Gender Discussion #100

[Brian Butterfield]

Librarians banning books because they don't 'feel safe' - National Library of Scotland

Trans activists trying to ban feminist book for a SECOND time by claiming its return makes national library 'unsafe and hostile' for staff | Daily Mail Online

ETA

Spoiler: Letter and Signatures

Statement in Support of National Library of Scotland Staff

Please use this form to sign. You may sign as an individual or an organisation who is based in Scotland.


As members of Scotland’s academic, heritage, arts, literary and cultural sectors, we stand in solidarity with queer and trans staff at the National Library of Scotland, who in recent months have been subject to harassment and bigotry in their workplace. We condemn the series of decisions by the National Library’s board and senior leadership that have led to a hostile environment for queer, trans, and allied staff of and visitors to the Library.


As has been widely reported in national media, in September 2025, the Library chose to include a certain book in a major exhibition celebrating the Library’s centenary. That book, whose contributors include several high-profile figures in Scottish politics and culture, advocates against the civil and human rights of trans people, a small and vulnerable minority who experience systemic disadvantage in contemporary Scottish society. This decision has led directly to a hostile environment for queer and trans people working at and visiting the library. Anti-trans activists have been emboldened to harass Library visitors, leading to members of the public being unable to come to the Library for reasons of basic safety. Queer and trans staff, but also all staff who liaise with the public, have been left to respond to this challenging situation, leading to substantial stress. For both staff and visitors—especially, but not only, those who are queer, trans, or gender-nonconforming—the Library has in recent months become materially less safe.


Indeed, the Library have instead gone to great lengths to support those who advocate discrimination against trans people. When the Library commissioned an independent member of the Scottish Bar to conduct an investigation into the decision-making processes surrounding the centenary exhibition, the investigation held that the Library had not sufficiently centred anti-trans (or what their proponents describe as ‘gender critical’) beliefs in its planning for the exhibition. The report does not give the same level of credence to the views of queer and trans staff and visitors, or take into account queer and trans staff’s previously expressed concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing implications of featuring an anti-trans book in the exhibition.


The investigation pointed to the legal principle that, under the Equality Act 2010, individuals can be protected from being discriminated against for holding ‘gender critical’ views. Members of the public are of course entitled to hold and to express a wide range of views, however prejudicial. Furthermore, it falls within the mission of a copyright deposit library such as the National Library of Scotland to collect texts that readers might deem offensive. But that does not mean that a national institution has an obligation to amplify a viewpoint that advocates discrimination as part of a celebratory exhibition. Indeed, the Library has a legal obligation to avoid discrimination on the basis of the protected characteristic of ‘gender reassignment’. We are outraged that the Library’s response has led to the legitimation of discriminatory views as central to its centenary celebrations, to the detriment of the wellbeing of queer and trans staff and visitors who have experienced material harm as a result of the Library’s handling of the events. We fear that the Library has been subject to the same kind of anti-trans ideological capture that has in recent years affected other Scottish and UK national institutions. This compromises the Library’s ability to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty, to fulfil its own claims to be an ‘open’, ‘trusted’, and ‘inclusive’ institution, and to serve as a national institution for all the people of Scotland.


As members of Scotland’s academic, heritage, arts, literary and cultural sectors, many of us have worked with, visited, and used the Library in the past, directed our students to do the same, and celebrated the Library’s place within Scotland’s cultural landscape for the past century. Knowing that the Library has declined to make a baseline commitment to ensuring the safety of staff and visitors makes it difficult for us to continue to do so in future. We call upon the Library urgently to change course, to make a strong public commitment to ensuring that all staff and visitors are able to access the Library without fear of harassment, bullying, bigotry, or threats to their safety, and to work actively to restore public trust in the Library as a national institution to which all are welcome.



