1

SPN Committee Response – Trans & non-binary liberation officer resignation

The Staff Pride Network Committee would like to first express our thanks to Robyn Woof for all her work in the role of trans & non-binary liberation officer, we have always valued her contributions to addressing transphobia on campus and in devising ways to better support our trans & non-binary staff and students. We respect her decision to resign as trans & non-binary liberation officer considering the ongoing institutional transphobia at the University of Edinburgh. Her resignation represents a significant loss to the University community and should serve as a reminder of the chilling effects of transphobia with respect to freedom of expression and participation. We wish her the best for her continuing studies and activism in Edinburgh and beyond. 

News article: THE STUDENT: Trans and Non-Binary Liberation Officer Robyn Woof resigns in protest of transphobia at university




LGBT+ History Month Events – February 2024

Join us in celebrating LGBT+ History Month with a series of engaging events across the University of Edinburgh. This year, we’re focusing on the theme of Medicine and the contributions of the LGBT+ community to science, culture, and society. Here’s what’s happening:

SPN- history month calendar 2024   

Highlighted Event

LGBT+ History in Science and Microscopy Evening with SPN-LGBT+Bio [Register HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 6-7.30pm
  • Where: Ashworth 80, Biology Teaching Laboratories, Ashworth Laboratories, Kings Buildings
  • Details: A special celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month focusing on queer scientists’ contributions. Enjoy talks and hands-on experience with advanced microscopy technology. An evening of discovery and creativity awaits!

Academic and Community Events

Film Screening: “Framing Agnes” 

  • When: Wednesday, 14 February, 4pm (Film starts at 4:15pm)
  • Where: Screening Room, 50 George Square
  • Details: An award-winning documentary exploring discussions between trans clients and Dr. Harold Garfinkel at UCLA in the 1950s and 1960s. Open to all staff and students. Please register in advance. BYO cinema snacks!
  • Please register to attend

LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration by the Chaplaincy

BioQuarter Pride Committee Seminar: Our History in Medicine

  • When: Monday, 26 February, 3:30-5pm
  • Where: Seminar room 1.04, Niche cafe, Institute for Regeneration & Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter
  • Details: Afternoon of flash talks, coffee, and cake celebrating our history in medicine. Open to research, teaching, clinical, and professional services staff.

Trans Inclusive Educational Spaces Register HERE

  • When: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:00 – 17:30 GMT
  • Where: The MacLaren Stuart Room, Old College, The University of Edinburgh
  • Details: Educator Jo Brassington joins us to host this workshop that will explore steps that can be taken to making PPLS an LGBT+ inclusive space. (Note: open to all UoE).

HCA School LGBTQ+ History Month guest lecture Register HERE.

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 4-5.30pm
  • Where: Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower
  • Details: Emeritus Professor of Cultural History and Sexuality Studies at the University of Manchester Laura Doan will give a lecture entitled, “Designs on Nature: Reinventing the Unnatural.” A reception will follow.

Recovering LGBTQ+ Student Voices at the University of Edinburgh: An Archival Project Register HERE

  • When: 28 February 2024 17:30 – 19:30
  • Where: Ground Floor Foyer, Chrystal MacMillan Building
  • Details: Join us for a roundtable discussion that will launch an archival project by the LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign and the Centre for Research Collections. The project will highlight LGBTQ+ student voices at the University of Edinburgh (1968-present). At the roundtable, students and archivists working on the project, as well as academic researchers will to reflect on the importance of archival work for the LGBTQ+ community and questions of silence in the archive and oral history. The roundtable itself will be preceded by a small reception hosted by GENDER.ED. All are welcome!

Staff Pride Network (SPN) Socials and Feel Good Walks

Join us for a series of enriching walks and social gatherings this February, organized by the Staff Pride Network in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. These events are designed to offer a welcoming space for mental, social, and physical wellbeing, through open dialogues and shared experiences.

Central Campus Walk

  • Date: Thursday, 1 February
  • Time: 11:15am to 11:45am
  • Meeting Point: Old College Quad
  • Details: A collaboration with Active Lives and the EUSA LGBTQ+ Campaign, aiming to build community and share space for meaningful engagement.

