So Streeting is claiming that Starmer wants to focus on "streets not tweets" and implying that incitement to violence isn't serious. What, I wonder, did Starmer say about Lucy Connolly, also charged (and jailed) for incitement to violence in a tweet? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Something George Orwell did not tell us in Animal Farm was what the other animals thought when they looked from pig to man and were unable to say which was which. George Monbiot here gives a suggestion … they questioned whether the political strategy of the pigs was supported by empirical evidence.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
“treeshade of sunnywinking leaves” - James Joyce, Ulysses
There's been a big fight over gender-affirming care after Gordon Guyatt and his team at McMaster released a statement contradicting their former funders' public policy. I wrote about the whole thing, and what "evidence-based medicine" really means. gidmk.substack.com/p/a-fight-ov...
I want to explain a few things and then it might be clearer why UK trans people are upset. In 2001 I married my wife, Sylvia. In 2005 I started medical transition. (1/13)
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Interesting this appeared on the same day as the following. It should be clear that harassment of trans people can even so severe as to be illegal (a higher bar than this). equalityaustralia.org.au/court-ruling...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s a while since I read it but I recall one participant who placed great value on their self perception as kind and empathetic. When confronted with her behaviour she invented some ridiculous explanation to try and maintain that self image. Lots of interesting stuff even beyond the central point.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
The attack on “woke” universities is the same as attacks on the press. For press to have a purpose (& justify high regard of a free press) it is to hold political power to account and challenge and expose it. Universities exist to do same for society and must to do it to justify academic freedom.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Linguistics is I think only part of what’s going on here. I’ve found the following helpful to understand the motivation. It’s not so much about linguistics as it is about categories and properties and generalization. silverbronzo.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
When society treats a group one way and the law another then that’s legalised discrimination. This is also clear because when the question is addressed by a court, the answer is whichever way results in the worst outcome for the trans person,
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This also leads to a paradox of the UKSC ruling. If a trans woman is indistinguishable from a cis woman then she will be treated by society in the same way as that cis woman. UK law is therefore that a trans woman is the same as a cis woman in sometimes but not other times.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Gender critical beliefs are protected (for now). However you could of course refuse to bake a cake with a gender critical message / dog whistle on it given that Christian bakers can refuse a cake with the message “Support Gay Marriage”.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Note however this is about the message on the cake (so court decided a cake expressing support for gay marriage would be refused irrespective of the sexuality of the person requesting it). However if they’d bake a wedding cake for a straight couple then they’d also need to bake one for a gay couple.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You mean this: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-nort...
I am one of the 14 authors who chose to leave the Polari Prize, and I find myself frustrated and saddened at the way this entire story has been represented. 1/
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ve listed the consensus views of psychologists, endocrinologists and humans rights organisations. But all of that you call theology. Such ridiculous lengths to excuse what are just stupid and hateful views is precisely why they will not persist.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Gender diversity is a normal part of human variation. Gender identity is largely biological in nature. Gender critical beliefs are highly prejudicial. These are the positions of experts (psychology, endocrinology and human rights specifically) Meanwhile you waffle on about “belief systems”.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Belief system? It is my opinion that GC ideology is a hateful ideology but I wouldn’t call that a belief system. Recall the Council of Europe (largest human rights body in Europe) declared GC beliefs to be highly prejudicial so it’s not an opinion that’s fringe.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
GC ideology is a hateful ideology and is equivalent to racism, but our courts have not got there yet. As a result Duncan’s advice is good. You should reread it in that light. Of course when our courts do correctly recognise GC ideology as hateful then Duncan’s advice will no longer be needed.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Again that is exactly what Duncan has said. Courts do get it wrong and we can list any number of racist and homophobic rulings from the past so all I can do is repeat the point, in the near future I think our courts will correct the mistake they made with Forstater.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
That’s wrong but it is the reality today and that is what Duncan is discussing. In the near future I think we’ll see this book (and there are others) in the same category of racist, anti semitic or any other number of hateful ideologies.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
There are degrees. It’s perfectly reasonable not to want a book promoting racist or anti semitic ideology to be included on a centenary list. Rub along doesn’t cut it as a response. What Duncan draws attention to is that anti trans ideology is not correctly classified as being equivalent.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ve always maintained GC movement will collapse quite spectacularly. They never face challenge / criticism in UK press and worse are even pandered to. This cosseted position means they get away with anything and that’s why they’re so unhinged. Slightest critical appraisal (eg Aus) and they crumble.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This is stunning and the effect is obviously offset by the increased prejudice that trans people face. That the MH boost of hormones entirely negates this and more is significant. Can only speculate how much bigger the boost would be if trans people did not face daily prejudice just for being trans.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
We know from (whispers it) Brexit. BoJo can lie but BBC can’t say it’s a lie only another politician can. It’s not new tho even settled scientific positions are ignored (eg climate change). While Tories were in denial BBC had to pretend the science wasn’t there as well so they didn’t contradict them
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
We all know the answer to this … The BBC’s definition of impartiality is that it cannot contradict the mainstream position of a major party even when it’s clearly false or prejudiced. They have to pretend it it ok and can only invite an opposition politician to point out the obvious.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I wonder if you’re getting hung up on “wrongly” here. Wrongly decided is a legal phrase with an established meaning. Its use does not imply any arrogance or vehemence. Rather the article argues that the decision falls meets the criteria for being classed as “wrongly decided”.