Signatures (in alphabetical order) as of 21 November 2025:


Chris Afuakwah
Ash Alexander, volunteer, Lavender Menace Queer Book Archive
Gab Ascanio Otero, Glasgow Small Trans Library
Claire Askew, writer
Byron Bates
Mim Black, freelance publicist
Megan Booth, Senior Content Editor
Simon Bowie
Maud Anne Bracke, Professor of European History, University of Glasgow
Elliot Bracken, independent researcher
Jules Brick
Finn Brook
Jess Brough, Founder/Director, Fringe of Colour
Laurie Brown
Maria Calinescu
Felicity Callard, Professor in Human Geography, University of Glasgow
Anthony V. Capildeo, author
Dr Alfredo Carpineti, Chair, Pride in STEM
Samantha Cedarmark
Lynda Clark
Dave Coates, Duty Manager, Fruitmarket
Dr Cole Collins, lecturer
Sorcha Dallas, curator and custodian
Kevin Davidson
Gloria Dawson, researcher and writer
Sasha de Buyl, doctoral researcher, University of Glasgow
Lyra Dick
Michael Donnay
Alex Donnelly, library assistant
Fionn Duffy Scott, Category Is Books Bookshop
Ever Dundas, author
Indigo Dunphy-Smith
Greta Elliott, Student Adviser, University of Edinburgh
Markus Emmott, master’s student, University of Edinburgh
Dr Kirstie Ken English, Lecturer in Sociology, University of Glasgow
Milo Eyre-Morgan, Glasgow Small Trans Library
Abbé Farrell
Jude FireSong, aka Fabulous Phoenix Boy, poet and artist; QUILL Scotland and Scottish Artist Union
Amanda Forde, Secretary, OurStory Scotland
Mara Fojas, Transparentsees
Clare Forrest, heritage professional
Brandy Frazier
Carle Gent, artist and academic
Harry Josephine Giles, writer
Kat Gilluley
Jane Goldman, Reader, University of Glasgow
Dr Mariel Goulart, Research Assistant, University of Glasgow
Christine Grandy, Associate Professor, Modern British History, University of Lincoln
Tristan Gray, organiser, QUILL Scotland, and author
Paolo Grifa, Amnesty International Activism Representative
SJ Groenewegen BEM, author
Dr Gina Gwenffrewi, Lecturer in English and Trans & Queer Studies, University of Edinburgh
Kevin Guyan, University of Edinburgh
Jocasta Hardie
James T. Harding
Elle Haswell, Edinburgh Art Festival
Dr Jo Hauge, artist and researcher
Sarah Heitler
Kaelin Hendry
Iain Hepburn, journalist and editor
Dr Harvey Humphrey, Lecturer in Social Research Methods, University of Glasgow
Cassidy Hunt
Meg Hyland, PhD candidate, University of Edinburgh, Celtic and Scottish Studies
Kali Israel, historian of modern Scotland (US-based)
Alex Jacquemont-Krupp
Tom Jeffreys, writer
Natalie Johnston
Rebecca Jones, librarian
Leo Kaminski, University of Glasgow
Alice Keen, Edinburgh Art Festival
Sam Keogh, artist
Jennie Kermode, author and journalist
Rona Landragon
Avery Selena Learoyd
Mason Leaver-Yap
Eleanor Livingstone, writer
Elliot Long
Claire Low
Rachel Lowther, artist
River MacAskill, writer
Katherine Mackinnon
Peter Manson
S Marsden
Carrie Marshall, writer
Dr Annalisa Martin
Lindsay Martindale, Co-chair, Amnesty International Edinburgh Central Group
So Mayer
Stefanie McCartney, Feminist Book Club Glasgow
Erin McElhinney
Neil McGuire
Emma McIntyre
Cara McKee, library worker, poet and Scottish Greens candidate
Robbie McLean, researcher
Keava McMillan, Lecturer in Gender History, University of Glasgow
Steven McWilliam
Lilith Montgomery
Cheryl Morgan, Hon LLD (Exeter), publisher and public historian
Mo Moulton, University of Birmingham
Craig Mulholland, artist
Ellie Muniandy
Elliot Napier, doctoral researcher, University of Glasgow; formerly Edinburgh City Libraries
Dr Holly Neill, University of Glasgow
Dr Christina Neuwirth
Hannah Nicholson, writer and library assistant
Sigrid Nielsen, Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive
XE OAKS, Glasgow Small Trans Library
Lisa Otto
Sam Paterson
Kate Paul
Dr Ruth Pearce, Senior Lecturer in Community Development, University of Glasgow
Moss Pepe
Mai-Anh Vu Peterson, writer
Alycia Pirmohamed, author
Sissi Pizzo
Rachel Plummer, children’s author
Yvette Pyke, Glasgow Small Trans Library
Melanie Ramdarshan, Professor, University of Glasgow
Anupama Ranawana, academic researcher, Kirkcaldy-based
Jo Reid, filmmaker
Kit Renard, Trans Masculine Scotland, Rainbow Dudes, and OU Pride
Juliet Richards
Levi Richards, Marketing Manager, Edinburgh Art Festival
Hartley Robinson, Glasgow Small Trans Library
Dr Samuel Rutherford, Lecturer in LGBTQ+ History, University of Glasgow
Seamus Ryan
Jules Scheele, illustrator, Omipalone Press
Neil Scott, teacher
Dr Merlyn Seller, Lecturer in Design and Screen Cultures, University of Edinburgh
Kat Sinclair
Maria Sledmere
Tom Smith, Senior Lecturer, University of St Andrews
Dr Stewart Smith, writer and researcher
Helen Stevenson
Robyn Stewart, Senior Library Assistant, University of Glasgow
Eleanor Taylor, Curator, Edinburgh Art Festival
Kit Thompson
Nel T.L.
Mohamed Tonsy, writer and ceramicist
Annie Tothill
Mare Tralla, artist
Billy Urquhart, psychotherapist and Trainer, Gendered Intelligence
Ryan Vance, writer and editor
Ryan Van Winkle
Mariella Verkerk
Angel Walker, Co-director, Rumpus Room
Kaite Welsh, author
Joel White, Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh
Rebecca Williamson, University of Glasgow
Catherine Wilson Garry, writer
Katy Wilson-Scott
Lucille Wright

