The Trans Agenda: Cass rejected again as the papers attack LGBTQ+ inclusion

News you need, the perspective you won’t find anywhere else. The trans community’s guide to UK news, media and politics and our place in it.

The Trans Agenda

[8 December 2024]

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UK NEWS

Brianna Ghey killer’s sentencing appeal thrown out

One of Brianna Ghey‘s killers, Eddie Ratcliffe, had his bid to reduce his 20-year minimum sentence thrown out by Appeal Court judges. Ratcliffe, who was 15 when he stabbed 16-year-old Brianna 28 times in a Warrington park last February, argued for a reduced term citing his ‘immaturity’. The judges dismissed this, deeming the arguments ‘based on a false premise’. Ratcliffe was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years, while his co-defendant Scarlett Jenkinson received a minimum term of 22 years. The murder was described as ‘exceptionally brutal’ with transphobic motives.

Council of Europe expert committee say puberty blocker trial might violate rights of the patient [Trans Safety Network]

The Council of Europe’s ADI-SOGIESC report warns that the NHS restricting puberty blockers to a proposed trial could violate patient rights under the Oviedo Convention, which ensures access to care outside research. This echoes a 2022 British Medical Association warning about ethical breaches.

The trial, starting in April 2025, may randomly assign young trans participants to receive blockers or no treatment. Critics rightly question whether true informed consent is possible when the trial is the only route to treatment. NHS England and Dr Michael Absoud, linked to the trial, have not provided requested details.

GPs halting transgender patients’ hormone treatment or refusing prescriptions, [The Bureau of Investigative Journalism in partnership with the Independent]

An investigation by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, in partnership with The Independent, reveals a troubling rise in the withdrawal or refusal of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions for transgender patients by NHS GPs, a scandal that trans journalists have tried to highlight for some time. This has left many patients unable to access crucial gender-affirming care, with GPs citing reasons such as lack of expertise, insufficient funding, or confusion stemming from the Cass Review’s cautionary recommendations on hormone treatments for minors.

Key findings include:
- Impact on patients: Cases were reported where HRT was stopped without consultation, destabilising patients’ mental health and forcing some to seek costly private care or unregulated alternatives.
- GPs’ reasons: Many GPs claim to feel unqualified to prescribe HRT, despite guidance from the General Medical Council stating this does not require specialist expertise. Funding shortfalls and the Cass Review’s influence on adult services have further complicated access.
- Systemic rollback: NHS gender services report an increase in HRT refusals, with data showing rising refusal rates in areas like Manchester. The Cass Review, originally focused on children, has ‘inadvertently’ shaped adult care, with some practitioners fearing legal or professional repercussions for prescribing.
- Broader challenges: While the Royal College of General Practitioners updated its stance to support transgender care, systemic issues such as overstretched resources and societal rhetoric have hindered progress.

AROUND THE WORLD

French guidelines endorse trans youth care, reject “wait-and-see” approach [Erin Reed]

The French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology has issued France’s first national guidelines for transgender youth care, endorsing gender-affirming treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy while rejecting the harmful “wait-and-see” approach. The guidelines emphasise that delaying care increases psychological distress and suicide risk.

Puberty blockers are recognised as essential for easing gender exploration and reducing future surgical needs, with no evidence of harm to brain development or academic outcomes. The guidelines counter claims from the UK’s Cass Review.

Massachusetts police seek charges after trans boy attacked

Police in Gloucester, Massachusetts, are seeking to charge three teenagers in connection with an August attack on a transgender boy named Jayden Tkaczyk. Jayden was assaulted by up to a dozen teens at an outdoor party, where he was also subjected to homophobic slurs and chased into the woods. Gloucester Police have filed for assault and battery charges against two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, with a juvenile court hearing pending to determine if there is sufficient cause to proceed with the case.

Texas DPS inbox flooded after blocking sex designation changes on IDs [Dallas Morning News]

After Texas’ Department of Public Safety (DPS) set up an email account for employees to report transgender Texans’ requests to change their driver’s license sex designation, the inbox was flooded with criticism, spam, and protest emails. The policy, introduced in August, instructed staff to report court orders allowing sex designation changes, which drew backlash after LGBTQ newspaper Dallas Voice publicised the details. Emails ranged from satirical messages, including movie scripts, to direct criticism of DPS and Texas lawmakers for violating transgender rights. DPS did not comment on the public reaction to the email account.

Parents defend Boston gender clinic after claims of rushed treatments [The Boston Globe]

Boston Children’s Hospital’s gender clinic, GEMS, was criticised by a former director, Amy Tishelman, for allegedly rushing assessments for minors seeking medical transition. Despite this, most parents interviewed defended GEMS as a cautious and comprehensive provider, emphasising the rigorous multi-step process involved before medical treatment is offered. While two parents echoed concerns of rushed processes, most felt the clinic provided a thorough evaluation, often spanning years. Parents highlighted improvements in their children’s mental health after treatment, countering allegations that they were pushed into transition. The controversy arises amid rising political attacks on gender-affirming care across the US.

Celena Morrison, Philly’s first trans head of LGBTQ affairs, leaves position [The Philadelphia Inquirer]

Celena Morrison, the first openly transgender leader of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, is no longer in her role. The city has not provided a reason for her departure, citing privacy regarding personnel matters, and is currently searching for her replacement. Morrison, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights, was appointed in 2020 and made headlines in March following a controversial roadside arrest involving her and her husband, Darius Mclean. The incident, which led to the firing of the state trooper involved, garnered significant attention because a trans person was involved.

Nancy Mace uses slur after trans activists’ Capitol protest [Erin Reed]

Transgender activists, including Chelsea Manning, protested a bathroom ban targeting trans people in the US Capitol. The sit-in, led by the Gender Liberation Movement, caught lawmakers off guard. Protesters faced arrest threats but were released without charge. Congresswoman Nancy Mace responded by publicly using the T slur in a video mocking the protesters.

33 transgender clinics open in Telangana, India

Telangana, India, is opening 33 Maitri Clinics for transgender healthcare, offering services like hormone therapy and pre-surgical care. This follows the success of a pilot clinic at Osmania General Hospital. The state government is also planning to induct transgender people into police roles, promoting further inclusion.

33 transgender clinics set to open in Telangana today State govt to induct trans people into police duties, promoting inclusion Deccan Chronicle2 Dec 2024MRITTIKA BANERJEE I DC Inside Hyderabad’s Osmania General Hospital (OGH), the transgender clinic has become a lifeline for many. As Telangana prepares to launch 33 Maitri Clinics for transgenders on Decem-ber 2, this facility, which is operating once a week, has set a precedent for government-led transgender healthcare. On Friday the hospital also hosted a sensitisation programme for medical officers who will soon staff the Maitri Clinics. The programme included individuals from the trans community as well. “This is to sensitise the doctors, to help them understand and handle the complexities of these cases better,” said hospital superintendent and endocrinologist Dr Rakesh Sahay. The day-long programme focused on medical and psychological complexities that the new clinics could face in the areas of gynaecology, psychiatry, dermatology and general medicine. Trans people, who often face a lot of judgment while clinic, inaugurated on June 28, 2023, is one of the first government facilities tailored to the transgender community. Over 100 individuals have registered for treatment, accessing gender-affirming hormone therapy, pre-surgical care and other essential health services accessing healthcare, hope these initiatives will change their conditions for the better. Rachana Mudraboyina, a transgender activist and founding member of the Telangana Hijra Intersex Transgender Samiti who also attended the workshop noted that while this is a great initiative, there is a long way to go when it comes to sensitisation. OGH’S transgender clinic, inaugurated on June 28, 2023, is one of the first government facilities tailored to the transgender community. Over 100 individuals in Warangal set up its own transgender clinic in 2022, the first in the state so. Gandhi Medical Hospital also announced a transgender clinic in November. have registered for treatment, accessing genderaffirming hormone therapy, pre-surgical care and other essential health services. “Before surgery, treatment is crucial,” said Dr Sahay. “Here, we’ve built a team of endocrinologists, surgeons, psychologists, neurologists and more — all working together to ensure comprehensive care,” he explained. He also informed that while Maitri clinics will be there across the state, for surgery people would have to come to OGH. At present the OGH aim to take such clinics to every district and also offer outpatient services twice a week. transgender clinic operates once a week, on Wednesdays, however, there are plans to expand it based on need. A unique feature of this clinic is its leadership by Dr Praachi Rathore and Dr Ruth John Paul, Telangana’s first transgender medical officers. But the Maitri Clinics may not have a similar representation. Members of the transgender community have expressed mixed feelings. One individual shared, “It’s affordable and accessible — two things we have struggled with for years. But surgeries are not that common. The Puducherry government hospitals offer surgeries and the services are very accessible, though only for locals. We hope Telangana can achieve something similar soon.” Apart from OGH, the MGM Hospital in Warangal set up its own transgender clinic in 2022, the first in the state so. Gandhi Medical Hospital also announced a transgender clinic in November. The Maitri Clinics aim to take such clinics to every district and also offer outpatient services twice a week. Discussions are also underway for a transgender volunteer scheme. Hyderabad police commissioner C.V. Anand shared that a government order is expected soon, potentially aligning with the clinic launches. “We want to get this right — test, train and implement a proper process,” he said, citing that a structured approach is important. Other officials also informed that an update on this initiative could be expected within a week. Article Name:33 transgender clinics set to open in Telangana today Publication:Deccan Chronicle Author:MRITTIKA BANERJEE I DC Start Page:6 End Page:6 — Deacon Chronicle, 3 December 2024

Two transgender candidates contest Nepal by-elections for the first time

Two transgender candidates are contesting local by-elections in Nepal, aiming to improve political representation for sexual and gender minorities. Despite Nepal’s progressive LGBTQ laws, no openly LGBTQ person has held public office since 2008. Honey Maharjan, one of the candidates, hopes to inspire more queer community members to participate in future elections.

Trans asylum seeker stranded as Canada revokes refugee status mid-journey [Toronto Star]

Syrian transgender asylum seeker Arwa Almsrawi is in “critical crisis” after Canada revoked her refugee status while she was en route to Toronto. Almsrawi, who fled Syria in 2011, is now stranded in Southeast Asia and fears deportation back to Syria, where she could face torture or death. The United Nations Committee Against Torture has urged Canada to prevent her deportation, but Almsrawi is currently left without legal status and facing harassment and violence. Her lawyer accused Canada of breaking its promise and putting her life at severe risk. Almsrawi is challenging the revocation in federal court.

MLA demands apology from Premier for targeting transgender children in Canada

NDP MLA Jared Clarke has called for an apology from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe after Moe announced plans to ban transgender students from using school change rooms, allegedly targeting Clarke’s two transgender daughters. Clarke criticised Moe for stoking fear and outrage, especially after a photo of his family circulated online. He argued that Moe’s comments endangered transgender children and called for greater respect and dignity for all. Moe’s office denied identifying the children, and said the ban is no longer a legislative priority.

Sir Lady Java, pioneering transgender performer, dies at 82 [LA Times via The Day]

Sir Lady Java, a trailblazing transgender performer and activist who fought against discriminatory laws and police harassment in Los Angeles’ 1960s nightclub scene, died on November 16 at age 82 after suffering a stroke. Java, known for her work as a drag queen, comedian, and performer, challenged the city’s cross-dressing laws in a landmark 1967 lawsuit supported by the ACLU, though she ultimately lost. The discriminatory ordinance was repealed two years later. Actor Hailie Sahar, who will portray Java in an upcoming biopic, described her as a pivotal figure who began an LGBTQ+ movement before such a community existed.

Trans woman shares trauma of being denied entry to Hong Kong [South China Morning Post]

Margaux, a 29-year-old transgender woman from the Philippines, was denied entry to Hong Kong with her cousin and detained in a male-only area for 12 hours before being sent back to Manila. Despite spending HK$13,200 on pre-booked hotels and activities, they were questioned by immigration officers and ultimately denied entry without a clear reason, with officials stating only that they “did not fulfil the immigration requirements.” Margaux could not provide medical proof of her transition as she had not undergone surgery, and her documents still bore her male name. Zephyrus Tsang of trans support group Quarks described the treatment as “disappointing” and advised trans travellers to carry medical documentation as proof of identity.

