winners Magi Gibson, Elaine "merkin" Miller, and Jenny Lindsay. Plus open mic!'
May 20th

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womanword-tickets-609524874307

'Caberet Against the Hate Speech' has posted to the venue, asking why it is allowing this event to go ahead:

'Dear@Blackfriars_Bar there is a show going on next month in your basement that is showcasing 3 performers that are anti trans with some being more extreme than the other. Why is this being allowed in your venue?
StandComedyClub protects the trans community. Do you?'

https://twitter.com/cabaretagainst/status/1653252420917501953

I guess maybe my OP should ask whether women can perform poetry in 2023, but the end result is the same. Our events, language, thoughts and beliefs are being police by these idiots.

I've absolutely had enough.

The comments are great and a lot more people have been made aware and will buy tickets so more sunlight

This appears to be the person behind the 'Cabaret' group.

Apologies for the awfully messy link:

https://www.alamy.com/glasgow-scotland-uk-5th-february-2023-tom-harlow-a-cabaret-and-burlesque-performer-joins-a-counter-protest-group-known-as-cabaret-against-the-hate-speech-in-george-square-to-challenge-and-protest-against-the-event-called-let-women-speak-which-is-organised-by-kellie-jay-keen-also-known-as-posie-parker-who-is-a-womens-rights-campaigner-credit-skullyalamy-live-news-image516652079.html

The comments are gold. I also didn't know this was on so will be buying tickets. Another own goal for the TRA's!

https://thetab.com/uk/edinburgh/2023/04/27/second-screening-of-transphobic-film-cancelled-due-to-protests-at-edinburgh-university-83668

Cabaret ATHS was also involved in cancelling the recent screening of 'Adult Human Female'.

Who are these people to try to stop women from watching films, reading, making and performing poetry? How the fuck dare they?

Ah, maybe it's motivated by revenge.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-63060734

'An entertainer has cancelled plans to lead a children's storytelling event, after a backlash from parents who learned he also works as a stripper and drag act.
Tom Harlow wears a mermaid's tail and strings of pearls to read "alternative, empowering fairy tales" to children.
His website say his adult shows feature "striptease...burlesque... fetish".'

Thanks for the heads up, just bought a ticket.

Great, I hope the event is a success! I'm just pissed off and disheartened. I saw the event, thought it looked like fun, and - silly me - thought 'surely they won't get grief for a poetry event'.

But it's not about this event, is it. This person has decided to harass these three women because he disagrees with their views.

It's fucking outrageous.

Oh good an event in Glasgow, must buy a ticket.

Don't he look cute?

This the first of a tweet thread from Jenny Lindsay. Has attached a long essay on her experience of being smeared as a TERF.

https://twitter.com/msjlindsay/status/1653362235643756552?s=20

I understand why she hasn't, but I wish she'd named names.

I'm not in Scotland, never mind Glasgow, but I'd love to fund a ticket for someone who would like to go but can't afford it. Any ideas for how I could?

Magi Gibson is wonderful

Oh great! I didn't know about this either..Will try for ticket.

Love the ratio and the comments (and wish I lived closer to Glasgow)

Great idea! I've messaged you.

If the venue cancels I hope they go ahead and hold it outdoors in a public space - like when Julie Bindel was told by a Nottingham library she could no longer speak there and spoke in the car park instead.

I wish I could go to the Glasgow gig. I just love Elaine Miller.