Evening Social at the Royal Dick Bar, Summerhall [Details HERE]

  • When: Friday, 2 February, 5:30-10pm
  • Details: Casual Friday evening social for LGBT+ colleagues, committee members, and allies. A great opportunity to unwind and meet new people.

Kings Buildings Walk

  • When: Friday, 9 February, 12:30-1:30pm
  • Meeting Point: Front of the Nucleus Building
  • Coordinator: David Radford, SPN Social & Events Officer
  • Details: In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Campaign, this walk promotes an inclusive space for mental and social wellbeing, encouraging open and positive conversations.

Kings Buildings Coffee & Cake @ Nucleus Cafe [Details HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 21 February, 1-2pm
  • Details: Drop in for coffee, cake, and conversation. Open to all LGBT+/ally staff and PhD students.

BioQuarter Coffee & Cake Social and Walk [Register HERE]

  • When: Thursday, 22 February, 12:30pm to 1:30pm
  • Where: Meet at the Niche Cafe, located within the BioQuarter
  • Details: This month’s informal Coffee and Cake social event, hosted by the BioQuarter Pride Committee in collaboration with the Staff Pride Network, begins with delightful refreshments followed by a leisurely walk. The gathering aims to create a friendly and inclusive environment for all participants. We alternate locations between the Jex-Blake Cafe and the Niche Cafe, offering variety and accessibility.

Special Note: While registration is not essential, it helps in planning for the cake. If feeling apprehensive, participants are encouraged to reach out via email (BioQuarter.Pride@ed.ac.uk) for any assistance or to arrange a meet-up before the event. Look for the table with rainbow flags 🌈 to find the group.

Central Coffee & Cake @ Bayes Cafe [Details HERE]

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February, 1-2pm
  • Details: Join us for coffee, cake, and meet the SPN committee members. Open to all LGBT+/ally staff and PhD students.

Active Lives Walks: For those interested in additional walking opportunities, please visit the University of Edinburgh’s Sport and Exercise page on Feel Good Walks.

Special Events

STUC LGBT+ Workers Committee – Recognising LGBT+ Discrimination in the Workplace: Online Event

  • When: Thursday, 15 February 2024, 18:00
  • Details: Hosted by the Scottish TUC LGBT+ Workers Committee, this online event discusses forms of LGBT+ discrimination in the workplace. Register here.

EUSA-CRC-GENDER.ED LGBTQ+ History Month Reception and Roundtable REGISTER

  • When: Wednesday, 28 February 2024, Reception 5.30-6.30pm, Roundtable 6.30-7.30pm
  • Where: Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower
  • Details: The EUSA LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign, the Centre for Research Collections and GENDER.ED are coming together to organise a reception and roundtable to launch an archival project on LGBTQ+ Student Voices at the University of Edinburgh.

IASH – Cutting Edges of the Decolonial: Thinking Anthropocentrism and Queerphobia from/in the Arab-majority World(s) REGISTER

  • When: Thursday, 29 February 2024, 17:30-18:30
  • Where: The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, 2 Hope Park Square, Edinburgh EH8 9NW
  • Details: IASH in partnership with Alwaleed Centre, GENDER.ED and RACE.ED present a talk by Dr Ali Kassem – Department of Sociology and Anthropology, National University of Singapore.

University of Edinburgh Students’ Association Events

  • Participation Art Event 1973: Provocation or Prophecy? on 13 February 17:30 Register here.
  • LGBTQ+ Histories, Health and Wellbeing Discovery Sessions on the 14 and 28 February.

For more information on any of the above events, please visit the Staff Pride Network Events page and keep an eye on university communications for any additional events or updates.

 




Creative events of the LGBTQ+ History Month: An SPA funded project

In this post, Jonathan MacBride offers a review of creative events that he along with colleagues Jaime Prada and Katie Nicoll Baines organised during the LGBTQ+ History Month, these were supported by the Student-Staff Partnership fund. This post belongs to the Hot Topic series: Student Partnership Agreement 2023↗️.

