Author: bomp123

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Academics and researchers Lesbians

I’ve been called “they” and “them” over and over in LGBT circles, no matter how many times I tell people I’m a woman

As a lesbian, I’ve always been a gender nonconforming woman. There is a great push today to get rid of “GNC woman” (gender non-conforming) as a category at all and to replace it with “nonbinary” or “trans man.”

I’ve been called “they” and “them” over and over in LGBT circles, no matter how many times I tell people I’m a woman, and I am sick of seeing the consequences of this on young gay people (especially considering the health effects of puberty-blocking drugs and hormones).

I have a blog, but it is mostly anonymous due to concerns about my social safety. I don’t fear for my life but I think I would lose friends and even academic and career opportunities over it, if I spoke out.

I have received online harassment, and I have been told by friends that I “worry them” sometimes with my opinions. I have to self-censor frequently.

Emily

Categories
Academics and researchers Healthcare

I’ve been horrified by the levels of groupthink and bullying I’ve seen

I’ve never been happy with masculine gender roles & had a ‘trans’ phase in my teens; I mostly kept it to myself, and it passed. It’s a sad experience to have, but men who have it aren’t women, and can’t speak as or for women – and they can’t literally change sex.

I’m alarmed that these basic truths are now being denied, particularly on the Left – it seems like a betrayal of the gains of feminism. I’ve also been horrified by the levels of groupthink and bullying I’ve seen, and the ‘cancelling’ of good socialists by their former allies and friends (e.g. Laura Pidcock).

I’ve done very little, least of all under my own name – a reply to the odd consultation, a few conversations on blogs and Twitter, a few (very difficult) conversations with my children.

I’ve removed identifying details on Twitter after a TRA (trans rights activist) made threatening noises (“I’m surprised that someone in your position”, etc). Even so, most of my friends and contacts – on social media, IRL, at work – don’t know my views on this, and for now I’m keeping it that way.

To date, two people have broken with me on social media; they’re both people I’d known for 20 years, and one I had counted as a friend IRL (in real life). If I were more open with my views I’m sure I’d lose many more contacts and friends, and I’m concerned that there might be consequences for my job.

A P

Categories
Academics and researchers

I disagree with the dogma of Stonewall

It matters to me because the real work of the Equality Act is incomplete. Removing sex as a protected characteristic undoes the historical work of feminists and activists. I believe all groups of women (including trans women) have the right to freedom of conscience and freedom of association.

I disagree with the dogma of Stonewall and find their campaign slogan troubling (acceptance without exception and ‘no-debate’), on a personal and professional level.

I don’t believe any charity should be unaccountable or beyond critique and intellectual scrutiny and academics should feel able to engage in that critique without risking their professional status and livelihood. 

I have written to the head of equality for my trade union and raised concerns about the behaviour and tactics of high-profile trans-activists. I have communicated that concern to regional officials and my local branch president. I have spoken to my (former) MP. I have spoken to work colleagues I know I could talk to without retribution, but speaking openly is a high-risk strategy and I have not yet done so.

I would be subjected to targeted harassment and probably lose my job.

JC, University lecturer, trade union activist, mum to two daughters, not on twitter – got hounded off

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Academics and researchers

I hate being told what to think

Firstly, because I hate being told what to think. I was similarly upset about Dawkins’s campaign against religious belief- at a time when I was struggling with the loss of my own; his authoritarian and judgmental attitude, I thought, was terrifying and insulting.

Secondly- and paradoxically with reference to the first point – because what we are asked to believe can’t possibly be true, unless there is a disembodied soul. Otherwise, the mind is an emanation of the body; therefore, the idea of a quasi-spiritual essence of femininity which is separable from the body makes no sense.

I have argued with people on social media.

I have had insults and abuse; people saying that, for example, they’re glad I’m not my child and that I might kill him with my “intolerance ” (he’s 2); one threat of violence; lost friends.