Alex Consani makes history as first trans woman to win Model of the Year [EuroNews]

American model Alex Consani has become the first transgender woman to win the Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards. Consani, who previously made history as the youngest signed transgender model and the first trans Victoria’s Secret Angel, received the award at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In her acceptance speech, Consani thanked Black trans women like Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, and Aaron Rose Phillips for paving the way, and urged parents to support their trans children. The 21-year-old has gained significant influence both on the catwalk and via her TikTok account, where she offers an honest look at life as a model. Despite predictable backlash online, Consani’s win marks a significant milestone for the fashion industry, pushing boundaries for greater inclusion and visibility.

SPORT

Trans golfer Hailey Davidson barred as major women’s tours change policies

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), in coordination with the US Golf Association (USGA), has introduced a new policy banning transgender women who went through male puberty from competing in women’s professional golf competitions. This move comes after Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer, came close to qualifying for the US Women’s Open in June, having also secured status on the Epson Tour, the feeder league to the LPGA. Davidson, the first trans golfer to win a women’s tournament, has expressed disappointment, citing silence and lack of support from others in the industry as contributing to the exclusion. The LPGA had previously removed its female-born requirement in 2010, but this new decision, supported by a working group of ‘experts’ and some players, reverses that progress. The policy claims to take a “science-based and inclusive approach” while aiming to maintain “competitive integrity” within women’s golf but it is, of course, ignoring any and all science while undertaking an exclusionary approach. Also, note how Davidson didn’t even qualify, despite trans people supposedly being unbeatable.

Taiwan’s Olympic boxing champion withdraws from event after gender eligibility questioned [Kuwait Times]

Taiwanese Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yu-ting has withdrawn from the World Boxing Cup Finals in Britain after organisers questioned her gender eligibility. Lin, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, had been cleared by the IOC but faced a smear campaign from World Boxing during the summer, leapt on by famous English GCs along with some MPs and a large section of the media. Taiwan’s Sports Administration stated Lin met all eligibility requirements but withdrew to prevent further harm after the organiser refused her offer to undergo a “comprehensive” medical examination. These are the same people behind the harassment of both Lin and Imane Khelif during the Olympics in the summer and who have yet to provide any evidence to back up their claims.

Trans Platform condemns PSOE for exclusion of trans women from sports [La Región]

The Federación de Colectivos Trans (Trans Platform) expressed “disgust and indignation” at the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) for approving an amendment at its Federal Congress that excludes trans women from women’s sports and removes the Q+ from LGBTQIA+. The platform accused the PSOE of spreading disinformation and stigmatising trans lives to undermine the Trans Law. Mar Cambrollé, president of Plataforma Trans, linked hate speech from both the far-right and anti-trans women within PSOE to an increase in murders of trans people, as noted by Transgender Europe‘s latest report.

Letter: Fears over trans youth in sports are misplaced and harmful

Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, argues in her letter to the Boston Globe that fears regarding trans youth in competitive sports are baseless and harmful. She notes that while only a tiny fraction of transgender people compete in sports, trans youth face significant challenges, including high rates of bullying and suicide ideation, as well as violence. Rose calls for support of trans youth, highlighting the importance of their right to safety and self-expression, and compares current fears over trans rights to past fears about voting rights, women’s rights, and same-sex marriage — all of which history has proven to be unfounded.

MEDIA

Scottish Daily Mail

On Wednesday, the Daily Mail in England, which is the paper I monitor daily, did not print any articles about trans people. Its Scottish sister, however, managed to fit in two. I’m trying to expand my coverage as and when time/finances allow, so will hopefully have more from papers from around the world going forward.

BBC honours trans scientist Brigitte Baptiste as one of its women of 2024

The BBC has named Brigitte Baptiste, a transgender Colombian scientist, among its list of 100 inspiring women of 2024. Baptiste, a biologist known for using a “queer lens” to explore biodiversity, challenges traditional ideas of “naturalness” in nature. She draws parallels between biodiversity and gender identity, promoting a broader and more inclusive understanding of ecosystems. This angered the Telegraph so much that they all but erased the other 99 women on the list to rant about Baptiste and the BBC. See Paper Review for more, in particular, Michael’ Deacon’s alternative list in his Saturday column.

Language shift spreads

For a while now, most of the papers I monitor have been shifting away from writing ‘trans woman’ towards ‘trans-identified male’ but this week, the Times [Paper Review, Tuesday] used, quite possibly the worst phrase yet. They described the NHS nurse at the centre of an harassment campaign by colleagues, the media and politicians for the ‘crime’ of being trans as “a sexually active male who identifies as a woman called Rose.”

WHAT’S ON IN PARLIAMENT

Select business. Full House business can be viewed here.

Tuesday, 10 December

House of Commons, 11.30am+, Adjournment, International Human Rights Day. More here.

Wednesday, 11 December

House of Commons, 12pm, Prime Minister’s Questions.

Thursday, 12 December

House of Commons, 9.30am+, General debate on Lord Etherton’s independent review into the treatment of LGBT veterans. More here.
House of Commons, 9.30am+, Backbench Business, Performance of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Esther McVey. More here.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

HIV infections in India dropped by 44.23% between 2010 and 2022, exceeding the global reduction rate of 39%, according to central government data released on World AIDS Day. [Hindustan Times]

‘Woke’ dress policy rollback improves troop morale

The Canadian military’s partial rollback of its 2022 dress code changes, which allowed for gender-neutral uniforms, long hair, and other non-traditional styles, has reportedly improved troop morale. The original policy, introduced by Gen. Wayne Eyre, faced criticism from veterans and soldiers who labelled it as overly “woke.” The decision to partially reverse these changes was made in July, with Gen. Jennie Carignan informed in October that troops had responded positively to the backtrack. According to a briefing from military chaplains, the adjustment has alleviated concerns and boosted morale at the tactical level. Sure.

Walmart scales back diversity, equity, and inclusion policies amid conservative pressure

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies after facing backlash from conservative activists. The changes include ending a $100 million racial equity centre established after George Floyd‘s killing, withdrawing from a prominent LGBTQ+ rights index, and no longer prioritising race or gender in supplier contracts. The decision follows similar moves by other companies, influenced by conservative harassment and the Supreme Court‘s 2023 ruling against affirmative action. Walmart also plans ‘stricter monitoring’ of products for minors and reassessment of support for Pride events.

Hong Kong’s top court upholds housing and inheritance rights for same-sex couples

Hong Kong‘s Court of Final Appeal has upheld previous rulings granting public housing and inheritance rights to same-sex couples married overseas, citing equality provisions in the city’s constitution. The unanimous decision rejected the government’s arguments against granting these rights, stating that social welfare must be allocated without discrimination. The ruling represents another recent legal victory for the LGBTQ+ community, despite the court’s refusal last year to legalise same-sex marriage. The court emphasised the need for the government to create alternative legal frameworks for same-sex couples to meet “basic social requirements.”

Malaysian court orders return of seized LGBTQ-themed Swatch watches [Philippine Daily Inquirer]

A Malaysian court has ordered the government to return rainbow-coloured watches and accessories made by Swatch that were seized in 2023 for promoting LGBTQ rights. Homosexuality remains illegal in Malaysia, and the seizure reflected growing intolerance towards the LGBTQ community in the country. The confiscation involved 172 rainbow-themed items celebrating LGBTQ rights.

SHORTS

The BBC, who initially rejected calls to pull episodes of Masterchef featuring Greg Wallace, who has been accused by multiple women of inappropriate remarks and behaviour over 19 years, eventually relented. Kathleen Stock will no doubt be sad. After hearing episodes could be cut, Stock tweeted “For Godsake don’t pull it, this is ridiculous…I’ve come this far, I want to know who won.” Feminism, eh?

THIS WEEK

Monday December 9

UN Commissioner for Human Rights end of year press conference

Tuesday December 10

Benjamin Netanyahu testimony due to begin in criminal prosecution for corruption
Pre-trial hearing in Prince Harry case against The Sun

Wednesday December 11

Nobel Prizes ceremony
Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women

Thursday December 12

NHS key services performance data

Friday December 13

Deadline for report from US investigative task force on Trump assassination attempt
Defence arguments due to conclude in Gisele Pelicot mass rape trial

Saturday December 14

Further protests expected as Georgian lawmakers elect new president.
THE PAPERS

This week, there were a total of 23 articles in the papers I monitor, a slight dip on last week’s 25, with some of the pieces even coming across as neutral.

There was hardly anything about trans people on Wednesday, the lightest day of the week. This was because they were too busy crying about LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.

The Times and Telegraph had three pages of opinion on Marc Guehi getting in trouble with the FA for writing ‘Jesus loves you’ on his rainbow armband as part of the Rainbow Laces annual campaign, while the Mail called him ‘defiant’.

What Oliver Brown refers to as ‘gesture politics’, as he appeared to take some time off from attacking women, has been a part of football for 11 years. Looking closer at his article, however, he attacks multiple women, both trans and cis. He also complains about BLM, thinks Christians are more persecuted than Muslims and then finishes by dismissing International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This theme continued throughout the rest of the week, culminating in newly-out heterosexual GC, Alyson Rudd declaring she would never support Rainbow Laces because of trans people before lecturing the queer community on how best to rid the world of homophobia. The arrogance of these people really is unlimited.