The original article appeared here: https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/student-staff-partnership-fund-report/


Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s (EUSA) queer societies, including the LGBT+ Liberation Campaign, organised a variety of creative events in February for LGBTQ+ History Month. These were supported by The University of Edinburgh’s Staff Pride Network and attended by a wide range of students and staff, with funding from the Student-Staff Partnership Fund.

Photography Workshop (Fri 10 Feb): The Photography Workshop was led by Colin McGuire and Evie Siddal, who taught different techniques to capture intimate moments of queer joy while also discovering how to photograph queer bodies and give subjects the confidence to get the perfect shot! Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Sculpture Workshop (Fri 17 Feb): This Sculpture Workshop was led by Ames Truscott, who guided different exercises to use one’s own queerness to create clay sculptures, learn about queer bodies and explore the creative process! Themes included gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Life Drawing Workshop (Fri 24 Feb): This Life Drawing Workshop was led by Ryn Wheatley and assisted by models Evie Siddal and August Dawn, who taught different techniques to draw queer bodies and explore one’s own creative process. Themes included queer intimacy, gender dysphoria, body positivity, body neutrality, self-expression and sexuality.

Celebrating Queer Joy Exhibition (Mon 27th – Tues 28th Feb): This exhibition was organised as part of the LGBTQ+ History Month programme by the LGBTQ+ Liberation Campaign and the Staff Pride Network. This collection showcased pieces from staff and students to amplify queer joy in all its forms. We reflected on matters such as friendship, family, intimacy and gender euphoria while also discovering queer local talent.

LGBT+ Liberation Officer Jaime Prada sourced workshop leaders, curated the exhibition, materials and found the venues. Staff Pride Network volunteers collaborated to source venues for the exhibition and found this particularly difficult for such a large scale event and limited suitable exhibition spaces.

Many people tried new methods including myself at the Sculpture Workshop. A snake and Stonehenge arch were two of my many uncomplicated creations, of which the arch stands proudly in my house. Its three bits of clay stuck together but I’m proud. There were incredibly detailed pieces created by those with much greater skills than I! The closing exhibition was inspirational and highlighted the diverse media used by LGBT+ creators, including glass, photography, digital art and clay compositions.

Jaime has moved on from the University but the legacy of this joint project and its funding live on in the pieces created by student and staff participants and their new-found skills. The experience led to Jaime and I collaborating on an LGBTQ+ youth art exhibition as part of Pride Edinburgh 2023, viewed by thousands of Pride-goers. The art exhibition for Pride Edinburgh 2024 will build on this success. The Staff Pride Network has increased experience in hosting a new type of event. Jaime now works as the EDI Manager at the British Museum.


picture of editor/producerJONATHAN MACBRIDE

Jonathan is passionate about the importance of EDI in every aspect of life. He is a squash competitor, qualified squash coach and referee. He has two decades of LGBTQ+ activism, Staff Pride Network Social & Events Officer and founding Co-Chair, World OutGames Squash Gold Medallist x 2. He is also the Pride Edinburgh Community Engagement Director, Edinburgh Curveballs Chair, Scottish Squash Diversity & Inclusion External Working Group member, husband to a husband. At The University of Edinburgh he serves as the Informatics Graduate School Administrative Assistant by supporting PGR students through their early research career.




A Collective Statement Calling on the University of Edinburgh to Protect Speech on Palestine, Address the Intimidation on Campus, and Cut University Links to Violence

The horrific events of October 2023 continue to unfold in scenes of catastrophic violence and loss of life
in Israel/Palestine. We recognise how the assault on and violation of Palestinian and Israeli life has
produced anguish, grief and fear amongst all affected communities, and acknowledge the historical and
ongoing causes. We are particularly alarmed by the current escalation of the state of Israel’s genocidal
campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 10,569 lives of civilians as of 8 November 2023, including
4,324 children. About 2,350 others are reported missing in Gaza, including 1,300 children.