Was the UK Supreme Court judgment in FWS wrongly decided, in light of the historical EU law context? Detailed analysis, by @clairebradley.bsky.social - eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-de...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
And the pandemic and they tried to placate bigots by having 2 consultations. The most puzzling thing is that Sturgeon still seems to think bigots will be persuaded by a bit more time, while in reality the thing time really does is that more older people die than younger.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Possibly but iwould it not take the SC to say? As HoL decided Croft lower courts are bound by it, I think (still).
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
And the SC ties itself in knots to try and make that point but it’s nevertheless what the judgement does. It argues that the drafters of the Equality Act implicitly triggered (3) so that (1) did not apply. There’s no ambiguity because (they argue) the EA uses a provision of the GRA to ignore (1).
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
There are many critiques of the SC judgement and there are many issues with it but I don’t think this is one. Point (3) (which your screenshot omits) allows subsequent legislation to ignore point (1). The SC argued that the Equality Act did just that so there’s no incompatibility.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Err no. It’s entirely serious.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
The suggestion is real and I think easy to understand. I’m happy to explain the thinking again if you can explain why you object?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I’ve used, “woman”, “man” & “non-binary” when sex assigned at birth is not needed. In cases where it is I use “woman (AFAB)” and “woman (AMAB)” and similarly for “man” & “non-binary”. That way AMAB & AFAB never appear on their own, they only appear if needed to qualify “woman”, “man” & “non-binary”.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
There’s an argument this is pretty good. Recall there is almost no support for trans inclusion in the media and among the leadership of the party. With just one side given all the space, that they can only manage an even split is a disaster for anti-trans side. They need a total monopoly to be even!
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Obviously not affecting as many but the media’s constant indulgence of anti trans figures will also come to be seen as a failure of our times. In this we can also see it’s a repeat of anti gay reporting in 80s & 90s with the addition of the MMR failures for trans healthcare. It seems we don’t learn.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I think the issue then is one of salience (another Grainger criteria). Divorced from any real world consequences the belief can’t be protected either. I think what you’re saying would mean beliefs in face are protected as well. But such beliefs don’t exist detached from racist consequences.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
TERF Island has more than enough sadly!
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes referrals for trans boys was increasing more quickly than referrals for trans girls but not because there had been any change for trans boys. It was that referrals for trans girls slowed first which would be expected if fewer of them seek referrals as adolescents. She had the theory and the data
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Not only this but the referral data she had backed it up. It shows an exponential increase for both trans boys and trans girls but the growth for trans girls slowed first (in 2014). Yet the report incorrectly describes a slowing of growth of referrals for trans girls as an increase in trans boys.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
The reason for analogy is clear. Do trans people deserve less from your profession than gay people (you are unlikely to agree)? But how can you reconcile supporting 1 & 2? Are you going to try and argue 1 & 2 are harmful when the person is gay but neutral for trans people? That’s surprising.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Is it ok and not homophobic for Anna to do 1 & 2? Does it only become homophobic if Anna persists for an unreasonable amount of time and what does that mean? Surely you recognise 1 & 2 as strategies of conversion therapy? It doesn’t stop being abusive because you think Anna is not a bad person.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Can Anna do anything to be called homophobic eg 1. Anna promotes theories with no standing as the “cause” of someone identifying as gay. 2. Anna insists that when a client says they are gay that the client may be / probably is not be looks for “causes” under 1. When does she cross the line?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This seems to be providing care but not everyone will reach it. Those with supportive parents will seek care outside of the NHS but those with hostile parents may end up in NHS clinics. That means some struggle to access care & others will be damaged by Cass services. Both will benefit from support.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This doesn’t address your point directly but I think there needs to be support available through a “Victims of the Cass Review” group. This is to help trans kids who cannot access care and those who have experience of Cass Conversion Clinics. This is to help them but would be source for researchers.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Your blunder here is not just that you’ve moved the goalposts but that you’ve even failed to do that properly. Your reply mixes sports and spaces. Obviously moving the goalposts is just admitting you lost the argument but at least try to do it properly. You can’t even manage that.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
The moving the goalposts fallacy is a type of informal fallacy where the goalposts (criteria for success) are constantly shifted to make it harder to achieve a desired outcome. Essentially, after an attempt is made to meet a certain standard, the standard is raised or changed.
