Take your word for it! I just read through her original essay (and boiled it down to help me parse it: see spoiler, keep in mind this is VERY boiled down)
The so-called progressives assume a right to police my speech, accuse me of hatred, and label me TERF.
Many people called this are not radical at all, and supportive of alternative lifestyles. But the label intimidates otherwise admirable people/institutions.
People in power need to grow a pair. Should I keep my head down from fear?
Firstly, charity. I fund women and children, survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Also an MS charity in which the disease behaves differently according to sex. Transgenderism threatens to erode these distinctions.
Secondly, education.
Thirdly, freedom of speech. Even Donald Trump should be allowed to speak.
Fouthly, and personally, exploitation of young women wanting to transition. Issues detransitioning, irrevocable alterations, fertility issues. Some say their transition was driven by homophobia.
Ten years, most transitioning were male. Now, 4400% increase in girls, particularly autistic girls, being referred for transition.
Same in America, where friend groups became transgender-identified at the same time. Social contagion/peer influences.
Which caused a furore because transactivists hold that no one can be persuaded to be trans. Gender and sex are innate. Not letting them transition will cause suicide. Which is unfounded.
30 years ago, I might have transitioned myself – for community, security. But it’s fine not to feel pink, frilly and compliant inside your own head.
Transition is the answer for some. Though 60-90% teens grow out of dysphoria.
Transactivism is removing the systems controlling sex reassignment.
Things are getting worse for girls. Some trans activists claim that TERFs need punching and re-educating, men across the political spectrum seem to agree: women are asking for trouble. Everywhere, women are being told to shut up and sit down, or else.
Women must accept and admit that there is no material difference between trans women and themselves. But ‘woman’ is not a costume. Moreover, the ‘inclusive’ language that calls female people ‘menstruators’ and ‘people with vulvas’ strikes many women as dehumanising and demeaning. I understand why trans activists consider this language to be appropriate and kind, but for those of us who’ve had degrading slurs spat at us by violent men, it’s not neutral, it’s hostile and alienating.
Fifthly, domestic abuse. Tans people are vulnerable, need and deserve protection. Like women, they’re most likely to be killed by sexual partners. I feel nothing but empathy and solidarity with trans women who’ve been abused by men.
So I want trans women to be safe. And natal girls and women. Opening bathrooms to men believing themselves to be women, you open them to all men. This is not safe. As a victim of related sexual abuse, I feel my government is playing fast and loose with womens and girls’ safety.
You are Voldemort said one person
There’s safety in conformity. And huge numbers of women are terrified by the trans activists. Their careers, etc. are on the line.
But I refuse to bow. Eroding ‘woman’ as political and biological class gives predators cover.
I stand with those who’re standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women reliant on their single sex spaces. The latter is in the majority, excluding only the lucky few not touched by male violence.
No gender critical women hate trans women, but became interested from concern for trans youth. They are hugely sympathetic to trans adults who simply want to live. But they’re being silenced with the term TERF.
All I’m asking is for empathy and understanding to be extended to the many millions of women who want to be heard without receiving abuse.
The general gist seems to be 'stop calling me and my fellows radicals, I have valid concerns about the youth's health and women's rights, but respect and empathise with those who've transitioned. Stop intimidating me.'