Rather than take a stand against the ongoing atrocities, the UK government is providing full political
support for it, which extends to eroding civil liberties and enabling repression within UK academia. This
includes the October 17 letter from Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan and Under Secretary
for Higher Education Robert Halfon to Vice-Chancellors that directly equates support for Palestinians
with support for Hamas, and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle
Donelan’s intervention insisting that members of the EDI advisory panel of UKRI whose social media
posts were critical of the state of Israel be sacked. UKRI subsequently suspended the whole panel, which
had just been named at the end of October.

We–networks, groups, and members of staff at the University of Edinburgh–wish to collectively express
our deep concern over these interventions, and the climate of increasing intimidation and escalating
restrictions on free speech within British higher education institutions on the topic of Israel/Palestine.
We are witnessing a growing atmosphere of fear and suspicion, which includes conflating criticism of the
state of Israel’s human rights violations with automatic support for Hamas, and reducing the space to
discuss history and context in relation to Israel/Palestine, particularly the Palestinian condition.

It goes without saying that antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism should not be tolerated on campus,
and we stand against all forms of racism and discrimination. We also recognize that it is the speech and
action in support of Palestinians and critical of the state of Israel that is overwhelmingly and
institutionally targeted and treated as a potential security threat.

In this context, we note that the University of Edinburgh Principal’s statement on Israel-Gaza on 13
October 2023 linked to a UUK statement that threatened ‘any student or staff member found to be
supporting Hamas’ with treatment of the ‘utmost seriousness.’ This is particularly concerning because of
the vague and punitive way in which ‘support for Hamas’ is intentionally conflated in the recent letter
written by the UK Home Secretary to Police Chief Constables in England and Wales, which seeks to
criminalize symbols such as the ‘Palestinian flag’ and principled statements such as ‘Palestine will be
free’. The letter also states that police may subjectively decide whether such slogans ‘glorify terrorism’ or
can be ‘construe[d] as incitement or harassment.’ These developments are extremely troubling for staff
and students who teach and research on topics related to Israel/Palestine, especially those who are at
risk of having their visas revoked.

These are not idle fears. Over the past month, academics and students throughout the UK who have
spoken out in solidarity with besieged Palestinians in Gaza and against war crimes have been subject to
threatening responses online, in the news media, and in some cases confronted with disciplinary or even
legal action. Here at the University of Edinburgh, students have described incidents of intimidation,
surveillance and attempts at criminalizing speech and action for Palestine, including the carrying of the
Palestinian flag. Staff members have reported fears about carrying out teaching or research on Palestine
given the climate of repression and intimidation, or being advised by their managers not to mention
what is happening in Israel/Palestine over university email. An article targeting various University staff
has already appeared, and we fear that such an article misrepresenting staff’s research, teaching and
speech could be used as a basis for targeting and monitoring individual members of staff.

Aggressive measures taken by the Government, vague and one-sided statements such as the UUK
statement that was immediately (and uncritically) shared by our Principal, and reports of surveillance of
and harassment at student protests are all dangerous elements restricting academic freedom and
intensifying anti-Palestinian racism on campus.

We believe that now, more than ever, education and debate is required in order to cultivate shared
understandings about Israel/Palestine and forestall further catastrophic loss of life.

We call on the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to:

1. Reassure all staff and students in an official statement that speech about Israel/Palestine, including
criticizing the state of Israel’s violations of human rights and supporting the Palestinian people’s right
to self-determination – be it through teaching, events, demonstrations or communications – will not
be surveilled or securitized. We also call on the University to commit to protecting staff and students
who might be targeted for such speech. In particular, we ask the Principal to endorse the call of
Amnesty International that: ‘the UK must scrap the Prevent strategy in order to comply with its
international human rights obligations’.

2. Reassure staff and students that the right to education and academic freedom will be protected.
This should include suspension of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism and reversion to
the 2010 Equality Act as the framework through which to fight antisemitism and all forms of racism
and discrimination. In 2020, our University adopted the definition without consultation with staff or
student groups who would be affected by its severe restrictions of academic freedom and freedom of
speech–as recently reported by the British Middle East Studies Association (BRISMES) and the
European Legal Support Centre (ELSC). If the University considers the 2010 Equality Act insufficient to
tackle antisemitism, it must resume a process of considering alternative definitions that enable action
against antisemitism without drawing false equivalences between critique of Israel’s racist state
policies and antisemitism.

