Increasingly I am saddened and disappointed regarding coverage of the Gender Debate in various forms of media. For perspective, I am a mother, grandmother and retired NHS professional who cares passionately about women’s rights, equality and Scottish Independence and have worked towards these ideals throughout my adult life.
When I read reports of male bodied athletes winning women’s swimming and cycling races I thought it was a minor aberration…a mistake that would be rectified swiftly and apologised for. I thought ‘It’s the madness in America, it won’t happen here’…but it does !
Soon I discovered the Scottish Government’s proposal to change the law to make it easier for trans folk to gain a GRC and at that time I thought it a kindness towards disturbed young people who are convinced they were born in the ‘wrong’ sex. I know sex is immutable and I have no personal experience only sympathy for these unhappy folk. Still not realising the full potential here, I researched a few conclusions of academics. After considering the actual facts and consequences, I became seriously concerned.
If the proposal is voted into law, as I understand it, a boy on his 16th birthday could potentially declare himself a girl and in three months plus a further three months reflection, could be issued a legal document re designating him as a woman, with all the access to women’s spaces and sports that this entails. All before his 17th birthday and, even more disturbingly, all without any medical or surgical intervention, if he so desires. A boy aged 16 ….all other restrictions ignored and no concept of how much we change physically, or in attitude and expectations as we mature !
If girls want to change gender, I understand they can not only be prescribed puberty blocker medication before they have their first period, but also that mastectomies are offered purporting to solve their problems, rather than serious psychological counselling. This is irreversible surgical mutilation of children.
Surely it must be outlawed …. not encouraged or condoned !
My sympathy and respect for trans people is the same as for all human beings, but serious, mature consideration is vital to prevent appalling mistakes.
I have huge respect for Nicola Sturgeon and I know there are many sincere, well-meaning, good people making decisions at Holyrood. These must be fully informed decisions. I only hope the Scottish Government and all MSPs reconsider the steps proposed, which lead to desperate measures, and see sense before it’s too late.