Oliver Brown Armband row shows gesture politics has no place in sport Latest inclusion jamboree staged by Premier League reveals only double standards in football’s age of tokenism The Daily Telegraph4 Dec 2024Chief Sports Writer We are now so far through the looking glass that one Premier League captain can be slapped across the wrist for donning an armband declaring “I love Jesus”, while another can use his faith as a legitimate excuse for not wearing one. The double standards in the treatment of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy – the first a devout Christian and the second a practising Muslim adamant that the rainbow armband is incompatible with his religious convictions – is the ultimate indictment of a game trying to be all things to all men, but in the end satisfying nobody but the ideologues responsible for such feeble gesture politics. Guehi, the son of a church minister who has described growing up under the principle of “God first”, is to be “reminded of his responsibilities” after writing his statement of devotion across the rainbow colours. Egyptian midfielder Morsy, by contrast, escapes any censure for rejecting the armband on the grounds of “religious beliefs”. Where Guehi has transgressed, apparently, is in flouting the Football Association rule not to use equipment to promote political, religious or personal slogans. And yet what is the armband itself, if not a campaign slogan? The Premier League’s latest inclusion jamboree, held over two rounds of fixtures, is sold as an inviolable celebration of football as “everyone’s game”. Scratch beneath the grandiose packaging, though, and the calculations are more political. The profusion of rainbows – on laces, pitch flags, ball plinths, substitute boards, you name it – is, at its root, a pronouncement of the league’s unyielding alliance with Stonewall, the foremost LGBTQ+ charity in the UK. As soon as Stonewall says something must be done, then football will treat it as a holy decree. Except Stonewall is not quite the benevolent, irreproachable entity the game thinks it is. For the past decade, its cult-like teachings have wrought havoc across all spheres of British life, with insistence on such ludicrous ideas as mandatory pronoun use and replacement of the term mother with “parent who has given birth”. In sport, its influence has become all-pervasive. Take its brochure in 2018, which celebrated Sarah Gibson as the first openly transgender person in the 187-year history of the Boat Race. The less convenient framing – that a young woman at Cambridge had missed out on the honour of a lifetime because of the presence of a biological male – was nowhere to be seen. But this is the mentality that Stonewall preaches, disregarding legitimate concerns while demonising dissenters as heretics. More people have started to see through its tactics: Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, last year ordered all government departments to withdraw from its diversity champions scheme during her time as Minister for Women and Equalities. Football, by contrast, continues to worship at its altar. Just last week, the FA dedicated a 35-minute video to the Rainbow Laces campaign, showcasing an activist-heavy panel that included its “women’s talent and senior game EDI [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion] consultant coach developer” Liz Hall, formerly of – yes, you guessed it – Stonewall. This ideological capture has real-world consequences. Telegraph Sport has highlighted the story of a 17-year-girl with suspected autism being banned for asking a “bearded” transgender opponent: “Are you a man?” If the FA was not so beholden to the Stonewall gospel, it would respond immediately to this outrage and redress the ridiculous policy of men self-identifying into women’s football. But instead it prefers navel-gazing on Youtube, endlessly parroting the inclusion mantra while oblivious to the reality that it is excluding women from their own category. This is where sport’s obsession with sloganising leads: to a blurring of truth and reality, to a distortion of a regressive antiwomen policy as a progressive crusade, to the absurd situation where one man can deploy religion as a defence and another be rapped across the knuckles for it. Frankly, football should never have set off down this path in the first place. For more than 150 years, it managed perfectly fine without leaping aboard the nearest bandwagon. As recently as 2014, the International Football Association Board imposed a blanket ban on slogans of any kind, with one executive arguing: “To determine what’s right and wrong between different countries and cultures is very complicated, so it’s easier to say it has got no place in the game.” Quite so. There are 64 different nationalities represented in the Premier League, as well as myriad denominations. How does football expect such a disparate collective to buy into its rainbow rhetoric as one? Guehi’s father is entirely correct when he complains that players are being used as spokesmen. But the additional problem is that they are being coerced into championing messages they do not even believe. The governing bodies are, in their hopeless naivety, asking Guehi, a Christian who says he is trying to channel God’s glory through his football, and Morsy, a Muslim who observes Ramadan, to adopt the exact same perspective. This expectation of a homogenous world view is a curse of the modern game. It truly took hold at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in mid-2020 and has cast a long shadow, with Premier League players still taking the knee four-and-a-half years on. Never mind the perfunctory nature of the gesture, or BLM’S alignment with such extreme aims as defunding the police and dismantling the nuclear family. It is, even now, an edict to be followed. Not that Wilfried Zaha, Guehi’s former Crystal Palace team-mate, had much time for it. “Growing up, my parents let me know that I should be proud to be black, no matter what,” the striker said. “I think we should stand tall.” And why should Guehi not stand tall as a Christian? Why should he not shout his faith from the rooftops when football proclaims its love of Stonewall with such quasi-religious fervour? You hoped, just for once, that the game would take this moment to reflect on the upside-down thinking that had brought it here. Heaven forbid: the FA had already moved on, letting the world know it was “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”. Another day, another piety. Such is life in this age of tokenism. Article Name:Oliver Brown Armband row shows gesture politics has no place in sport Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:Chief Sports Writer Start Page:2 End Page:2 — The Telegraph Wednesday 4 December 2024

Inclusion? Focus now is only on the refuseniks The voice of sport Martin Samuel Guéhi adapted his rainbow armband against Newcastle and did so again last night versus Ipswich Next image › So here we are. “Jesus loves you” may now be a message that brings an FA charge. Had Marc Guéhi tattooed his devotion on a forearm, even stencilled it on his forehead, the FA would not have done a thing about that. Olivier Giroud had Psalm 23 etched on to his right arm, in Latin, during his time with Chelsea, without complaint. Fábio Silva, of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has an image of Jesus on his left arm, as does the Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Mykhailo Mudryk, another Chelsea player, is covered in religious tattoos, as is Roberto Firmino, formerly of Liverpool. And none of that mattered. Nor should it. Nobody’s business. Yet Guéhi, the Crystal Palace captain, first wrote his personal message, “I love Jesus”, on his rainbow armband displayed in the match against Newcastle United, and that, apparently, is very different. How dare Guéhi deface our sanctioned slogan with his unsanctioned one? How dare he equate, maybe even pit, his love for the Saviour with our gay pride? The FA revealed its intention to issue a warning. Then Guéhi updated his message to “Jesus loves you” on a second rainbow armband for last night’s match against Ipswich Town. The assumption is this will be deemed provocation and bring an escalation of the FA charge. So how to read this? Is it merely the juxtaposition of Jesus and homosexuality that the FA finds so offensive? What if Guéhi had written “Hail, Satan!” instead? The poet Renée Vivien celebrated him as a protector of homosexuals, and the creator of woman. Could Guéhi have used Vivien to claim he was actually being supportive? Indeed, what if Guéhi had just left the armband back in the changing room, as the Ipswich captain Sam Morsy did, not just on Saturday but in last night’s meeting too? Morsy is a Muslim and has, so far, attracted no heat at all from the FA, not even the formal reprimand issued to Guéhi. We have to presume from this that loving Jesus while still promoting acceptance is considered a greater affront than not promoting anything at all. We can also presume that the FA thinks we’re all a bit thick, because it is quite obvious what Morsy’s stance means, who is being served, and what is being said. It’s just not as explicit as going at it with a marker pen. Initially it appeared that Guéhi would be charged, but FA chiefs probably caught sight of themselves hurrying towards a can of worms with an opener and rightly checked their stride. Going into last night’s game, Guéhi and Palace were simply due to receive a letter reminding that religious messages are prohibited. Now, who knows? Wherever the FA goes from here, will it be pointed out that “political” — it’s fair to say the T in LGBTQ+ has recently become very political indeed — and “personal” slogans are banned too? It’s a mess. What Guéhi appears to be guilty of is making a political/religious/ personal statement, that is not one of the political/religious/ personal statements that comes officially endorsed. He also stands accused of having an upbringing, and therefore a belief system, that sits outside the experience of those running football, his father being a Christian minister in Lewisham, southeast London. “God comes first,” was Guéhi’s explanation, when asked if his father would attend Sunday matches played by England during last summer’s European Championship finals. So it is unsurprising that, asked to endorse a view that may not chime with his own, Guéhi was torn between doing his duty as captain of Palace and staying true to beliefs instilled by his father. He did not feel comfortable taking the same route as Morsy, so looked to placate Palace but also his old man. In doing so he has probably displeased the FA. Political/personal/religious statements are allowed in football, but only the tamest ones. The point to the heavens on scoring a goal; a barely legible tattoo of Jesus in a busy, inked sleeve; a rainbow armband as long as the tournament isn’t being held in a country in which homosexuality is illegal (and it often is these days, if Fifa is responsible); “… and the players take the knee to show there is no room for racism …”. Gesture politics, much of it, because statements are undermined once the individual has no choice. When rainbow armbands, or laces, or corner flags were first introduced, the message was new and carried some power. Now? The only stories that follow rainbow weekends in football are the ones concerning the refuseniks. The five Toulouse players that stood down rather than wear rainbow-effect numbers. Idrissa Gueye, of Everton, refusing to participate during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Guéhi, Morsy. What makes the headlines is the opposite of an intended message of tolerance. Yet we persist in enforcing the idea that all footballers must don western beliefs with the shirt. Morsy is a British-born Muslim. In 2016, only 18 per cent with that background surveyed by Channel 4 believed homosexuality should be legal; under half thought homosexuals should be allowed to teach in schools. As for Guéhi, he was born in Ivory Coast, where his father was a pastor before coming here when his son was a baby. The country has long been considered a safe haven in Africa for homosexuals, but there has recently been an upturn in violence against those termed woubis. This homophobic movement is led by General Makosso Camille, whose social media videos accrue 1.7million views. He, like John Guéhi, is an evangelical pastor. Not that there is any suggestion Guéhi’s father advocates violence; more that not all Christian upbringings have modern western tolerance, as we understand it, at the core. Last night John Guéhi appeared mystified that his son may face action. He cited God’s presence in the national anthem, and that the FA Cup has a hymn, Abide With Me. It’s a fair point. Then he said the LGBT+ community were trying to “impose” what they believe in, rather than pleading for acceptance. So, plainly, work to be done. But is this the way to do it? The inconsistencies around Morsy and Guéhi, the performative nature of armbands and slogans, the way a simple message of understanding has been allowed to drift into another freedom of speech culture war. Jesus loves you? If it’s that simple, why is football making understanding seem so hard? — The Times Wednesday 4 December 2024

The Times Wednesday 4 December 2024Guehi defiant as Mateta strike boosts Palace Daily Mail4 Dec 2024JOE BERNSTEIN at Portman Road GETTY/REUTERS Controversy: skipper Guehi’s customised armband MARC GUEHI led Crystal Palace to a clean sheet and first away league win of the season on an evening in which he defied the FA by again writing of his love for Jesus on his rainbow armband. Palace’s hard-earned victory through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half winner denied Ipswich a first home win of the season and kept the Tractor Boys in the bottom three. And if Guehi was perturbed by the fuss around his ‘religious’ inscriptions, he didn’t show it, barely putting a foot wrong to shut out Ipswich’s Liam Delap. This was the first Premier League meeting between the clubs since 1995 and Tractor Boys fan Ed Sheeran, just three at the time, was at Portman Road to witness the rematch. Near-freezing temperature in Suffolk reflected the chilly suspense and that was just when Guehi unpeeled his black tracksuit to reveal he had the Premier League’s LGBTQ+ armband on, but with an accompanying message, ‘Jesus Loves You’, and a smiley face. The Palace skipper had been reprimanded for displaying a similar message against Newcastle on Saturday in breach of Premier League rules, though Ipswich’s Muslim captain Sam Morsy was excused wearing the armband on religious grounds. Ipswich made a fast start and Guehi was into action early with a perfectly timed tackle to stop Jack Clarke. Delap left a foot in on Palace defender Maxence Lacroix that had him rolling round in agony, though the Ipswich forward escaped with a stern talking-to from referee Craig Pawson. Palace found their attacking teeth with Lacroix, Trevor Chalobah and Daniel Munoz missing chances and Eberechi Eze denied by Arijanet Muric after being played in by Mateta. It was disappointing for Munoz who had netted against Newcastle. He slipped as he went to connect with Tyrick Mitchell’s cross and failed to get a sweet enough contact. Ipswich’s best opportunity of the first half came at the end when Harry Clarke’s header from a Leif Davis corner was parried by Dean Henderson. Palace boss Oliver Glasner withdrew the booked Cheick Doucoure at half-time and was delighted to see his side strike shortly before the hour. Eze played in Mateta and the forward was too strong for Jacob Greaves, who fell over before the Frenchman finished low across Muric. It was only his second goal in 12 matches. Mateta almost added another soon after but Muric stood up well and beat out his shot. There were murmurings of frustration from Ipswich fans as they failed to get Delap and Omari Hutchinson on the ball. Manager Kieran McKenna brought on Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead and Jack Taylor with 25 minutes left and it led to an increase in intensity, with Mitchell panicked into conceding a corner. Delap lunged into Munoz as the home side’s desperation grew. Every decision against Ipswich met with howls of derision not only from the 30,000 crowd but the Ipswich substitutes. Greaves was cautioned after he was outfoxed by Ismaila Sarr and with 10 minutes left McKenna replaced his talisman Delap with Ali Al-Hamadi. The late cavalry charge so nearly brought its reward when Greaves sent a header past Henderson onto the far post and it bounced agonisingly off Broadhead’s chest from a couple of yards and rolled wide. Palace sensed the warning signs and tried to keep safe possession in the closing stages to ward off any further chances. IPSWICH (4-2-3-1): Muric 6; H Clarke 6, O’Shea 7, Greaves 5, Davis 6.5; Morsy 6, Cajuste 6.5 (Taylor 66min, 6); Burns 5.5 (Chaplin 66, 6.5), Hutchinson 5.5, J Clarke 6 (Broadhead 66, 6); Delap 5.5 (Al-Hamadi 81). Booked: O’Shea, Greaves. Manager: Kieran McKenna 5.5. CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-3): Henderson 7; Chalobah 6 (Richards 81), Lacroix 6.5, GUEHI 7.5; Munoz 6, Hughes 6.5, Doucoure 6 (Lerma 46, 6), Mitchell 6; Sarr 6.5 (Nketiah 90), Mateta 7, Eze 7 (Devenny 76). Scorer: Mateta 59. Booked: Doucoure, Hughes, Sarr, Mateta. Manager: Oliver Glasner 7. Referee: Craig Pawson 6. Attendance: 29,553. Article Name:Guehi defiant as Mateta strike boosts Palace Publication:Daily Mail Author:JOE BERNSTEIN at Portman Road Start Page:69 End Page:69 — The Daily Mail 4 December 2024

Three articles this week were what you would consider neutral, covering as they did the appeal of Brianna Ghey’s killer. The Telegraph did not cover that at all, while the others all did.