#NHS CYP Gender Dysphoria Research and Oversight Review Boaard has been very busy. And none of it is good. First, these are the multi-disciplinary team that will treat the under www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/priority-set... That's depressing enough on its own. But it gets way worse.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Where we will get to is wide agreement in profession that this is Cass Conversion Therapy and it’s harmful. Notably since NHS abandoned evidence based care for trans young people it has avoided mainstream scrutiny and preferred pseudo science anti trans orgs like SEGM. Documenting is first step away
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This should allow critique by other experts although we also know that mainstream science gives space to fringe and harmful approaches for far too long (eg psych orgs now oppose conversion therapy but gave space for it for years).
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
“Considerable scientific evidence has emerged demonstrating a durable biological element underlying gender identity.” All you’ve got is an irrational disbelief in gender identity.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
That is because you have pseudo religious beliefs and deny reality and science to maintain them. Of course you can have whatever dumb beliefs you like but others need to be protected from yiu.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I said before that you probably don’t realise how wacky your beliefs are but it’s more than that. You simply deny all evidence that refutes your stupid beliefs. I show you that gender identity is widely accepted in science and law. I can supply you with many references but nothing will satisfy you.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You are not alone! Check out the schedule for Film4, tomorrow 1st August. Time to get the liqueur chocolates in. tv24.co.uk/channel/film...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
It’s like Trump who will maintain all sorts of pseudoscientific positions on climate change, on Covid, even vaccines & masks but for trans care that’s the only one where he will follow quality science. Any garbage is ok for everything else but it’s the highest scientific standards for this one case.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Amazing isn’t it? Someone who has horrific views of various minorities just so happens to have entirely reasonable views about another minority that faces amongst the highest levels of hate of any group in the UK. Yes all these groups I’ll be deeply prejudiced against but just not that one.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
We were talking about the reality of gender identity. How widely accepted it is in science and law and the considerable scientific evidence for a biological basis. That alongside your quasi religious disbelief in it.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Many countries have also outlawed conversion therapy aimed at changing gender identity. Its standing as a widely accepted idea is without question. Your disbelief is the anomaly. I’d suggest not just relying on your nan for scientific information if they’ve misled you in this (fool you twice etc).
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Here’s the Wiki page: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_... And a quote from the Endocrine Society (the oldest, largest and most active such organisation). “Considerable scientific evidence has emerged demonstrating a durable biological element underlying gender identity.”
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
But your denial of reality is the problem. You can also believe that the Earth is flat but when you start campaigning against international travel because YOU think people will fall of the edge that becomes a problem. You can stick with your silly beliefs but forcing others to is harmful.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You are the one with some weird quasi religious belief so don’t confuse your fantasies with facts. Like other conspiracy theorists or religious extremists you probably don’t realise just how wacky your beliefs are. Gender identity is an entirely mainstream idea that is largely biological in origin.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Interesting comparison with the AEA challenge. EHRC could easily have asked for the challenge to be struck out since it was so long after the guidance was released but no they allowed it and even welcomed it to ensure legality. The EHRC today is a pale shadow of what it once was.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
And Peggie has just learnt that the people who bankrolled her claim think her character is indefensible. Wouldn’t it be funny if they all fell out?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Interesting. Not autism? The Times really letting its readers down there.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
How many James Bond films are there?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Reminded me of this. I wonder … variety.com/2017/biz/new...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This is also someone who was the Shadow Minister for Equalities no less!