3. Acknowledge the University’s connections to violence in Israel/Palestine. The University has a
unique historical involvement with the root causes of violence in Israel/Palestine, and continues to be
involved in violence through financial investments as well as research links with weapons companies.
Our University should acknowledge publicly that Chancellor Arthur James Balfour signed the 1917
Declaration on Palestine, a monumental imperial act denying the Palestinian people the right to
self-determination in their own homeland. The University should also review, publicly disclose, and
divest from all investments in companies that directly or indirectly profit from the illegal military
occupation and colonization of Palestine, as well as research or other links with weapons companies
that provide arms to the state of Israel, directly or indirectly.

4. Institutionally support and allocate resources to decolonial and anti-racist organizing happening
right now between Palestinian, Jewish and various communities on campus, particularly initiatives
that challenge the root causes of injustice in Israel/Palestine and their reverberations in the UK. Jewish
and Palestinian staff, students, and allies at UoE have already begun this collective work. This requires
holding space for the expression of compassion, sorrow and solidarity. We ask that the University
meet with members of affected communities to discuss how to institutionally support and protect
these important efforts.

Signatories:

Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought (CRITIQUE), University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) Committee, University of Edinburgh
Jewish Staff Association Organising Committee, University of Edinburgh
Politics and International Relations Political Theory Research Group, University of Edinburgh
RACE.ED Steering Committee, University of Edinburgh
Staff BAME Network, University of Edinburgh
Staff of the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh
Staff Pride Network Committee, University of Edinburgh
The Centre for Security Research (CeSeR) Co-Directors, University of Edinburgh
The History Decolonisation Working Group Co-chairs, University of Edinburgh
UCU Edinburgh Branch Committee, University of Edinburgh
Womxn of Colour Collective, University of Edinburgh

 

Original statement

Image of Statement Part 1

Image of Statement Part 2Image of Statement Part 3



Understanding the Impact of Misinformation on Trans Lives

The Staff Pride Network is honored to have hosted an insightful event featuring TJ Billard, who provided an in-depth analysis of the role media plays in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and disinformation. TJ Billard is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Northwestern University and Executive Director of the Center for Applied Transgender Studies in Chicago, USA.

The discussion kicked off with an exploration of how media outlets contribute to the spread of misinformation, especially concerning trans issues. The speaker then delved into the influence of capitalism on media narratives, highlighting how profit-driven motives can compromise the integrity of information disseminated to the public.

The talk also covered the legislative landscape affecting trans rights, both in the United States and globally. The speaker provided a comprehensive overview of state policies and their implications for the trans community, offering insights into the challenges faced in different cultural and social contexts.

One of the standout moments was the exploration of the Media System Dependency Theory, which shed light on how media shapes our perceptions and attitudes. The speaker also touched upon the importance of community and social networks in combating misinformation and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. The questions ranged from the role of media in shaping public opinion to the steps that can be taken to counteract the negative impact of misinformation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this event, making it a resounding success. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future to continue the important conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.




Highlighting Bi+ Visibility: A Glimpse into the Spectrum at the University of Edinburgh

Bi+ Visibility Day, celebrated annually on September 23, serves as a cornerstone for acknowledging and honouring the diverse identities encompassed within the Bi+ umbrella*, which includes bisexual, biromantic, and other non-monosexual identities. It’s a day dedicated to fostering understanding, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging discourse around bisexuality within and beyond LGBT+ spaces.

At the University of Edinburgh, the Staff Pride Network (SPN) has participated in Bi+ Visibility Day to underline the significance of this day. In 2020, SPN organized an online event where members, along with the Pridesoc student network, engaged in dialogues to delve into the diverse experiences of Bi+ individuals, with a particular focus on inclusivity for BAME/PoC Bi+ people and Bi+ people with disabilities​1​​2.

In 2021, a panel discussion co-hosted by SPN and PrideSoc delved into the evolution of Bi+ visibility through digital platforms, emphasizing the potential of online spaces in promoting Bi+ visibility and community engagement​3.

