Why I am anonymous

Why I am anonymous

December 19 was #gendercriticalcomingoutday on Twitter, and GC people were invited to break anonymity. I refrained.

11-01-2022 · Opinion

"December 19 was #gendercriticalcomingoutday on Twitter, and gender critical (GC) people were invited to break anonymity. I refrained." This writes a staff member of Maastricht University who wants to stay beneath the radar because the reaction to GC’s “tends to be aggressive and disproportionate, with the accused usually deemed hateful, bigoted or inhumane.”

Gender critical describes those who believe that sex is a sounder basis for law, healthcare provision, data gathering, safeguarding and sexuality than the more nebulous concept of gender identity. For example, clear medical terminology is considered important, as are exclusively single-sex facilities such as locker rooms, rape crisis centers etc. GC people range from concerned parents to feminists, as well as same-sex attracted LGB people. What all have in common is that they want a voice when policy decisions affecting them are made because they see potential conflicts of interest, particularly with transgender people who wish to be seen in law as their gender identity rather than their sex.

J.K. Rowling

The reaction to GCs tends to be aggressive and disproportionate, with the accused usually deemed hateful, bigoted or inhumane. JK Rowling has endured name-calling, doxing, death threats, and has been publically denounced by former associates for asserting that women need to retain accurate language to talk about their bodies.

Others in the public eye targeted for their views on this issue are UK politicians (MP Rosie Duffield), LGB activists, and feminists (for example, the Dutch group Voorzij). UK academics have been subjected to particularly malicious treatment by colleagues and students. 2021 saw the resignation of two female academics (Kathleen Stock and Jo Phoenix) after a sustained campaign of abuse, harassment and misrepresentation of their views.

Violence and misogyny

What those named have in common is that they’re women and that their detractors have failed to provide any solid evidence of bigotry. Misinformation, unsubstantiated accusations and a reluctance to debate stand alongside threats of violence, misogyny and hyperbole in this modern-day witch-hunt.

Incognito

This is why I didn’t come out and why I won’t at UM. The response to Riki Janssen’s reasoned editorial was enough, and I have no reason to expect institutional support while FEM uses the slur TERF (trans exclusionary radical feminist) to describe people like me, and the UM LGBTQ+ group diminishes the contribution of gay men and lesbians to the Stonewall riots (1969 in Greenwich Village in New York) on its social media, making me doubt they would defend a same-sex attracted person like myself.

So, I’ll stay incognito for now, and continue organizing as I have since the early 1990s – beneath the radar and hoping for better times.

The name of the author is known to the editors

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Redactie

Photo: Twitter.com

Tags: woke, cancel culture, freedom of press, freedom of speech, feminists of maastricht,stonewall riots,fom

Responses

Liam

This is just blatant transphobia. if you don't see that than you need new eyes

Alexandra

It's quite remarkable that above this response form it's written "Observant does not publish anonymous comments", while that is exactly what this dirty piece of transphobia is. Does the author even know who started the Stonewall riots? Yes, Marsha P. Johnson, a trans woman. A trans woman has put gay rights on the map. Thanks to trans people, we have a Pride. And what does this author even mean with "clear medical terminology is considered important"? Does the author not share that opinion? Does this author find that I, a trans woman, should not get the same medical treatment as other women? Does this author find it weird that I desire that? Well, author, it may have something to do with the fact that I don't have a penis and I do have a high estrogen level in my body. Is it weird that I desire medical treatment that fits that? Does the author of this piece of trash want to deny that to me? Maybe the author of this piece of rubbish should accept that she doesn't know a flipping thing about what they're talking about and shut the fork up for a change.

Know btw that I've reported this to the police for discrimination.

Tess

Although the statement on the UM website is quite strong with regards to diversity & inclusivity (https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/diversity-inclusivity) in practise that is not the case. Having had a very negative experience regarding another subject, and coming forward without going as far as an official complaint, I have the feeling that it was just noted and that's it. I.e. I don't feel heard at all. I think it should not have to come to an official complaint for the matter to be taking more seriously. Result of an official complaint would be that one needs to step out of anonymity and that may feel like one step too far for many. There is yet a lot to be gained on this matter and it needs some serious addressing to my opinion and experience. I too have chosen not to reveal my identity for obvious reasons. Thumbs up for the staff member telling the story and wanting to bring the pain and struggle to everyone's attention. Stay strong!

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