Quoted or mentioned this week:

Maya Forstater on trains
Graham Linehan’s blog
Toby Young’s Free Speech Union
Non-expert Helen Joyce crying over LGBTQ+ support groups
LGB Alliance, Transgender Trend, Genspect and Thoughtful Therapists on puberty blockers

How many times was JK Rowling featured or mentioned? Remarkably, just once

How many GCs had a byline? None. All articles relied on in-house anti-trans activists.

How many trans people were quoted or got a byline? lol

Spotted or know something you think I should include in the Trans Agenda?

THE PAPERS Monday 2 December – Sunday 8 December

Monday Total: 2

The Guardian [0]

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [2]

Trans people face NHS changing room ban Nurses draw up guidance for Government protecting women in single-sex spaces from biological men The Daily Telegraph2 Dec 2024By Hayley Dixon SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT A group of nurses from Darlington are asking for a ‘common sense’ approach to protect women at work TRANS people should not be allowed in women’s showers and changing rooms, proposed NHS guidance says. Female single-sex spaces are private and should not have to be “inclusive” of biological men, according to the proposals drawn up by a group of nurses from Darlington who are suing their employer over the issue. The draft guidance, which the nurses revealed was requested by Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, after he met them in October, notes that there is no “hierarchy” under equality laws and the rights of trans people should not be prioritised over those of women. Bethany Hutchison, one of the nurses, said that she hoped their “commonsense” proposals would set a “precedent for all public services and workplaces in the UK”. The nurses are taking their employer, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, to an employment tribunal for sexual discrimination and harassment after they were forced to share their changing room with a male staff member who identifies as a woman. They had raised concerns with HR about the behaviour of their colleague, who was not undergoing medical treatment to transition but were told that they needed to be “re-educated”. The nurses will meet Claire Coutinho, the shadow minister for equalities, to discuss their suggestions today. “Women should not be patronised, belittled, or ignored when raising concerns about the safety of single-sex spaces,” Ms Coutinho told The Telegraph. “The Darlington nurses have shown such tremendous courage in standing up for the rights of women working in the NHS. “Their shocking case shows what can happen when institutions prioritise their commitment to an ideology above safety. Their fight for fairness has my full support.” Mr Streeting asked for their proposals when they met earlier this year and they sent the document last month, the nurses have revealed. The draft guidance for NHS trusts warns that members of staff have a right to privacy for everyday activities such as changing and using the lavatory and denying them that right could breach their human rights. It says that both sex and “gender reassignment”, where someone is proposing to undergo a sex change or live permanently in their new gender, are two of nine characteristics protected under equality laws. The document continues: “There is no hierarchy between the protected characteristics. Each of the nine characteristics enjoys full legal protection. Discrimination or harassment related to one characteristic may never be justified by the need to protect another characteristic.” A person’s “gender identity”, the way in which they describe themselves, is not recognised under the law and “sex” refers to “biological” sex, the proposals seek to clarify. “People’s genuine feelings about their identity must always be treated with respect and sensitivity,” the draft guidelines add, but legal requirements relating to sex and gender reassignment “must take priority”. “The issue of single-sex spaces arises in situations which by their nature require privacy – changing rooms, toilets, showers, etc. These are not communal spaces whose functions include interaction between people and which should therefore be expected to be inclusive,” they say. They propose that trusts should only require staff of the same biological sex to share such spaces and that those who feel uncomfortable using such spaces, including those who are undergoing gender reassignment, should be given access to a private room. Ms Hutchison, president of the Darlington Nursing Union, which was set up after they felt they had been failed by their union, said: “We believe that as frontline NHS nurses directly impacted by these issues, we are well-placed to help politicians understand what is happening and what must change urgently. “The guidance exposes how our trust’s policy on these issues is unlawful. ‘Gender identity’ is not a protected characteristic and we should simply not be forced to get undressed in front of a man. We continue to be astonished at how our rights on this issue continue to be breached and discriminated against. “From the beginning we have said clearly that this is about protecting women’s spaces. We are not ‘transphobic’ and this policy provides a sensitive way forward to give transexuals private space to change without impacting the dignity and rights of women. ‘A new policy is urgently needed which reflects biological truth’ “This provides a common sense and lawful way forward that protects women across the NHS. We hope it can set a precedent for all public services and workplaces in the UK.” Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting the nurses’ case, said that they “welcome” Ms Courtinho’s engagement and praised the guidance as “down to earth” and “full of common sense”. “Legislating to protect and promote ‘gender identity’ places women at risk,” she added. “A new policy is urgently needed which reflects biological truth, upholds sex as a protected characteristic and does not put women in vulnerable positions at work.” Article Name:Trans people face NHS changing room ban Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Hayley Dixon SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Start Page:9 End Page:9

Tuesday Total: 4

The Guardian [0]

The Times [1]

Badenoch backs nurses in trans row Eleanor Hayward - Health Editor Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has backed a group of nurses who are demanding that the NHS bans trans-identified men from women’s lavatories and changing rooms. Eight women who work at Darlington Memorial Hospital are suing their employer for failing to prevent the “intimidating” behaviour of a transgender colleague. They say they were forced to change into their work clothes in front of a sexually active male who identifies as a woman called Rose. The nurses have formed the Darlington Nursing Union, which has drawn up proposed NHS guidance that would ban transgender people from female single-sex spaces. Yesterday, two of the nurses met Claire Coutinho, the shadow equalities minister, who said they had Badenoch’s support and promised to push Wes Streeting, the health secretary, for a response to the proposals. Bethany Hutchison, one of the nurses, said: “Our guidance exposes how our trust’s policy on these issues is unlawful. ‘Gender identity’ is not a protected characteristic and we should simply not be forced to get undressed in front of a man.” The nurses have filed a claim against Co Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, alleging failure to protect staff from sexual harassment. — Note the new way of not saying ‘trans woman’ – “a sexually active male who identifies as a woman called Rose”.

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [3]

Spain plans to ban trans women from female sport Socialist government accused of transphobia as it also makes move to remove ‘Q’ from LGBTQ+ The Daily Telegraph3 Dec 2024By James Badcock in Madrid THE ruling Socialist party of Spain intends to ban transgender women from competing in female sports and to remove the Q+ from the LGBTQ+ acronym. The Socialists, led by Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, included plans to limit participation in female sports to “people with a female biological sex” in a policy document decided on at the party’s congress at the weekend. The decision also to remove Q+ from a plan to protect sexual and gender minorities from the impact of social inequality sparked fury from LGBTQ+ activists and politicians from Left-wing partners of Mr Sánchez’s minority government. However, it drew support from some feminist campaign groups. The amendments to the draft policy framework were introduced by a feminist faction within the Socialist party that has fought against an ultra-liberal approach to transgender rights under Mr Sánchez’s administration. The passing of a transgender rights reform in 2023, allowing anyone to change their official sex simply by stating their wish to switch, caused a bitter rift within Spain’s ruling Left-wing forces. Carmen Calvo, the Socialist former deputy prime minister, said at the time the reform would “destroy the powerful battery of equality legislation in our country”. Activists espousing what they call traditional feminism have flagged up abuses of the law, including newly registered transgender women attempting to avoid convictions for violence committed against female partners. According to Spain’s transgender law, children as young as 12 can change the sex included on their state documents, although up to the age of 16 either parental or judicial support is required. For some feminists in the party, the reform threatened to damage the equality gains made by women. A spokesman for Ana Redondo, the Spanish equality minister, said the decisions were “a party matter” and therefore not binding. But the government has been accused of “transphobia” by gender and sexual diversity campaigners. Sumar, the junior party in Spain’s coalition, said that “no one should be left behind” when it comes to protecting rights, accusing the Socialist party of adopting “far-right ideas”. Irene Montero, the former equality minister from the hard-left Podemos party, piloted the transgender reform into law. “This is transphobia. Transgender women are women, whether they have a penis or a vagina,” said Ms Montero, who is now a MEP for Podemos. She noted that Human Rights Watch has said that sex tests carried out by some federations or sports organisations are “degrading practices” based on “arbitrary definitions of femininity and racial stereotypes”. She warned that “transphobia in sport generates transphobic violence” in other areas of life. The feminist campaign group Contra el Borrado de Mujeres (Against the Era- sure of Women) celebrated the Socialist congress’s resolution but said it was important to follow through with legislative action. “The Sports Act and the 14 regional laws that allow the participation of men who identify themselves as women in women’s sports competitions must now be amended,” the group said. Ms Redondo, a socialist who replaced Ms Montero after the 2023 general election, has attempted to bridge the rift between feminists over the transgender issue. Article Name:Spain plans to ban trans women from female sport Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By James Badcock in Madrid Start Page:15 End Page:15 — Note that in the middle of this article it says, “A spokesman for Ana Redondo, the Spanish equality minister, said the decisions were “a party matter” and therefore not binding.”

Way of the World Michael Deacon The Daily Telegraph3 Dec 2024FOLLOW Michael Deacon on Twitter @Michaelpdeacon READ MORE at telegraph.co.uk/ opinion As Parliament debated the merits of enabling sociopaths to coerce the vulnerable into a premature death, a peculiar little row broke out. The Tory MP Danny Kruger – who opposes the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – had just uttered the words “assisted suicide”. Horrified, the Labour MP Cat Eccles – who supports the bill – leapt up to complain. “The honourable gentleman is using incorrect language,” she protested indignantly to the Speaker. “It is not suicide. That is offensive. I ask him please to correct his language.” This was a curious intervention. Because, even if one supports the Bill, one should at least be able to see that “assisted suicide” is an accurate description of what is being proposed. A patient, having asserted that he or she wishes to end his or her own life, will deliberately ingest a substance that will cause his or her death. That, incontestably, is suicide. So it can hardly be “incorrect” – let alone “offensive” – to refer to it as such. Indeed, if any term is “incorrect”, it’s “assisted dying” – because it’s a euphemism, chosen by campaigners to make what they want sound more palatable. Much like the euphemisms George Orwell noted in his 1946 essay, Politics and the English Language. Politicians, wrote Orwell, would say “pacification”, when what they really meant was “defenceless villages… bombarded from the air, the inhabitants driven out into the countryside, the cattle machinegunned”. Similarly, they would say “rectification of frontiers”, rather than “millions of peasants… robbed of their farms”. These political euphemisms weren’t used merely for the sake of brevity. “Such phraseology,” Orwell explained, “is needed if one wants to name things without calling up mental pictures of them.” For the same reason, in the current debate, supporters of the bill prefer “assisted dying” to “assisted suicide”. Why, however, should they grow so furiously indignant when their opponents use the latter term instead? I think it’s all about ego. As has been obvious from the outset, the Bill’s most fanatical advocates see themselves as secular saints. They are morally unimpeachable, their motives pure, and their plans therefore beyond reproach. Their thought process, in essence, seems to be: “I am good, kind and virtuous. So this policy that I support is automatically good, kind and virtuous, too.” That shocking word “suicide”, however, threatens to shatter this lovingly tended illusion. For a tiny, terrifying moment, it forces these people to consider that what they are advocating is not, as they like to tell themselves, noble, compassionate and without risk. It is dark, dystopian and dangerous. But, rather than dwell on this awful thought, they angrily demand that those giving voice to it be silenced. In effect, then, the euphemism “assisted dying” isn’t designed merely to fool the public. It’s designed to help its advocates fool themselves. Since Donald Trump’s victory, some on the Right seem to have convinced themselves that, at least in the US, wokery is over. Clearly such people don’t read The New York Times. The leading journal of progressive America isn’t giving up without a fight. We know, because the other day it published an article that contained the following new phrase: “Non-transgender women.” Until not so very long ago, of course, we had a shorter, simpler way of referring to such people. It was “women”. But evidently The New York Times has decided that that word is horribly outdated and reactionary. Henceforth, it seems, there are to be two categories of people who aren’t men: transgender women and non-transgender women. Meaning that, in effect, the default type of woman is now male. Meanwhile, women who happen to be female are now a mere subset of their own sex. Whether these new classifications will catch on outside the office of The New York Times, I don’t know. On the whole, though, I tend to hope that they won’t. Because I’m not sure The New York Times has thought this through. Imagine, for example, that you’re a member of the crew on a sinking ship. When rushing to ready the lifeboats, you daren’t shout “Women and children first!”, for fear of sounding bigoted and exclusionary. To be truly inclusive, therefore, you’ll shout: “Transgender women, non-transgender women, non-binary women, gender-questioning women, gender-fluid women, bigender women, trigender women, demigender women, pangender women, omnigender women, agender women and children first!” On the one hand, that should help you avoid the wrath of The New York Times. On the other, by the time you’ve finally finished reciting the above list, you’ll have drowned. Article Name:Way of the World Michael Deacon Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:FOLLOW Michael Deacon on Twitter @Michaelpdeacon READ MORE at telegraph.co.uk/ opinion Start Page:16 End Page:16