The engagement in Bi+ Visibility Day events not only provides a platform for discussions and learning but also reflects a step towards fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding within the academic environment. Through such events, the discourse on inclusivity, acceptance, and the challenges faced by the Bi+ community is propelled, aiding in crafting a more informed and supportive environment for all.

Below: SPN volunteers telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network at Door Open Day Edinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay

Doors open day sign

Edinburgh Neuroscience posing with the Staff Pride Network at Doors open day

Telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network today & tomorrow at @DODEdinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay

Telling people about Bi+ Visibility Day and the intersectional inclusion work going on at UoE by the Staff Pride Network today & tomorrow at @DODEdinburgh at the Playfair Library. Thanks to Rachel, Regina, Julie, Michelle and Jonathan for hosting. #BiVisibilityDay #DoorsOpenDay
  1. Bi Visibility Day 2020: Solidarity Across The Distance – Staff Pride Network
  2. Bi+ Visibility Day 2021 Becoming Visible in a Digital World
  3. Bi Visibility Day 2020: Solidarity Across The Distance

 

*The term ‘Bi+’ in this context relates to an umbrella definition of bisexuality that includes people who are attracted to more than one gender, and may self-identify as bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, bi-romantic, questioning or bi-curious, to name but a few identities. We recognise that identities are unique and sometimes cannot be easily defined with labels. The Bi+ community is inclusive of trans and non-binary people.​




Decoding the Misrepresentations: A Look at Straw Man Arguments in the Gender Critical Movement

Ever been in a debate where your opponent twists your words, attacks this distorted version, and then claims victory? Welcome to the world of straw man arguments! Today, we’re going to explore how this tactic is used within the gender critical movement.

What’s a Straw Man Argument?

Imagine you’re in a boxing ring, but instead of fighting your real opponent, you’re swinging at a straw-filled dummy. You land punch after punch, and unsurprisingly, the straw man doesn’t fight back. Victory, right? Not quite. This is the essence of a straw man argument – a tactic where someone distorts, exaggerates, or oversimplifies an opponent’s position, attacks this misrepresented position, and then claims to have refuted the original argument.

Straw Man Arguments and the Gender Critical Movement

The gender critical movement, which often questions the concept of gender identity separate from biological sex, has been known to use straw man arguments. Let’s unpack some examples:

Straw Man:

Transgender and non-binary individuals want to erase biological women and men.

Reality Check:

Transgender women, trans men, and non-binary individuals are advocating for recognition and rights, not the erasure of cisgender individuals. They’re asking for a seat at the table, not to flip the table over.

Straw Man:

Transgender rights activists want to allow men into women’s bathrooms.

Reality Check:

The goal is to allow transgender and non-binary individuals to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. This includes trans men and non-binary individuals using the bathrooms they feel most comfortable with. It’s about safety and dignity, not causing chaos in restrooms.

Straw Man:

Affirming a transgender or non-binary child’s identity is the same as medical transition.

Reality Check:

Affirming a child’s identity can simply mean using their chosen name and pronouns. Medical transition is a separate issue and isn’t pursued without careful consideration. It’s about letting kids express themselves, not pushing them into medical procedures.

Why Should We Care?

Straw man arguments can be misleading and harmful. They can perpetuate misconceptions, fuel division, and hinder productive conversation. In the context of the gender critical movement, they can contribute to misunderstanding and stigmatization of transgender and non-binary individuals.

Wrapping Up

Straw man arguments are like shadow boxing with distorted versions of our opponents’ views. Recognizing them is the first step towards more honest and productive conversations. So, the next time you’re in a debate and your opponent starts swinging at a straw man, call it out. Let’s ensure our discussions around gender and identity are based on understanding, not misrepresentation.

Want to Know More?

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, we highly recommend watching the original video lecture that inspired this article. It provides an overview of arguments used by the gender critical movement. You can watch the video here.




Celebrating Non-Binary Awareness Week

Hello SPN members,

This week, we’re celebrating Non-Binary Awareness Week, an important event that shines a spotlight on individuals who identify as non-binary. Non-binary is a term that refers to people whose gender is not completely and exclusively male or female. They can identify with not having gender at all, with both binary genders, with a third identity, or an identity which can change over time. Non-binary people fall under the transgender umbrella term, and non-binary is an umbrella term itself, although some people use it to describe their specific gender identity too.

