Gender rows infiltrate Olympics ?? and a word on trans pride...
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Last Saturday saw London Trans Pride hit the streets – more than 55,000 trans people and allies gathered in London, making it the biggest trans pride event worldwide. It was a powerful celebration of trans lives, and a furious protest against the treatment we are experiencing today. Chants were shouted and echoed back, reflecting on the intertwined nature of our fight for liberation, and linking trans experiences in the UK with experiences of oppression around the world. Placards and signs were hoisted and held proudly, criticising the biased Cass Report into the effects of gender-affirming healthcare, and Wes Streeting’s shocking endorsement of it.
In particular, the crowds of people demonstrated their passion for the fundamental human right of bodily autonomy, of being supported to make decisions about their own lives, and of the life-changing benefits of gender-affirming healthcare. Allies from all walks of life lined the streets, offering their support and their acceptance of us exactly as we are. Through all of this, trans joy and expression took centre stage. The glowing diversity of my beautiful trans community was (and is) an inescapable truth – we are here, we have always been here, we will always be here – in rage, in solidarity, and above all, in love.?
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Gender rows infiltrate Olympics ???
This year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shifted responsibility to each sports' federation to create their own policy for trans athletes, which ultimately excluded trans women from the Paris Olympics, and for the foreseeable games.
So what's the uproar about now? Two female boxers have made headlines this week by being allowed to compete in this Olympics despite "failing gender eligibility tests" last year. This is simply explained by the fact that a different governing body represents boxing in the Olympics, one in fact created by the IOC themselves. Neither athletes are transgender but a previous test claimed “they have XY chromosomes.” Despite the boxers having both competed in the Tokyo Olympics to no pushback, they now face a vitriolic attack in the media, and from fellow athletes.
In more positive news... There are however two non-binary Olympians in the games this year - Canadian footballer Quinn, and American track star Nikki Hiltz. Hiltz particularly has been vocal about their non-binary identity, hoping to move the game forward and inspire others to be themselves in their own profession.
"I’m just looking forward to keep showing up as myself and keep taking up space.” ...“I use they/them pronouns, and people stumble all the time. But it’s like, ‘You can’t really ignore me anymore, because I’m a two-time, back-to-back champion." - Hiltz
Southport attack leads to far-right protests
In case you missed it... On Monday, a 17-year-old armed with a knife attacked a children's dance class in Southport. Three children died from their wounds, while eight others were injured along with two adults.
How has this led to far-right protests? A vigil for those affected by the attack was hijacked by violent protestors. This appears to be due to unsubstantial speculation that the attacker may have been Muslim or an immigrant. Far-right activists threw bricks at police, set vehicles on fire and attacked a mosque. More than a 100 were arrested after a further demonstration outside Downing Street. "Stop the boats" and "we want our country back" were heard among the chants.
The protesters claim to be retaliating against the Southport incident, but more male violence is clearly not in the name of stopping violence against women and girls. They have been accused of "hijacking" this horrific attack "for their own political purposes." Most of the misinformation was spread on Twitter where a fabricated name was circulated, amplified by prominent far-right figures, Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate, who were recently reinstated on the platform.
Degree requirements in job ads are fading ???
This is something we've been pushing for years, and employers in the UK are beginning to agree. Job postings that don’t require a degree almost doubled between 2021-2022, according to LinkedIn.
Is this a good thing? We follow the train of thought that attending university can often be an indicator of someone's privilege and access to opportunities, rather than a reflection of their ability to do a job well. Focusing on skills instead of degree or university can remove barriers to entry and make our workplaces more inclusive. This comes at a time when some sectors are struggling to recruit following Brexit and covid, and the cost of living is effecting students' ability to access higher education.
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Now, if you have a university degree that you're proud of, this doesn't mean that'll be disregarded completely, just that other metrics of skills will be taken into account too. It's a step to help level the playing field.
THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING ??
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?? London (remote)??? ￡28,800?? 09/08
Who are they? Over the Wall are a fun, forward-thinking, and creative UK charity that has been transforming the lives of seriously ill children and their families for more than twenty years through camps that address the loneliness, isolation, and sense of being different.
Is it for you? In this role, you'll help raise the profile of Over The Wall in the UK to recruit campers and beneficiaries for all services. You'll work operationally as part of the team at the activity camps; this means some occasional evening, weekend work, and overnight stays. The camps will also require extended periods of physical activity.
?? Over the Wall actively encourage applications from a broad spectrum of diversity, both in terms of visible and non-visible characteristics. They aim to ensure that regardless of where you are in our community, any difference you have is valued.
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3 个月There’re always exceptions to a rule. Intersex people do exist. It is rare condition but it should be acknowledged and respected. Having said that, a biological male cannot play in women’s sports. If a person has a penis, XY chromosomes, and/or pees standing up, he was never a "woman” biologically and he will never be. He can see himself/identify/dress, talk and act…as a woman. Fine. He can become a trans woman. Or a non-binary person. Or whatever else he wants to be. Great! He can be born with infinite biological traits. It is true. I wish him the very best in life. But HE should not be able to compete in a “women’s team” of any type. Just sayin’