I take your point, but is it really so simple as to just 'debate'? Much of this debate about trans rights involves no trans people. It often involves denial of the very existence - on their terms - of trans people. Can any of this be right? Would it be acceptable for any other oppressed group? And who sets the terms of this debate?
Nothing in this is simple - as a first step, we must recognise the reality of the power relations involved. My own views have significantly changed over the years, having been greatly influenced by talking to the women around me, and most recently by having known Diane, a trans woman now sadly deceased. She would have been appalled at the return of biological determinism heralded by the Supreme Court judgement.
The Supreme Court decision is an absolute disaster for women, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to think harder.
The example you’ve given of the pool experience confirms it. We’ve already had legal pronouncements about where trans people should use the toilet with absolutely no connection to the real world where there are either no attendants or jobs worthy types who’ll be willing to police sex and gender correlations. Perhaps all women, trans or otherwise should take to wearing a merkin in case we are asked to flash? I certainly won’t be showing ID to use the lavatory as there is no ID requirement in the UK. And then there are transmen who are meant to use the “ladies rooms”. Beards included.
The current situation with trans people has been the norm in the UK for two decades and has worked without any significant issues. Prisoners who have committed sex offences are generally held in solitary confinement in the UK, so the furore surrounding this handful of cases is barely justified- and funny that we don’t hear too much about the victims.
The idea that society should be removing rights rather than introducing and properly policing protective measures is pernicious. We’ve already seen young people’s birthright to free movement in the EU removed, now dialling back on gender rights and reducing all women to proving their biological sex to access services ( because this is how it’s already been interpreted ). I’m deeply worried about where society is headed.
My look isn’t terrible feminine. I am quite sure that sooner or later I’m going to be challenged in the Ladies, perhaps chucked out. Friends have been. Do I feel safer? Nope. I feel more policed.
You make some good points. I feel that many of the people who are concerned about this one aspect of prisoners’ rights should campaign for more reform. We in Scotland lock up far too many people.
I take your point, but is it really so simple as to just 'debate'? Much of this debate about trans rights involves no trans people. It often involves denial of the very existence - on their terms - of trans people. Can any of this be right? Would it be acceptable for any other oppressed group? And who sets the terms of this debate?
Nothing in this is simple - as a first step, we must recognise the reality of the power relations involved. My own views have significantly changed over the years, having been greatly influenced by talking to the women around me, and most recently by having known Diane, a trans woman now sadly deceased. She would have been appalled at the return of biological determinism heralded by the Supreme Court judgement.
Well the trouble with ‘no debate’ IMHO is that it leaves the field open to the large part of the population who don’t adhere to that injunction
The Supreme Court decision is an absolute disaster for women, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to think harder.
The example you’ve given of the pool experience confirms it. We’ve already had legal pronouncements about where trans people should use the toilet with absolutely no connection to the real world where there are either no attendants or jobs worthy types who’ll be willing to police sex and gender correlations. Perhaps all women, trans or otherwise should take to wearing a merkin in case we are asked to flash? I certainly won’t be showing ID to use the lavatory as there is no ID requirement in the UK. And then there are transmen who are meant to use the “ladies rooms”. Beards included.
The current situation with trans people has been the norm in the UK for two decades and has worked without any significant issues. Prisoners who have committed sex offences are generally held in solitary confinement in the UK, so the furore surrounding this handful of cases is barely justified- and funny that we don’t hear too much about the victims.
The idea that society should be removing rights rather than introducing and properly policing protective measures is pernicious. We’ve already seen young people’s birthright to free movement in the EU removed, now dialling back on gender rights and reducing all women to proving their biological sex to access services ( because this is how it’s already been interpreted ). I’m deeply worried about where society is headed.
My look isn’t terrible feminine. I am quite sure that sooner or later I’m going to be challenged in the Ladies, perhaps chucked out. Friends have been. Do I feel safer? Nope. I feel more policed.
You make some good points. I feel that many of the people who are concerned about this one aspect of prisoners’ rights should campaign for more reform. We in Scotland lock up far too many people.