Non-Binary Awareness Week, observed from July 11th to 17th, is a time to raise visibility and recognition for non-binary people. It’s also an opportunity to educate others about the issues non-binary individuals face, such as discrimination and lack of societal recognition.

Non-binary people have always been a part of our communities, contributing to our societies in countless ways. They are our friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbours. Yet, they often face unique challenges due to societal norms and expectations around gender.

At the Staff Pride Network (SPN), we strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all our members, including those who identify as non-binary. We believe in the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity, recognizing and celebrating the diversity within our community.

As part of our initiatives, we encourage our non-binary members to update their personal information on People and Money to reflect their identity. When logged in to People & Money, select: Additional Personal Info, once on that page use the drop-down list to select protected characteristics and click the pencil icon to edit.

We also want to highlight some notable non-binary individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. You can learn more about them here.

As we celebrate Non-Binary Awareness Week, let’s take this opportunity to learn, grow, and support each other. Let’s continue to make SPN a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Happy Non-Binary Awareness Week!




Decoding the Hidden Messages: A Look at Dog Whistles in the Gender Critical Movement

Have you ever heard a phrase and felt like there was more to it than meets the eye? That’s the essence of a “dog whistle” – a term that’s been buzzing around a lot lately. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it relate to the gender critical movement? Let’s dive in!

What’s a Dog Whistle Anyway?

Imagine a whistle that only dogs can hear. Now, apply that concept to language. A dog whistle, in the realm of communication, is a coded message. It’s a phrase that seems ordinary but carries a hidden meaning for a specific group.

Dog Whistles and the Gender Critical Movement

The gender critical movement, which often questions the concept of gender identity separate from biological sex, has been known to use dog whistles. Let’s take a look at some examples:

Dog Whistle Phrase Surface Meaning Hidden Meaning
“Sex Matters” Only your birth sex should matter Used to deny the validity of transgender identities
“Homosexual Means Same Sex Attracted” Gay men are attracted to trans women Used to deny the validity of trans women’s identities
“Defend Women’s Sports” Advocating for fair competition in women’s sports Used to exclude trans women and girls from all sports at every level
“Keep Prisons Single Sex” Advocating for safety in prisons Used to argue for placing vulnerable trans women in men’s prisons
“Woman: Adult Human Female” A biological definition of a woman Used to assert that trans women are men and shouldn’t have protection from misogyny etc
“Defending Sex Based Rights” Advocating for rights based on one’s biological sex Used to argue against rights for transgender individuals
“Watchful Waiting” A cautious approach to medical transition Used to delay or block transition for as long as possible
“Protect Single Sex Spaces” Advocating for the safety and rights of women Used to exclude trans people from single sex spaces
“Exploratory therapy” A therapeutic approach to understanding gender identity Used as a euphemism for conversion therapy

Why Should We Care?

Dog whistles can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of exclusion. In the context of the gender critical movement, they can marginalize and stigmatize transgender individuals.

Wrapping Up

Dog whistles are like secret codes in our everyday language. They can subtly convey controversial ideas, making them a powerful tool in social and political discourse. Recognizing these hidden messages is the first step towards promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination. So, the next time you hear a phrase that seems loaded, take a moment to listen closely. You might just hear a dog whistle.

Want to Know More?

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, we highly recommend watching the original video lecture that inspired this article. It provides a comprehensive overview of dog whistles used by the gender critical movement. You can watch the video here

.




Where to get a rainbow/progress pride lanyard?

While SPN still tries to keep a stock of lanyards for giving out to members at events card services has taken over widescale distribution:

Progress pride rainbow lanyards can be collected by staff at any IS Library Helpdesk including EdHelp Desks at Main Library and Kings Buildings.

To see  all card help desks where lanyards can be collected from:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/card/card-help-desks 

Students or depts who want to bulk order these can arrange this via UniDesk:

Please email IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk with FAO EdHelp – Card Services as the subject.