Episode 203: Trouble on TERF Island (with Helen Lewis)
Feb 17, 2024
auto_awesome
In this episode, the host and guest discuss a schism in the British gender critical movement, along with the bizarre world of goblin porn. They dive into the controversy surrounding gender-critical trans woman Debbie Hayton and explore evolving sexualities and societal norms. The conversation also touches on the controversial evolution of activist Posie Parker and navigating gender-critical perspectives online.
The British gender critical movement is divided between left-wing feminists and single-issue populists, with differing approaches to gaining support and influence.
Posey Parker has faced controversy for discriminatory comments and alignment with right-wing figures, launching her own political party to challenge Labour Party leader Keir Starmer.
The focus of the gender critical movement has shifted from children's rights to issues like autogynephilia and pronouns, leading to disagreements and controversies within the movement.
The use of preferred pronouns has caused a split within the British gender critical movement, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unity within a diverse movement.
Deep dives
Debbie Hayden and the Controversial Book
Debbie Hayden, a gender critical trans woman, has written a book titled 'Transsexual Apostate.' The book focuses on her late transition and autogynephilia (AGP), a controversial sexual diagnosis. Hayden has faced backlash from trans activists and within the gender critical movement. She has been labeled an outlaw figure and faced calls for her firing. Hayden's controversial views on Muslims have also further divided opinions about her. Additionally, she recently launched the Party of Women political party.
The Divide in the Gender Critical Movement
The gender critical movement in Britain is divided between left-wing feminists and single-issue populists. The movement is split between ultras and GC light, with pronouns becoming a major point of contention. Women's Place, a left-wing organization, seeks to engage with the left, while Posey Parker, founder of For Women and Let Women Speak, is more willing to engage with right-wing figures. These divisions signify differing approaches to gaining support and influence within the movement.
The Controversies Around Posey Parker
Posey Parker, also known as Kelly J. Kean, has faced criticism and controversy for her views and associations. She has been accused of making discriminatory comments about Muslims and has aligned herself with right-wing figures and organizations. Parker recently launched her own political party, aiming to challenge Labour Party leader Keir Starmer in his constituency.
The Evolution of Gender Critical Activism
The gender critical movement has moved from a focus on children's rights and letting kids play with whatever toys they choose to becoming more focused on issues such as autogynephilia and pronouns. The movement has seen divisions between those who align more with left-wing feminist principles and those who focus on single-issue populism. These divisions have led to disagreements and controversies within the movement.
The British gender critical movement faces internal divisions
The British gender critical movement, which opposes gender self-identification, experienced a split over the use of preferred pronouns. Kelly J. Keen, a prominent gender critical activist, has taken a hardline stance against using preferred pronouns and has faced backlash for her views. This has led to a rift within the movement, with supporters either aligning themselves with Keen or holding more moderate positions. The division highlights the challenges of maintaining unity within a diverse movement.
The cult of personality surrounding Kelly J. Keen
Keen has cultivated a cult of personality and become an emblematic figure within the gender critical movement. Her populist appeal and strong persona have made her a rallying point for certain activists. However, her influence and the intense support she receives have contributed to an us-versus-them dynamic, where criticism of Keen is met with vitriol and opposing viewpoints are dismissed. This has created an unbridgeable gap between those who align with Keen and those who do not.
Shifting landscape in UK media
The landscape in the UK media has undergone some shifts in relation to gender critical viewpoints. Publications such as The Guardian, traditionally more aligned with these views, have seen prominent journalists like Suzanne Moore and Hadley Freeman leave and join other outlets. This indicates a diversification of perspectives within the media landscape and a willingness to engage with different viewpoints on gender self-identification. However, some major publications, like The New York Times, have been more cautious in covering the topic, potentially seeing it as a contentious and divisive issue.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by fan favorite Helen Lewis to discuss a schism in the British gender critical movment. Plus, goblin porn.