Wednesday Total: 1

The Guardian [0]

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [1]

Thursday Total: 5

The Guardian [0]

The Times [1]

Children in Need boss ‘had to go’ in trans row Emma Yeomans Rosie Millard became concerned about grants to an LGBT group The former chairwoman of Children in Need, who resigned over grants to a scandal-hit transgender charity, has said whistleblowers can be “thrown under the bus” and that her position became untenable after she pushed for the group’s funding to be withdrawn. Rosie Millard, 59, a writer and broadcaster, stood down last month after six years at the BBC fundraising charity, sending a scathing letter to its board in which she criticised its chief executive, Simon Antrobus, for his response to her concerns. Speaking to Jane Garvey on Times Radio, Millard said she thought the grants to LGBT Youth Scotland would bring Children in Need into disrepute, and quit after it appeared the trustees did not agree with her. She added: “I think my position was made untenable. And I think that if you are the whistleblower, then sometimes you’re going to get thrown under the bus.” BBC Children in Need was contacted for comment.

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [4]

The BBC’s infuriating ‘women of the year’ list broadcasts its blatant bias The Daily Telegraph5 Dec 2024Michael Deacon ‘Transwoman biologist’ Brigitte Baptiste appears on the corporation’s list of the most ‘inspiring and influential women’ Brigitte Baptiste, the BBC informs us, is “a transwoman biologist”. An intriguing concept in itself, some might think. But there’s more. “She… analyses landscapes and species”, the BBC continues, using “a queer lens”. Sadly for photographers, the BBC does not explain what a queer lens is, or reveal where we can buy this remarkable piece of technology. That, however, need not detain us today. The bigger issue is that the BBC has included Baptiste on its annual list of the world’s 100 most “inspiring and influential women”. Which means that, of the 100 women, only 99 are actually female. Still, we shouldn’t be surprised. At least one male has been included in the BBC’s “100 women” list for each of the past nine years. And we all know why. It’s because these lists aren’t really about celebrating women. They’re about promoting the BBC’s own favourite progressive causes and ideologies. And this year, it’s more blatant than ever. So, while numerous women are hailed for championing “women’s rights”, no one is hailed for championing women’s rights to have single-sex sports and changing rooms. One woman on the list, Kemi Badenoch, does support such things, but the BBC chooses not to mention that – it includes her purely for her skin colour (“the first black woman to lead a major UK political party”). Meanwhile, it finds space for a “campaigner for sex workers’ rights”. Because of course nothing is more inspiring to women than prostitution. Inevitably, Gaza looms large, which means lots of opportunities for the BBC to highlight the barbarity of Israel. Four women are Palestinians: a paediatrician (“Israeli airstrikes… did not stop Shireen Abed from taking care of newborn babies in Gaza”); an agricultural engineer (“Water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli military action”); a journalist (“She posted a video of herself in her apartment during intense Israeli airstrikes”); and a fashion designer (“Mjalli has used her garments to tell stories about Palestinians”). Meanwhile, three women are Israeli. Note, however, that one of them campaigns for Israel to end its war against Hamas (“taking part in demonstrations to call for an immediate ceasefire”), while another is “an outspoken critic of the Israeli government for failing to find a way to bring the hostages home”. No mention of what the third Israeli thinks. So, to summarise: seven women from Israel/Palestine, and at least six of them oppose Israel’s actions. On to US politics. Naturally, the BBC applauds an “immigrant rights campaigner” who helped file “criminal charges against Donald Trump”. In an ostensible concession to balance, the BBC does also include a Republican senator. But it’s Susan Collins, who just happens to be a ferocious critic of Trump. No room for Nancy Mace, the pro-Trump Republican who’s campaigning for women’s loos to be female-only. I haven’t even mentioned the fact that over 10 per cent of the women are included because they’re “climate pioneers” (or “ecofeminists”). But I think my point is already made. This infuriating list tells you all you need to know about BBC bias. I wouldn’t mind if it had been compiled by The Guardian. If you don’t like The Guardian’s politics, you don’t have to buy it. Yet all of us are required by law to pay for the BBC. And this is what it does with our money. Obviously, the BBC will deny that its list is biased. Indeed, it states that the list was “measured” for “due impartiality”. That’s the funniest piece of BBC comedy in years. Article Name:The BBC’s infuriating ‘women of the year’ list broadcasts its blatant bias Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:Michael Deacon Start Page:7 End Page:7

Inclusion used to unite – now it’s like the language of a cult The Daily Telegraph5 Dec 2024Oliver Brown Chief Sports Writer at the Emirates Stadium It fell to Noussair Mazraoui to reveal a house divided. With the Emirates Stadium festooned in LGBTQ+ paraphernalia, right down to a multi-coloured mane for the Premier League lion, a Manchester United defender was perhaps the most notable name on the team sheet, as the one man who had exercised freedom of conscience. The Moroccan, a Muslim, had not been homophobic in rejecting the technicolour dreamcoat that club sponsors Adidas had designed especially for the last home game against Everton. He had simply refused to be a hypocrite, or to be coerced into manufactured conformity. Mazraoui’s stance marked a fresh twist in a convulsive week for the national game, with football’s piggybacking on the Stonewall cause exposed less as a noble enterprise than an illthought-through charade. Where the governing bodies imagine their alliance with the controversial charity as pure and virtuous, the people they serve are beginning to have other ideas. First you find Sam Morsy aligned with Mazraoui in disavowing gesture politics on the basis of religion. Now you detect a wider backlash, a sense that many who love the sport are bristling at the constant pressure to be compliant with the latest cause. Over the past 48 hours, supporters have upheld the right of the Ipswich captain to renounce the rainbow because of his faith. There is derision, too, at the double standard where Marc Guehi is revoked for writing “I love Jesus” on his armband but Morsy is allowed to use religion as a pretext for not wearing one at all. Now the ructions reach Westminster. “Why is a Christian player being treated differently to a Muslim?” asks Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary. Whichever way you cut it, it is an emphatic repudiation of identity politics. Guehi, to his great credit, has played the FA like a violin. Having riled the authorities once with his initial declaration, supposedly an intolerable slogan, he flipped it to “Jesus loves you”, a wording that drew no sterner sanction than another hollow warning. The message, he explained, spoke for itself, conveying not just “truth and love” but “inclusivity”. That should have been sufficient, with the FA and the Premier League so anxious to preach about inclusion at all costs. But instead he is made to feel, absurdly, like a transgressor. There is a fundamental lack of judgment at the heart of this episode, a miscalculation that all the LGBTQ+ rhetoric signifies an assertion of fundamental human values. But an unquestioning support of Stonewall also risks association with more dubious motives. The charity has embraced the full sweep of trans activist obsessions, from self-id to puberty blockers, and by extension the FA and Premier League are also buying into the pernicious creep of gender ideology. The actions of players such as Mazraoui are reflective of fans’ broader indignation at being told what to think It is a form of myopia I will never understand: why do the FA not realise, through their emphasis on trans inclusion – a subject they advertised in a video only last week – that they are advocating a belief system contributing directly to the exclusion of women from their own sport? Giant institutions embark on this route at their peril. Look what happened last year when Nike partnered with Dylan Mulvaney, a biological male, to promote sports bras. The move instantly provoked outrage. And what about when Bud Light produced a range of cans emblazoned with Mulvaney’s face, all to promote the California influencer’s “365 days of girlhood”? Sales of the beers promptly fell 23 per cent. A similar dynamic is starting to be seen in this country, with the actions of players such as Mazraoui reflective of a broader indignation among fans at being told what to think. Ahead of Arsenal’s game with Manchester United, there was a lengthy on-field presentation for Gay Gooners, the club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group. It was all perfectly laudable, although most in the crowd appeared oblivious. That is because it barely seemed noteworthy: London has, after all, become one of the most tolerant and embracing cities in the world for the gay community. Why did that fact require all the extra Rainbow Laces embroidery? None of this should downplay the account by actor Matt Lucas that he has twice received homophobic abuse en route to Arsenal matches this season. That is appalling, but it is not the type of behaviour to be expunged by acquiescence to whatever Stonewall says. It will only be fully addressed by education and deeper societal change. Mazraoui will doubtless invite much opprobrium by distancing himself from the rainbow. But how can it ever be truly inclusive to excommunicate those with whom you disagree? Inclusion was once a commendable aim for the game to unite around. Now it feels like the language of a cult. Article Name:Inclusion used to unite – now it’s like the language of a cult Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:Oliver Brown Chief Sports Writer at the Emirates Stadium Start Page:2 End Page:2

Women’s tour bans transgender players Ruling comes after Davidson nearly qualifies for US Open Policy ‘reflects science-based and inclusive approach’ The Daily Telegraph5 Dec 2024By James Corrigan GOLF CORRESPONDENT Closed route: Hailey Davidson nearly qualified for the US Women’s Open The major powers in female professional golf have changed their transgender policies to ban maleborn players from their competitions, after Hailey Davidson came within one shot of qualifying for the US Women’s Open in June. Davidson’s progress through the ranks has brought the issue to a head The Scot became the first transgender golfer to win a women’s tournament – a mini-league event in Florida in January– and tried to win a card on the LPGA Tour at Q-school two months ago. Davidson fell short, but still managed to earn status on the Epson Tour, the feeder league to the United States circuit and was due to tee it up in 2025. However, that avenue has now been closed. The Ladies Professional Golf Association, in tandem with the US Golf Association, which runs the US Women’s Open, announced yesterday that “any players assigned male at birth and who have gone through male puberty are not eligible”. This also takes in the Women’s Open and the Ladies European Tour and takes effect at the start of next year. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” Mollie Marcoux, the LPGA commissioner, said in a statement. “The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organisation, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Davidson, who was raised in Ayrshire and was called James, posted on Instagram: “Can’t say I didn’t see this coming. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” However, there were those who took a stand against the golfer who played on a US men’s college team and did not transition until three years ago. Amy Olson, a twotime major runner-up, said: “These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot.” The Independent Women’s Forum revealed that more than 275 fellow players had sent a letter to the LPGA, the USGA and the International Golf Federation, urging Davidson’s removal from Q-school. Telegraph Sport revealed that a review was under way and, despite the LPGA dropping its female-born requirement in 2010 following a legal challenge, the findings were unequivocal. “The policy – informed by a working group of top experts in medicine, science, sport physiology, golf performance and gender policy law – was developed with input from a broad array of stakeholders and prioritises the competitive integrity of women’s professional tournaments,” Marcoux said. Article Name:Women’s tour bans transgender players Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By James Corrigan GOLF CORRESPONDENT Start Page:12 End Page:12