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Hmmm. I got 96 which puts me outside the non-autistic range *and* outside the autistic range. Boxes? No! I won’t be constrained by boxes.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Feminists are another group that is usually supportive of trans people and trans identities. Is this another case where you’ve mistaken the views of an eccentric fringe? Surely you are aware views amongst feminists differ or maybe you are not? Again though how do you reconcile your fringe views?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Does it matter you have views the overwhelming majority of experts disagree with? Well it should matter to you. Just why do you entertain fringe and eccentric views? I’m genuinely curious how someone does this? Do you have any idiosyncratic strategies or just the conventional eg denial?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Different people have different amounts of knowledge and experience. What we can say categorically is that amongst people with the most knowledge and experience of trans kids there is overwhelming support for gender affirming care. We can say that categorically because we can count and compare.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I’m fully endorse celebrating. After the repeal of Section 28 that’s a reason to celebrate. After an equal age of consent. After equal marriage. You know what I don’t endorse? Celebrating the day after Section 28 is announced. You celebrate after a win not after a loss.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
It should have ended this year as well but her term was actually extended a few months back.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Para 70 still contains a disavowal of gender identity “they should not teach as fact that all people have a gender identity”. What I said about a ban on conversion therapy still holds. There’s got to be a thing that someone’s attempting to change that’s fundamental to a person. Kids should learn it.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
For Tories it was ok. They could say gender identity is a “contested belief” as they weren’t going to ban conversion therapy efforts to change it. Labour has to go one way or other. They either stick with fringe anti LGBTQ+ ideas about gender identity or ban conversion therapy. They can’t do both.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Labour cannot ban conversion therapy without acknowledging there’s something fundamental the conversion therapy is attempting to change. The statements against conversion therapy say this is gender identity. That contradiction only isn’t an issue if you’re not intending to ban conversion therapy.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social)
This also undermines a conversion therapy ban. If gender identity does not exist what’s being converted? That so many countries have banned conversion therapy shows how backward UK Labour is on LGBTQ+ issues. There must indeed be something so fundamental for attempting to change it to be so harmful.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Labour is harder. Yes a trans positive/neutral chair would get a kick in from a lot of the media but is this all they’re trying to avoid? Or are they believers? The latter seems likely & while I think they do see EHRC in a more key role than the Tories, mainstreaming transphobia is still their goal.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I sort of agree but think the Tories wanted to neuter the EHRC. I doubt they would have wanted it to lose an A rating for example. Instead they wanted it to be less effective & also mainstream a transphobic narrative. They were enabled in this by the media who flattered Falkner and avoided scrutiny.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
I think there’s flexibility (read convention). So this country mean UK but The North means England. You just have to learn for each one what it means.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This is particularly pertinent when you look at what the BBC posted about the drama they screened during last years pride month about gay adoption. Below are 2 of the articles it published about it. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You may also be surprised just how long the BBC kept up deliberately seeking out homophobic opinion. Somehow it was felt necessary to do it in 2010 turning a (what should have been nice) story of a new baby into a gay surrogacy debate. www.thepinknews.com/2010/12/30/e...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
It goes on to make the same point as you. I don’t know if it helps bcos it lays out the BBC has form for distorting news to pander to bigots (if there are enough). “This distortion of news values by ‘concession to homophobic opinion’ would not be openly contemplated for racist or sexist opinion.”
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
To quote the paper: “Even in the 1990s British broadcasters refuse to treat lesbians and gay men as fully human. For example, the BBC‘s policy is that ‘Homosexuality is a matter on which society remains divided, and our output must reflect this too.”
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This may not help but the following paper (from 1993) contains a response Peter Tatchell received when asking the same question of the BBC (which used to do the same thing for gay people when it also didn’t do fir black people). www.academia.edu/1621906/Cons...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Sun Tzu: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake”. Both 3 & 4.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
So you’ve got a cell. Let’s learn about Diogenes who lived in a barrel (in truth a jar). See you’re lucky to have a cell.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Good to see human rights activists grappling with the biggest issues. It can be so hard to look unflinchingly at the sheer horror and human tragedy of some striped lines painted on roads. The Nobel Peace Prize must be awarded to her every year from now on and previous winners should hand theirs back
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Now that might be misleading. Try reading this. bsky.app/profile/sylv...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You may then want to think about deleting your post.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
You should read this thread: bsky.app/profile/sylv...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
People unfamiliar with Hanlon’s Razor.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This calls to mind a notorious Daily Telegraph article from 1998. It argued that “Prejudice against homosexuality is justified” as if by just being prejudiced against gay people you can stop them being gay. gtmediawatch.org/1958/05/01/g...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Sp... An incredibly powerful poem by the fantastic @fionaswriting.bsky.social
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
This has been happening for the past few years. You probably recall this from 2022. It describes the gender critical movement as highly prejudicial and highlights the UK alongside Hungary, Poland, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. That should be embarrassing. pace.coe.int/en/files/297...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Do you have a link (just for me for future reference)?
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
So rather than lax prescribing, the numbers show severe restrictions even with a diagnosis. Further the claim that referrals are driven by an increase in depression etc is not supported by the UK data. But that data was published a year later so report used poor overseas data to make the case.
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Indeed. You may have seen this analysis but in case you haven’t. It covers this but points out the “unexpected rise in anxiety and depression”. The report claimed this based on limited data from abroad. The data from the UK contradicts it. gidmk.substack.com/p/gender-dys...
Karen Hawa (@kazhawa.bsky.social) reply parent
Here Cass goes much further by referencing a study on “gender noncontentedness”. This gives 2% increasing and 19% decreasing. It seems Cass considers both might seek referrals. That means 21% of all children! Both are very much bigger than referrals. acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....