Premium: Julie Bindel Stops By For "Tea" With Katie
Nov 23, 2022
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Julie Bindel, noted hatemonger/advocate for ending violence against women, discusses her feminist activism, encounters with a serial killer, skepticism towards transsexuality, and backlash for addressing men, rape, and violence.
Julie Bindel discusses the challenges faced by lesbians in the 70s and the vibrant feminist movement fighting against male violence.
Bindel reflects on the skepticism towards transsexualism within the feminist movement and the conflicts arising from trans individuals infiltrating lesbian spaces.
Deep dives
Introduction to Feminism and Lesbian Awakening
Julie Bendel shares her personal history, growing up in a downtrodden community in the 70s and discovering her lesbian identity. She talks about finding support within the feminist movement, particularly through feminist groups and lesbian communities. Bendel recalls the challenges faced by lesbians during that time and the limited visibility of lesbians, as well as the vibrant feminist movement fighting against male violence.
Encounter with the Yorkshire Ripper
Bendel shares a harrowing experience where she believes she may have encountered the Yorkshire Ripper, a notorious serial killer who targeted women in the north of England. She discusses the dismissive response from the police despite providing a detailed description. Bendel highlights the misogyny and class prejudice that influenced the police's assumptions about the victims and their targeting of women in prostitution. This experience deepened her understanding of the dangers women face and the lack of accountability for male violence.
Intersection of Feminism and the Trans Rights Debate
Bendel delves into her involvement in the feminist response to the trans rights movement, highlighting her skepticism towards transsexualism, which she views as based on sex stereotypes harmful to women's rights. She recounts encountering stories of trans-identified males infiltrating lesbian spaces and relationships, leading to conflicts within the feminist movement. Bendel reflects on the challenges faced in engaging in conversations with trans individuals and the backlash she received from allies and the queer community.
Julie Bindel, noted hatemonger and/or advocate for ending violence against women, stops by to talk to Katie about… well, a lot of stuff. It’s a good chat! (The tea thing is just a metaphor, a way of honoring Bindel for being British.)