I know that this is Terf Island, but I have still been surprised by the general antipathy towards the whole ‘trans’ movement. As a Polish history student (who had a colourful clip in his hair) told me yesterday, doctors wouldn’t rush to cut off the hands of someone who said that he hated them; he’d get mental health care.
I think that a lot more of this attitude is bubbling just beneath the surface, and the students are desperate to offload it onto a safe pair of ears. As obviously old (and rather eccentric) parents of a mature student, they seem to recognise instinctively that we’re on the side of sanity in this* and that they can discuss the subject freely with us, with no adverse consequences. I’m appalled that universities have become so stifling of free speech.
(*Thank you for pulling me back from the precipice!)
(Your intervention, ably assisted by the wonderful community here, was, and always will be, greatly appreciated – even if it didn’t seem to be at the time)
Woohoo!
I wish I could have been there. Sadly, I’m currently on the wrong side of the Irish sea. Never mind; it’s wonderful to see such a great turnout!
Besides, I’ve been bonding with Sheffield University students over TERFERY – and I didn’t even raise the subject, they did!
Yessssssss!
I know that this is Terf Island, but I have still been surprised by the general antipathy towards the whole ‘trans’ movement. As a Polish history student (who had a colourful clip in his hair) told me yesterday, doctors wouldn’t rush to cut off the hands of someone who said that he hated them; he’d get mental health care.
I think that a lot more of this attitude is bubbling just beneath the surface, and the students are desperate to offload it onto a safe pair of ears. As obviously old (and rather eccentric) parents of a mature student, they seem to recognise instinctively that we’re on the side of sanity in this* and that they can discuss the subject freely with us, with no adverse consequences. I’m appalled that universities have become so stifling of free speech.
(*Thank you for pulling me back from the precipice!)
(Well if I see someone teetering on a precipice I tend to act hastily!)
(Your intervention, ably assisted by the wonderful community here, was, and always will be, greatly appreciated – even if it didn’t seem to be at the time)