Discussion Group – April 2022

The Discussion Group met on Monday 11th April at the Manor House to talk about trans issues, something which has received a great deal of press attention recently. It was very satisfactory to welcome all nine of our members, something which hasn’t happened for quite a while.

Both the government and Stonewall estimate that there are between 200,000 and 600,000 trans people in the country, slightly less than 1% of the population at the upper estimate.

Our discussion ranged around a large number of issues within the general terms of the topic. Concern was expressed for trans individuals struggling with the difficulties they must surely experience. Equally the rights of people, especially women, to enjoy safe spaces in hospital wards, refuges etc was felt to be equally important. The language used in this very polarised debate was referred to, on the one side self-identification was considered sufficient for trans individuals to be treated as their chosen gender, on the other there was a considered belief that people should have lived in their preferred gender for some period of time, with drug and surgical intervention being further steps down the line.

There was mention of how far the rights of gay people had progressed over the last few decades to a position now where being gay was quite unremarkable, leading to speculation that over time trans issues might become just as uncontroversial.

Difficulties surrounding the identification of trans people before puberty, concerns over misidentifying gay children as trans, and consent issues regarding drug treatment at this stage in people’s lives was talked about. The need for unbiased professional expertise seemed essential, although doubts were expressed over whether in practice such unbiased expertise exists.

The problem of trans individuals competing in sports was discussed. There was concern that growing up in one sex defined body shape and musculature, and that hormone therapy at a later date would not alter that. At the least competitions including trans people seemed unfair, and at the worst dangerous.

Mention was also made of cultures where trans people were apparently thriving and better accepted, such as Thailand, although no one had any direct experience. It did lead to a general feeling that instead of shoehorning trans individuals into existing categories in hospitals, prisons, sports etc, perhaps trans men and women should have their own designated facilities.

Lastly, it was noted that following a period in which the views of lobbying groups such as Stonewall had been much to the fore, there appeared to be a degree of pushback against them at present. Where the pendulum will stop we shall have to wait and see.

Michael Heyden Convenor.

Please note that the views expressed by the Discussion Group may not represent those of the wider Dawlish and District membership.