US Supreme Court set to uphold puberty blocker ban for U-18s The Daily Telegraph5 Dec 2024By Benedict Smith US Reporter THE US Supreme Court appears ready to uphold a state law denying puberty blockers and hormone therapy for under-18s. At least five of the nine justices were seemingly poised to vote to maintain the Tennessee law and reject a challenge brought by Joe Biden’s administration, which argued that it discriminated against transgender people. If the US’S highest court had struck down the law, it would have paved the way for similar challenges of bans of transgender treatments that have been enacted by 24 states. Tennessee’s law, which was passed last year, bans healthcare workers from prescribing puberty blockers, hormones or sex-change surgery to under-18s. However, this medication can be used for treating congenital defects or early onset puberty, prompting the Biden administration to argue the law violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause by denying equal protection to transgender adolescents. Tennessee argued that this was not the case because puberty blockers and hormone treatments were withheld on the basis of medical purpose, rather than a patient’s gender identity. The Supreme Court has a six-to-three conservative majority, and at least five justices appeared set to withhold the law after oral arguments concluded after more than two hours yesterday. It is expected to give its final ruling by June. “The Constitution leaves that question to the people’s representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor,” said John Roberts, the chief justice. Matthew Rice, the Tennessee solicitor general, said its law was passed to “protect minors from risky, unproven medical interventions” that often carry “irreversible and life-altering consequences”. He argued that it did not constitute “sex discrimination” because “its application turns entirely on medical purpose, not a patient’s sex”. Mr Rice noted that hormones are still prescribed for physical conditions but said there was a fundamental difference in using it for transgender treatments, in the same way that “using morphine to manage pain differs from using it to assist suicide”. Ketanji Brown Jackson, a liberal justice, suggested that similar arguments had been made in favour of bans on mixed-race marriage, which the Court struck down in 1967. Clarence Thomas, a conservative justice, argued that Tennessee’s law was not an outright ban but was instead focused on the age of the patient. “So why isn’t this simply a case of age classification when it comes to these treatments as opposed to a ban, as you suggested in your opening statement?” he asked Elizabeth Prelogar, the US solicitor general arguing for the Biden administration. Ms Prelogar pushed back, arguing that the age restriction was coupled with a “sex restriction and says that for all adolescents you cannot take these medications if they’re inconsistent with your sex”. Conservative justices John Roberts, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh noted that there is an ongoing dispute over medical and scientific uncertainty surrounding the treatments. “Doesn’t that make a stronger case for us to leave those determinations to the legislative bodies rather than try to determine them for ourselves?” Chief Justice Roberts asked. Article Name:US Supreme Court set to uphold puberty blocker ban for U-18s Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Benedict Smith US Reporter Start Page:15 End Page:15

Friday Total: 5

The Guardian [1]

Ghey’s killer fails in bid to have sentence reduced The Guardian6 Dec 2024 Brianna Ghey, who was murdered in February last year One of the two teenagers convicted of murdering 16-year-old Brianna Ghey has failed in his bid to reduce the length of his sentence after claiming a judge failed to take into account his “immaturity”. Eddie Ratcliffe was detained for life with a minimum term of 20 years in February earlier this year for the murder, along with Scarlett Jenkinson. Both received a minimum term of 22 years. Brianna was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife during the “exceptionally brutal” attack in Linear Park, Culcheth, near Warrington, in February last year. Ratcliffe, who was 15 at the time and is now 17, was also found to have been transphobic about his victim. Seeking leave to appeal against his sentence, lawyers for Ratcliffe, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism, argue that the judge failed to “sufficiently” take into account his age and maturity when deciding his sentence. Richard Littler KC, for Ratcliffe, said: “On any analysis of the applicant’s maturity, he is closer to the starting point of a 14-year-old rather than a 17-year-old boy,” he said. “Age and maturity were very important issues in this case, and could very much affect the end result for this particular applicant.” But three senior judges dismissed the bid, saying: “The sentence imposed by the judge on the applicant was neither manifestly excessive, nor wrong in principle. The proposed grounds (of appeal) are not arguable.” Ratcliffe was attending the hearing via video link, dressed in a dark suit, shirt and tie, with his mother present in court. The court was told that Brianna’s family were also in attendance remotely. Article Name:Ghey’s killer fails in bid to have sentence reduced Publication:The Guardian Start Page:11 End Page:11

The Times [1]

One of Brianna’s killers loses appeal Ben Ellery - Crime Editor A teenager who murdered the transgender schoolgirl Brianna Ghey has had an attempt to reduce his sentence dismissed at the Court of Appeal. Eddie Ratcliffe, 17, and Scarlett Jenkinson stabbed Brianna 28 times with a hunting knife in Culcheth, near Warrington, in February last year. Ratcliffe, who was 15 at the time of the killing, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 20 years in February. A judge described the murder as “exceptionally brutal” and found that Ratcliffe had expressed transphobia about his victim, who was 16. Lawyers for Ratcliffe, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism, argued yesterday that the sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Yip, failed to take into account his “immaturity” and said the minimum term was “far too high”. The Crown Prosecution Service opposed the appeal, claiming the sentence was “appropriate” and was not “manifestly excessive”. The judges dismissed the appeal, finding that arguments made in favour of reducing Ratcliffe’s sentence were “based on a false premise”. Summarising their judgment, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Murray, said: “The judge’s choice of a starting point of 20 years for a minimum term was correct, for the reasons that she gave. “The judge was then entitled to take into account the aggravating factors as identified.” She continued: “The sentence imposed by the judge on the applicant was neither manifestly excessive nor wrong in principle. The proposed grounds [of appeal] are not arguable.” Ratcliffe, who attended the hearing in London via a video link, showed no emotion as the appeal was dismissed. The court was also told that Brianna’s family were in attendance remotely. Richard Littler KC, for Ratcliffe, had told the court that the teenager’s sentence was “wrongly and artificially elevated”. Littler added: “It is right to say that on any analysis of the applicant’s maturity, he is closer to the starting point of a 14-year-old rather than a 17-year-old boy.” After being found guilty of murder in December last year, Jenkinson, who also was 15 at the time of the killing, was detained for a minimum of 22 years for what Yip described as a “frenzied and ferocious” attack.

Daily Mail [1]

Brianna teen killer’s bid to cut sentence is thrown out Daily Mail6 Dec 2024By James Tozer A CHALLENGE by one of Brianna Ghey’s teenage killers to his 20-year minimum term on the grounds of his ‘immaturity’ was yesterday thrown out by Appeal Court judges. Sixteen-year-old Brianna was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife by Eddie Ratcliffe and Scarlett Jenkinson in a park near Warrington, Cheshire in February last year. Ratcliffe, who was 15 at the time of the killing, was later sentenced to life with a minimum term of 20 years. Jenkinson was detained for a minimum of 22 years. A judge described the murder as ‘exceptionally brutal’ and found that he had expressed transphobia about Brianna, who was transgender. At a hearing in London yesterday, lawyers for Ratcliffe – who is now 17 and has autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism – challenged the sentence. But three senior judges dismissed the bid, finding that arguments made in favour of reducing his term were ‘based on a false premise’. Article Name:Brianna teen killer’s bid to cut sentence is thrown out Publication:Daily Mail Author:By James Tozer Start Page:28 End Page:28

Telegraph [2]

Rail passenger ‘transphobic’ for querying £58k Pride paint job The Daily Telegraph6 Dec 2024By Gareth Corfield TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT LNER’S train repainted in Pride colours. The railway company was accused of ‘disgraceful’ treatment of a passenger who asked for information to justify the £58,000 cost of the livery LNER spent £58,000 repainting one of its trains with a rainbow-themed Pride livery, it has emerged. The cost of the Pride rebranding was revealed after a passenger sent a Freedom of Information (FOI) request asking the government-owned train company for more information about it. But instead of answering Carol Fossick’s other detailed questions, a senior LNER manager wrote back and labelled her “transphobic” after trawling through her social media posts. Ms Fossick, 50, said: “It seems to be so removed from what I’m asking you to do, which is ‘help me understand how you do your livery [and] help me understand why there’s no papers to justify the £58,000 cost of the Pride livery’. ‘This attempt at thought-policing suggests a corporate culture more akin to a medieval church’ “It’s nowhere near a vexatious sort of request, just to ask once and to use your right to ask to follow up on that.” Campaigners branded LNER “disgraceful” for its treatment of Ms Fossick and accused the company of saying she was effectively “blaspheming against the rainbow”. Maya Forstater, chief executive of human rights charity Sex Matters, said: “LNER’S refusal to respond to an FOI request on the basis that the requester had expressed views that challenge gender ideology was disgraceful. “It’s appalling to see one of the UK’S largest transport companies losing touch with reality to the extent that it sees a focus on ‘binary sex divisions’ and criticism of its expensively clad Pride train as ‘vexatious’. “This attempt at thought-policing passengers for blaspheming against the rainbow suggests a corporate culture that is more akin to a medieval church than a modern business.” An LNER spokesman said: “The Together train celebrates support of Pride activities on the route as part of our long-term commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.” Article Name:Rail passenger ‘transphobic’ for querying £58k Pride paint job Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Gareth Corfield TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT Start Page:10 End Page:10

Gender-critical student suspended from university radio The Daily Telegraph6 Dec 2024By Poppy Wood Connie Shaw was accused of bringing the station into disrepute over her views AN UNDERGRADUATE at the University of Leeds was suspended from hosting a student radio show for expressing gender-critical views, free speech campaigners have claimed. Connie Shaw, a third-year philosophy, ethics and religion student, was barred from her role as head of daytime radio after being accused of breaching the student union’s code of conduct, the Free Speech Union (FSU) said. The group said the 20-year-old was handed a “notice of suspension” by Leeds University Union in October after a complaint was raised with Leeds Student Radio (LSR) over her gender-critical beliefs. Ms Shaw oversaw student radio shows including Woman’s Hour and LGBTQ+ Hour as part of her LSR duties. LSR won “best student station” at the Student Radio Awards last month for the second year running. The FSU said that in a letter to Ms Shaw on Oct 30, a member of the student union’s activities executive informed her it had launched an investigation into allegations made against her. It said Ms Shaw had been accused of failing to uphold “a duty of care to all society members”, violated its “values, ethos and expectations”, and brought the university “into disrepute”. The letter ‘LSR promoted a freedom of speech event and then removed me for expressing right to freedom of speech’ suggested that this involved her social media activity, but Ms Shaw was not provided with details of the allegations until a meeting the next week. In the meeting on Nov 6, Ms Shaw was reportedly told the complainant had raised concerns about a blog post she had written on Oct 29. The blog post was published on a Substack run by Graham Linehan, an Irish comedy writer who has faced significant backlash for his gender-critical beliefs. In the article, Ms Shaw criticised Leeds University’s handling of gender issues. She referenced a gender expression fund run by the student union allowing trans students to apply for grants to cover the cost of chest-binders, make-up and clothes. The undergraduate also voiced criticisms about questions for a feminist philosophy module at the university. She said it included one question asking students: “Can someone, such as a very powerful Queen, not be systematically subordinated, but still be a woman?” Ms Shaw expressed her concerns on the blog that the essay question “suggests subordination is intrinsic to being a woman”. The article also linked to an episode of Ms Shaw’s personal podcast in which she had interviewed Charlie Bentley-astor, a prominent “detransitioner”. Ms Shaw had also interviewed Mr Linehan for her podcast during the Battle of Ideas festival in London in an episode published on Oct 28. Leeds’ student union is understood to have concluded Ms Shaw brought the radio station into disrepute through her social media activity and suspended her from the LSR committee. The FSU claimed Ms Shaw was told she was barred from the committee unless she sends “a written apology to the LSR membership for bringing the station into disrepute” and attends an e-learning course. In a letter warning of legal action, the FSU alleged the treatment of Ms Shaw amounted to “direct discrimination contrary to” the Equality Act 2010, which counts gender-critical beliefs as protected beliefs. The FSU is appealing against the union’s decision on Ms Shaw’s behalf. Ms Shaw said in a statement: “It is ironic LSR promoted a freedom of speech event – the Battle of Ideas – and then removed me from my position due to the interviews I conducted at that event, and more generally for expressing my legal right to freedom of speech.” An LLU spokesman said: “Inclusivity is one of our core values, helping to ensure everyone can enjoy university, free from discrimination. Due to an appeal, we are unable to comment further.” Article Name:Gender-critical student suspended from university radio Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Poppy Wood Start Page:10 End Page:10

