More than 200 politicians, journalists, and activists have signed a letter denouncing a recent op-ed published by The Guardian titled “Women must have the right to organise. We will not be silenced.” In the essay published Monday, writer Suzanne Moore argues that “female is a biological classification” and that trans women do not belong in women’s activist spaces.
The open letter, which has been signed by several Guardian staffers, argues that “Moore’s column does not represent the views of the public, nor is it representative of the views of most women.”
“We reject the argument put forward in a column by by Suzanne Moore in which she implies that advocating for trans rights poses a threat to cisgender women,” the letter begins. “The British Social Attitudes Survey (2017) found that a majority of the British public were supportive of transgender people, with women more likely to be in favour of trans rights than men. Moore’s column does not represent the views of the public, nor is it representative of the views of most women.”
The letter continues by pointing out that “both trans people and cisgender women are discriminated against because of their gender,” but trans people are more likely be targeted for hate crimes, experience higher rates of suicide, and more difficulties accessing adequate healthcare. It concludes by saying that feminists (including both cis and trans women) “need to keep fighting for gender-based services and and resources together.”
Following the publishing of Moore’s column, another trans Guardian employee resigned over the essay. It marks the third trans person to walk out due to “transphobic” views being touted in the publication, according to HuffPost.
The signatories of the letter include a wide array of prominent British women and nonbinary people, including musician Beth Ditto, UK Black Pride founder Lady Phyll, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan UK Claire Hodgson, and several Guardian staffers. Politicians who have signed the letter include co-leader of the Green Party, Sian Berry; the Liberal Democrat equalities spokesperson, Christine Jardine; and Labour MPs Zarah Sultana and Nadia Whitome.
Find the full letter and list of signatories at PinkNews.
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