Smithsinarazz , 44, urbanist, mum

Categories
Academics and researchers Healthcare Parent survivor

I am concerned that my gender non-conforming son will grow to hate his beautiful healthy body

I, like too many women, have experienced grooming, rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence and am fearful of allowing men into women’s spaces.

I am concerned that my gender non-conforming son will grow to hate his beautiful healthy body because of the narrative that gender trumps sex.

I have created anonymous social media accounts to voice my concerns and engage in discussion. I have discussed with my children their right to retain their own spaces and their right to express themselves (i.e. their gender) in any way they choose without this altering their sex. I have contacted my children’s schools to discuss their policy re self identifying students.

I felt compelled to step down from an important task force at work re women in STEM when headed by self-ID trans woman and no opportunity or environment for objection.

I have lost friends and been ostracised from left wing, feminist, and social justice groups of which I was previously an active member. I have had to develop new and anonymous social media accounts because changes in work policy have made clear that I will lose my job for refusing to share women’s only spaces i.e. toilets with trans women.

L C, PhD in STEM (medical sciences)

Categories
Academics and researchers

We are overlooking the legislating away of women and girls’ rights

I worry that in racing to be kind and accommodating to trans people (which I’m all for on a personal level), we are overlooking the legislating away of women and girls’ rights.

I am also disgusted at the volume and violence of the misogynistic abuse levelled at women who want to have a public discussion on this issue (given that it is an issue which will affect most of the public).

I have done very little so far (following people on twitter and the occasional like) because I am worried about the backlash from acquaintances and colleagues.

L, Scientist

Categories
Academics and researchers Healthcare Men

I feel that free speech is being stifled in academic environments

This matters to me because I’m scared that the TRA movement is aggressively and perniciously invading the basic human rights of women and children. It further matters to me because I feel that free speech is being stifled, notably in academic environments.

I have spoken up on social media, at work and within my union.

I’ve been threatened and bullied on social media so have almost been forced to make anonymous account. I’ve been threatened and bullied at work.

A man who supports women, terrified academic

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Others

I worry that people don’t really listen

I care about women.

I have discussed with family and friends.

I worry that people don’t really listen, or misinterpret what I say. Its easy to assume the worst about people that don’t agree with you.

AJC, Woman, mother, worker

Categories
Academics and researchers

An unethical, dangerous absurdity

Widening the legal definition of ‘woman’ to include men, particularly intact males, is an unethical, dangerous absurdity.

Voluntary social inclusion of transwomen by women is fine and good; coerced imposition by male people, regardless of presentation, on female people in situations where they are or expect to be able to be vulnerable (prisons, shelters, health care, changing rooms) is totalitarian and abhorrent.

Destroying fairness in women’s sport and wider representation makes a mockery out of women and our achievements.

I campaign on social media (Twitter) anonymously, I discuss the matter one-to-one with friends and colleagues.

I have not received any negative reactions in my private life, or from individual colleagues I have spoken with. I am careful, of course, but there is broad agreement among the people I have spoken with. I have received abuse on Twitter (like anyone does who speaks up) and I went to one WPUK (Woman’s Place UK) meeting that was mobbed by an angry, kicking, shouting crowd of trans activists.

‘Blob’, Academic anonymous

Categories
Academics and researchers

I no longer attend political meetings, I no longer vote

This matters to me because I’m acutely aware that, the world over, women and girls still need same-sex boundaries, spaces and rights for safety, privacy and dignity. We fought for those same-sex rights for our own protection and our need for them has not changed.

I have been frequently and openly vocal – online and off – with friends. I have written to my MP repeatedly. I have discussed my opinions with colleagues. I have written an article about trans activism and the media.

I have lost friends and, as a political activist on the left, I have lost support and solidarity. I no longer attend political meetings, I no longer vote, I do not approach my trade union (UCU) for support.

Rachel Broady , Anti poverty campaigner, journalist, lecturer