Saturday Total: 2

The Guardian [1]

Austria’s first male and non-binary cheerleaders subvert gender stereotypes The Guardian7 Dec 2024Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent PHOTOGRAPH: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP France’s Les Scrimmage People launched in 2016 and, like other squads, tries to push the boundaries of roller derby which is a very physical sport played mainly by women Dressed in short shorts and tight T-shirts, they bounded on to the gymnasium floor. After the female roller derby teams had pushed, pounded and smashed into each other, the men and their pom-poms were now on the same court in Vienna, ready to offer up the exact opposite: a hip-shaking, acrobatic-laced half-time show. “We wanted to play with the stereotypes,” said Andreas Fleck, one of the founders of Austria’s Fearleaders, believed to be Europe’s first squad of male and non-binary cheerleaders. “We have this idea of heroic, strong male players on the field and on the sidelines these very sexualised female cheerleaders. We wanted to turn this around,” he said. Their boundary-pushing quest traces back to 2011 when Vienna became home to its first roller derby team. Made up mainly of women, their fiercely aggressive, full-contact playing style challenged the long cliched role of women in sport. Fleck and others soon wondered if there was a way to push things further. “We wanted to create this tension between roller derby – this very physical sport that is mainly done by female players – and these more fragile, funny and dainty men on the sidelines supporting this team,” he said. What emerged was the Fearleaders, made up of some 30 members whose shorts and suspenders, colourful headbands and shimmying dance moves have become a staple of Vienna’s roller derby scene and beyond. The group echoes the inclusiveness of roller derby, where teams on roller skates use their hips, shoulders and chests to block a member of the other team from racking up points, and which is one of the few sports that welcomes trans and nonbinary players. The Fearleaders name is a nod to their courage, Fleck said. “There’s our own fears of getting into this outfit and exposing yourself to an audience,” said Fleck. “And then there’s the example we try to provide to others, to erase their fears so that they say: ‘Okay they can do it, why can’t I?’” While the reactions from those around them have been positive, the extent of what the squad is up against was laid bare soon after their 2013 launch when they were featured in a left-leaning publication. “It was really terrifying to see the comments,” said Fleck, citing one that had hoped for their deaths and others who had levied “homophobic, transphobic” vitriol at them. “We live in a very progressive bubble. But outside this bubble, I think there is still a lot of rejection and a lot of hate.” For one member, Fabian Schipfer, the reaction was in some ways unsurprising. “Right now society is really polarised, especially on gender topics,” he said. “Especially on social media, we definitely feel that we hit some kind of pain point.” Others were swift to follow. By 2016 France had its first all-male cheerleading squad, Les Scrimmage People, launched to support Lille’s roller derby team, while other squads sprung up in Montreuil, east of Paris and Brittany. What unites all of them is their link to the boundary-pushing world of roller derby, said Emma Darquié, a coach for Les Scrimmage People and player on Lille’s team. “These squads wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for roller derby,” she said. "It's a way of continuing the conversation, as roller derby players have shown that team contact sports are not just for men. Now these squads are building on this in their own way, deconstructing these hyperdivisive stereotypes.” In recent years, as terms such as non-binary and toxic masculinity became more widely used and understood, those behind the Fearleaders wondered whether the initiative had run its course. “At some point we had questioned whether what we were doing was still necessary. We were thinking maybe not,” said Fleck. The sentiment soon shifted as hints began to emerge of what Fleck described as a global “gender backlash,” fuelled in part by an online “manosphere” eager to peddle its own views on manliness. “It’s getting more toxic,” said Fleck. “It’s getting harder to work against these forces because they are getting somehow stronger. They’re getting louder.” The battle hit home in September when Austria’s far-right Freedom party won the most votes in the general election, buoyed by promises that included amending the country’s constitution to declare the existence of only two genders. It was a sad return to the mindset that had dominated decades ago, said Fleck. “We’ve been thinking a lot about how we can tell a different story about masculinity? What other views can we offer society?” The quest to answer these questions had breathed new life into the Fearleaders’ raison d’etre, he added. “After this year – 2024 – we have the feeling that what we do is more important than ever.” ‘We wanted to create this tension between roller derby ... and these more fragile, funny, dainty men’ Andreas Fleck A founder of Fearleaders Article Name:Austria’s first male and non-binary cheerleaders subvert gender stereotypes Publication:The Guardian Author:Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent Start Page:33 End Page:33

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [1]

Way of the World Michael Deacon The Daily Telegraph - Saturday7 Dec 2024at telegraph.co.uk/ opinion Martine Croxall, Kasia Madera, Annita McVeigh and Karin Giannone This week the BBC unveiled its list of the 100 most “inspiring and influential women” of 2024. As I wrote in my column on Thursday, however, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar pattern. Among the BBC’s choices were an Israeli woman who is “an outspoken critic of the Israeli government”; an “immigrant rights campaigner” who helped file “criminal charges against Donald Trump”; a Republican who loathes Trump so much, she’s refused to vote Republican at the last three presidential elections; and a male biologist named Brigitte who “analyses landscapes” using “a queer lens”. And so on. All in all, it was difficult to avoid the impression that the list was not really about celebrating women. It was about promoting the BBC’s own stridently progressive view of the world. So, to redress the balance, here’s an alternative list of “women of the year” – all of whom the BBC overlooked… Hilary Cass Few people have produced anything more influential in 2024 than the Cass Review – which cast serious doubt on the wisdom of pumping puberty-blocking drugs into vulnerable children confused about their “gender identity”. Oddly, though, the BBC didn’t find space for the review’s author on its list of 100 “influential” women. Still, it did at least find space for a “hijabwearing heavy metal band”. The Darlington nurses A group of female NHS staff are suing their employer for letting a male colleague named Rose use the women’s changing room with them. They say they aren’t transphobic – they just don’t feel women should be obliged to undress in front of a man. Quite a big story, this year. But perhaps the BBC forgot about it. Mandy Damari Mrs Damari is the mother of a British hostage of Hamas. Ever since Emily, 28, was seized by the Palestinian terror group on October 7, 2023, Mrs Damari has been tirelessly campaigning for her daughter’s release. She would, therefore, have made a strong candidate for the BBC’s list. Instead, however, it chose an Israeli woman who blames Israel’s own government for “failing to find a way to bring the hostages home”. What a curious decision. I wonder why the BBC did that. Katharine Birbalsingh Two notable successes this year for the woman often described as “Britain’s strictest headmistress”. First, a High Court judge ruled that her school’s ban on prayer rituals was lawful, after a Muslim pupil claimed that it was discriminatory. And second, her school’s GCSE results only narrowly fell short of Eton’s – even though her pupils are drawn from one of London’s most deprived boroughs. No wonder so many people on the Left despise her. She just keeps on showing them up. Giorgia Meloni This year the Italian PM has taken a stand against deepfake pornography – which, having been a victim of it herself, she describes as “a form of violence against women”. She’s also banned “surrogacy tourism”, making it illegal for Italians to obtain other women’s babies abroad. But the BBC calls her “far-Right”, so forget all that. JK Rowling In the 11 years since the BBC started compiling its annual list of the world’s most influential women, it has for some reason never found room for the mega-selling author, philanthropist and prominent defender of women’s rights. Still, maybe next year. Rosie Duffield After telling Sir Keir Starmer in September that he was “entirely undeserving of holding the title of Labour Prime Minister”, Ms Duffield set an all-time record: no MP in British parliamentary history has resigned the party whip so soon after an election. A proud boast. Especially in this case. HRH Princess of Wales Presumably our future Queen’s battle with cancer wasn’t deemed sufficiently inspirational to make the BBC’s list of 100 “inspiring women”. Allison Pearson Essex Police’s treatment of our columnist – over a deleted, year-old tweet – was chilling. But perhaps some good will come out of it. First, because the backlash may deter at least some police officers from wasting their time and the taxpayer’s money on pursuing people over their social media posts, while countless real crimes remain unsolved (and even uninvestigated). And second, because the whole sorry episode woke the public up to the fact that many supposed liberals – including some who work in journalism themselves – aren’t really all that fussed about free speech. This year, these four female journalists took legal action against their employer – a well-known broadcasting corporation funded by a licence fee – because they claimed they’d been paid significantly less than male colleagues performing equivalent roles. At an employment tribunal, they were told they wouldn’t be able to bring a claim for equal pay. It’s not over, though – because they recently filed an appeal. So perhaps they’ll end up among 2025’s women of the year, instead. Article Name:Way of the World Michael Deacon Publication:The Daily Telegraph - Saturday Author:at telegraph.co.uk/ opinion Martine Croxall, Kasia Madera, Annita McVeigh and Karin Giannone Start Page:20 End Page:20

Sunday Total: 4

The Observer [0]

Sunday Times [1]

