Trans group angry at Stonewall's nomination of journalist it criticised
By Jessica Geen • October 14, 2010 - 15:10
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/10/14/trans-group-angry-at-stonewall-nomination-of-transphobic-journalist/ (http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/10/14/trans-group-angry-at-stonewall-nomination-of-transphobic-journalist/)
Stonewall has been attacked for honouring a writer who it criticised for using stereotypes about trans people in 2007.
Scottish Sun journalist Bill Leckie is one of five nominees for the gay charity's annual Journalist of the Year award.
However, he was criticised in a 2007 Stonewall Scotland report for poking fun at a drag queen bingo night.
The message from Stonewall is loud and clear.
But we lack any sort of organisation with a prominant profile. We can't even agree on terminology. Many of our number run for cover once they have their surgery, (and I'm not in any way criticising that, I might have done the same, possibly).
We're sittling ducks. We rely entirely upon the graces of the likes of Stonewall. Transgendered people are openly harrassed and attacked. One of the members here was attacked by two police officers, being forced to expose her breasts in public.
If we are not to be roasted over an open bonfire in some compromise to benefit, possibly gay people, then we really need to organise.
While I would think that Stonewall UK, or any pro gay group, would be cognizant of trans feelings, that particular group points out (in the actual article) that they are NOT a trans inclusive group. GLB only. Perhaps the problem is the opposite of what you have suggested, Spacial. We NEED to be part of that group to actually have a say in their policies. I don't know enough about their history to know why we are not, good or bad. But jumping to conclusions doesn't do us much good.
Nominating Julie Bindel for an award is about as plain as you can get.
The notion that we should join to become part of the decision making process is a nonsense.
I was heavly involved in a number of activist groups in the 70s and a shop steward for a major trade union in the 80s. These groups, all of them are organised on caucauses. Each caucaus decides how its members will vote, as a block. That decision is made by a small committee. Those small committee are invariably made up of special interest groups.
The gays are cosying up to the feminists for support. The feminists like the gays because they see them as non-threatening. We are in the way. Any support we might get will be patronising lip service.
The feminists are dominated by the psychos such as that professor in Australia who thinks women's fashion is on a par with FGM. Given the taste many MtF people have for fashion, we stand no chance.
Feminists and gays seek to change behaviour. We seek to participate in contemporary behaviour.
And until we learn to stand up for ourselves, simply demanding the right of self expression, we will continue to be pushed to the sidelines.
After this exchange, I wrote to Stonewall UK
QuoteFrom:
Sent: 16 October 2010 16:35
To: info
Subject: Transgender support.
Dear Sir,
I am interested in the position of Stonewall UK toward Transgender people.
I note that there is little or no mention of transgender people on your site
and that you identify yourselves as the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
charity.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Today, I have rceived this reply:
QuoteDear
Thanks for taking the time to contact us. Stonewall is a charity that works to achieve equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people across Great Britain. Our work at GB level is more concerned with strategic intervention, and working with organisations (and of course parliament) to change the law and attitudes towards LGB people. Our work is concerned with sexual orientation.
Stonewall does not campaign on issues relating to gender identity because these are often different to those relating to sexual orientation. We recognise for example that the law as it relates to trans people is very different to laws relating to LGB people. Organisations such as Press for Change and the Gender Trust work on behalf of the Trans community, and they generally feel that this is in the best interests of that community. We are in regular contact with those organisations.
Stonewall's work to achieve equality for LGB people includes older LGB people, younger LGB people, LGB people who are disabled, LGB people who are ethnic minorities, women, men - and those who are trans. Stonewall also recognises that anyone can experience homophobia, or be discriminated against because they are thought to be gay. We work on those issues relating to preventing homophobia.
I hope this reply is helpful.
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan Finney
Stonewall
Info Line: 08000 50 20 20
www.stonewall.org.uk (http://www.stonewall.org.uk)
Registered in England and Wales: Stonewall Equality Ltd, Tower Building, York Road, London SE1 7NX
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Comments please?
As elected LGBT rep for our hospital group's union I was a little annoyed ot get a mailing about an LGB workshop in next town. I queried why no TS or TG and was told that it was because LGB have different aims.
I took it higher but the final verdict was that LGBs have different needs to TS.
So now I have repaid them by saying that in future LGB issues have no part in our union activities as we have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone on hospital property and what they get up to off the premises is no concern of anyone's.