Young footballers need education to end homophobia – not rainbow gimmicks and Beckham in a sarong Alyson Rudd Beckham, with his wife Victoria, famously wore a sarong in 1998 Next image › It has generated much angst, anger and confusion but Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign is, above all else, hypocritical and has done little to diversify elite-level football. There is not one single openly gay player in the Premier League, its individual clubs conduct business with Saudi Arabia where same-sex sexual activity is criminalised and Newcastle United, whose captain, Bruno Guimarães, wore the rainbow armband last week, have, as their majority owner, the Saudi Public Investment Fund. I doubt a dash of pink, blue and green prompted ripples of selfdoubt in Riyadh. The campaign is, in any case, so broad as to be meaningless. In demeaning fashion it lumps together the disparate groups that comprise the LGBTQ+ label. I would refuse to wear the laces if asked by my local tennis club to do so because I oppose Stonewall’s aggressive lobbying for the trans community which ignores the rights of women and what it means to be a woman, and threatens women’s sport. The upshot has been downright nastiness towards women who speak up. I am doubtful those who laced up last week reflected on women’s safe spaces but then, I doubt there was much reflection at all. Laces would have been handed out at all levels of the game and greeted with shrugs or varying degrees of perplexity. Rainbow Laces is a gesture that can make devout religious players such as the Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy uncomfortable enough to refuse to wear the rainbow armband but clearly does not have the heft to allow gay players to feel able to date and marry whom they want to. Is it not patronising to wear the armband or the laces knowing no one in your dressing room is openly gay and that gay fans of your club can be taunted or mocked? Matt Lucas, the actor and comedian who is an Arsenal supporter, last week posted that so far this season he has twice been abused while attending matches for being an openly gay football supporter with someone telling him “our club doesn’t want disgusting gay fans”. There is also something dispiriting in the fact that any young gay sportsman looking for a role model is likely to alight upon David Beckham, who embraced his status as a gay icon while prepared to accept a role as an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal. Football needs an elite-level gay player to give youngsters hope, not a straight man who once wore a sarong. Those who have responsibility for diversity and inclusion at football clubs have not necessarily found the principle of wearing special laces all that useful. They can see first-hand that it changes nothing and is not supported by adequate information. It feels like a gimmick, an exercise in self-congratulation. The Premier League should drop the tokenism and do something meaningful. But this of course requires an understanding of why dressing rooms are devoid of openly gay players. The main obstacles are fan reaction and player education, and the fact some players will give up even trying to make it through the system believing they will not fit in. Boys in academies should be taught about inclusion and what the club would do if anyone wanted to be open about their sexuality. It is not enough to tell a player he will receive support, that player needs to understand the process which in turn requires clubs to have thought through all the repercussions. “ A quick address about the importance of tolerance sounds nice but doesn’t offer practical help How will they deal with socially conservative or religious staff who are made uncomfortable by working alongside a gay player? Are they prepared to have tough conversations? This will be much easier if all players have been through an education system that stresses the need for tolerance, dispels myths and helps to puncture bigotry. Honesty is needed here. A quick address about the importance of tolerance sounds nice but doesn’t offer practical help. Players have to feel they can ask questions and not be shut down. There may be a Muslim player who worries that his parents will force him to leave if there are gay players in his team but equally is scared to discuss this for fear of being viewed as intolerant. So, discuss it. What will sharing the dressing room be like? What might the opposition supporters sing? Clubs need to be honest about what the impact will be and think it through. How would they handle internal and external hostility? It is too late for those gay players who might be married with kids and who do not want to disrupt their family, but young players who were traditionally encouraged to settle down in their early twenties should see a path to being in a relationship of their choice, not forced to be typecast. Rather than sticking a rainbow on the corner flag, clubs should be determining a clear pathway to assist a player hoping to be open about his sexuality. Some clubs believe they already have the environment for this to be possible. Speak to football staff and they are actively keen to nurture a player through the process. They know the character of their dressing room and that all that matters to the players is that their team-mates work hard for each other. There is little interest in what each other’s home life is like in any case. There is optimism, too, that just as a team will walk off the field of play in response to racism in the crowd, it would also do the same for a player suffering because of homophobic abuse. The greatest obstacle is arguably fan reaction, but this is where clubs can make practical inroads. Some clubs already ban supporters who engage in homophobic chanting or yell out abuse individually and if this was more widely advertised then it would not take too long for the abuse to peter out. In the meantime, clubs can acknowledge the possibility of unacceptable chanting and work out ways to help a gay player deal with it. And the insults will not just fly from the away end, which is why constant dialogue with the fan base is imperative. England’s women won the Euros with a squad of gay and straight players. Mixing it up does not impede performance. It might even improve it. After all, the weight of conforming to the present Premier League stereotype must be debilitating. All the rainbows in the world will not dilute the attention that the first openly gay Premier League player receives but if clubs are ready for the big moment then, rather than be a negative and dispiriting experience, it could transform the football landscape. — “The campaign is, in any case, so broad as to be meaningless. In demeaning fashion it lumps together the disparate groups that comprise the LGBTQ+ label. I would refuse to wear the laces if asked by my local tennis club to do so because I oppose Stonewall’s aggressive lobbying for the trans community which ignores the rights of women and what it means to be a woman, and threatens women’s sport.”

Mail on Sunday [0]

Sunday Telegraph [3]

Newcastle fan planning to sue FA over Rainbow Laces campaign By Patrick Sawer and Hayley Dixon The Football Association is facing legal action over its Rainbow Laces campaign after claims the annual show of support for the LGBTQ+ community breaches its own ban on political messaging. Newcastle United fan Linzi Smith is planning to sue the FA, claiming the wearing of rainbow armbands and laces on the pitch is an endorsement of the contested notion of gender ideology. This is the belief that a person can have a gender that is different to their biological sex. In a letter of action to the FA setting out the basis of her claim, Smith’s lawyers, SinclairsLaw, state: “The Football Association has acted unlawfully by encouraging, authorising, or directing players in the Premier League to wear equipment including boot laces and armbands in rainbow colours during the ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign. “Such equipment is prohibited under the [FA] rules as constituting or conveying a political message, statement or image, including because it demonstrates support for a contested political viewpoint, namely the idea that gender identity should be accepted and its policy on sex-based rights.” Smith, an advocate for lesbian, bisexual and gay men’s rights, has now launched a fundraising drive to bring her case against English football’s governing body over its campaign. The move comes after a row during this year’s Rainbow Laces week, during which Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, was warned by the FA he risked a ban after writing the words “Jesus loves you” on his captain’s rainbow armband in a match against Ipswich Town. The FA’s handling of the incident was criticised by MPs after it reminded Guehi of its rules, but did not contact Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy over his refusal to wear the armband because of his Islamic faith. At the same time Manchester United scrapped plans for players to wear a rainbow-themed jacket after Morocco’s Noureddine Noussair Mazraoui refused to do so. Smith’s letter argues that the FA’s position regarding Guehi and his faith has been “irrational”. While the Rainbow Laces campaign was launched in 2013 as a joint initiative with the controversial LGBTQ+ charity and lobby group Stonewall and the Premier League. Smith, 34, was previously banned from attending Newcastle matches after expressing gender-critical views on social media. She was accused of being transphobic by a complainant who told the football club trans people would not feel safe sitting near her. Northumbria Police interviewed Smith under caution after the club’s dossier was handed to them. They informed her she had not committed an offence, but the club revoked her membership and banned her from games until 2026. FA sources said wearing the Rainbow Laces armband and supporting the campaign was voluntary and a personal choice for teams and players. — I have included this as Linzi Smith is a GC who was previously banned from attending football matches for anti-trans comments, and has threatened to sue Newcastle, the Premier League and the police previously.

‘Aromantic’ NHS workers given spaces to share feelings The Sunday Telegraph8 Dec 2024By Michael Searles HEALTH CORRESPONDENT THE NHS is allowing several subgroups of people with various gender and sexual orientations to meet and discuss personal issues in “safe spaces” during the working day. A scheme by NHS England’s LGBTQIA+ staff network allows trans, non-binary, bi+, asexual, aromantic, and rainbow family colleagues to talk about their experiences. The staff network said the group had been set up “to ensure the inclusivity of minority LGBTQIA+ identities”. The frequency of the sessions varies depending on the group, but ranges from every fortnight to every other month, and usually occurs around lunchtime, Some have indefinite end times, but those meetings with limits last for one hour. The standard NHS contract is 37.5 hours per week, which, in theory, includes five eight-hour days with a half-an-hour lunch break. Describing the meetings as safe spaces is understood to have irked some NHS staff who are battling for women to have the right to single-sex spaces including lavatories and hospital wards. The meetings also come with a host of instructions on how to behave. There is a “zero-tolerance policy to sexual harassment” and the guidance also tells people to give verbal trigger warnings if they are about to say something others might find upsetting. Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at human-rights charity Sex Matters, said: “By running these events, NHS England is perpetuating the myth that people with a so-called ‘gender identity’ are automatically at elevated risk of harm. “Employees with special gender identities should of course be treated fairly – that is, the same way as everyone else.” An NHS England spokesman said: “These voluntary groups provide a channel to address concerns from a wide range of staff – including those impacted by cancer, women, and lesbian and gay people – and anyone attending is expected to do so in addition to their normal duties.” Aromantic is “umbrella term to encompass aromantic, grey-romantic, and demiromantic” people. Bi+ describes people with “a romantic and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender”. And Rainbow meetings are for relatives or friends of people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘Staff with special gender identities should be treated fairly – that is, the same way as everyone else’ Article Name:‘Aromantic’ NHS workers given spaces to share feelings Publication:The Sunday Telegraph Author:By Michael Searles HEALTH CORRESPONDENT Start Page:11 End Page:11

NHS told to halt puberty blocker trial over lack of Cass safeguards The Sunday Telegraph8 Dec 2024By Ethan Croft SUNDAY POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Baroness Cass said the NHS needed to implement the advice of her review THE NHS has been told to pause its forthcoming puberty blocker trial by campaign groups who warn safeguards promised after the Cass review are not strong enough. It is the first trial of the medical intervention since Dr Cass, a leading pediatrician, published a report in April which said the evidence base that the blockers are effective was weak. In a letter to Wes Streeting, the health secretary, gender-critical activists have called for NHS England to agree to several conditions before proceeding with it. These include a “strict set of inclusion and exclusion criteria” to prevent vulnerable children taking part, establishing “services… to support patients who are harmed by their participation” and an equivalent trial of psychosocial interventions for those with early-childhood-onset gender dysphoria. Puberty blockers have not been routinely prescribed on the NHS since the Cass review was published. The protocol for the trial is set to be published this month with recruitment expected to begin in January. The signatories to the letter authored by Genspect UK include LGB Alliance, Thoughtful Therapists, and Transgender Trend. They wrote: “We believe the study faces significant practical and ethical challenges, particularly if it aims to be compliant with, and build on, the findings of the Cass review. Given the historic failings identified by Cass in the way research has been conducted in this area, we believe there is a strong public interest in transparency and openness.” The campaigners are attempting to put pressure on the health service to follow through on the recommendations of Cass’s final report, which was accepted in full earlier this year by the NHS as well as both the Labour and Conservative parties. Baroness Cass told The Telegraph: “The final report and recommendations from the review were published in April 2024. The recommendations were accepted in full by NHS England and it is now for it, together with partner organisations and stakeholders, to work through how they are best implemented.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “The NHS is reforming gender identity services to ensure safe, evidence-based care for young people. The design of the puberty blocker trial and wider work to improve services for children and young people with gender dysphoria have been carefully developed within the framework provided by Dr Hilary Cass’s review. An NHS England spokesman said: “The fact is, any trial will be subject to the usual stringent safeguards, follow best practice, developed by experts and all overseen by NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research), as well as having to secure the usual ethical and study design approvals.” Article Name:NHS told to halt puberty blocker trial over lack of Cass safeguards Publication:The Sunday Telegraph Author:By Ethan Croft SUNDAY POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Start Page:11 End Page:11

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TRANSWRITES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

JK Rowling’s latest anti-trans rant is 292 words long but you can debunk it with 2, by Gemma Stone
Mridul Wadhwa quits Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre after sustained anti-trans campaign against her, by Gemma Stone
“Transitions The Unheard Stories” review; A useful resource hampered by an inconcise introduction, by Laura Kate Dale
Enraged industry professionals slam The Bookseller for promoting anti-trans social media accounts, by Gemma Stone
When was the T added to LGBT? A quick history, by Sarah Clarke
Trans people are the greatest assault on women in JK Rowling’s life time, apparently, by Gemma Stone
The 32 things The Cass Review recommends and why they are concerning, by Gemma Stone.
NHS & puberty blockers: Former GIDS patients reflect on long wait times, invasive assessments, by Sasha Baker.
The Cass Review: A government-sanctioned attack on trans lives, by Lee Hurley.

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The Trans Agenda: Cass rejected again as the papers attack LGBTQ+ inclusion

News you need, the perspective you won’t find anywhere else. The trans community’s guide to UK news, media and politics and our place in it.

From the start of 2025, the Trans Agenda will be going live early for subscribers. I’ll also be opening up the comments for subscribers at all levels, so make sure you sign up. It’s free but every paid subscription helps me pay for access to the papers.

UK NEWS

AROUND THE WORLD

SPORT

MEDIA

WHAT’S ON IN PARLIAMENT

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

SHORTS

THIS WEEK

THE PAPERS

THE PAPERS Monday 2 December – Sunday 8 December

Monday Total: 2

The Guardian [0]

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [2]

Tuesday Total: 4

The Guardian [0]

The Times [1]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [3]

Wednesday Total: 1

The Guardian [0]

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [1]

Thursday Total: 5

The Guardian [0]

The Times [1]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [4]

Friday Total: 5

The Guardian [1]

The Times [1]

Daily Mail [1]

Telegraph [2]

Saturday Total: 2

The Guardian [1]

The Times [0]

Daily Mail [0]

Telegraph [1]

Sunday Total: 4

The Observer [0]

Sunday Times [1]

Mail on Sunday [0]

Sunday Telegraph [3]

From the start of 2025, the Trans Agenda will be going live early for subscribers. I’ll also be opening up the comments for subscribers at all levels, so make sure you sign up. It’s free but every paid subscription helps me pay for access to the papers.

TRANSWRITES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

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