and 13 signatories who did not wish to be listed publicly

I think if you work in a library, and the mere thought of a book makes you feel unsafe, you're probably in the wrong job.

 

[GabbyBeGone]

I don’t think there’s any danger of FWS going bankrupt.

 

[VC10]

...A quick resume.......

 

[holliebollie]

My workplace recently announced with much fanfare that they will be implementing a transitioning policy wonder how much paid time off they will be entitled to

Tempting to apply for it, take the time off and come back as you were. If anyone asks why you don’t look any different, tell them you don’t subscribe to gender stereotypes and they’re all transphobic bigots.

 

[MaineCoonMama]

From the FB Gender Critical page.

 

[FourSeasonSoupObsessive]

A few years back, my previous work announced to great fanfare that our medical insurance would now cover all aspects of “transition” (whatever that is)- hormones, surgery, counselling, electrolysis and all.

Can’t begin to describe how furious I was as this happened a couple of weeks after I’d received a letter from those same insurers saying that no, the policy did not cover any speciality care related to menopause because it “is not a medical issue”. So if I wanted to see a menopause specialist, I was more than welcome to pay for it, presumably while they used my premiums to pay for Veronica-formerly-Mark‘s electrolysis so the sight of his hairy gams in his tights didn’t ruin his wanks.

Me, bitter? No, why do you ask?

 

[TheMiceInTheShed]

I don’t think there’s any danger of FWS going bankrupt.View attachment 3786835

Honestly - just when I think I couldn't love her more she does this.

Yes - I know she's got loadsa dosh, but she is still under no obligation to be so generous with it - yet she is.

Lots of people have lots of money - yet you don't see the likes of Bezos, the Kardashians etc putting their hands in their pockets.

She's worked for every penny she has, and she uses it not just to enjoy a good life herself, but to help others who are in often desperate need.

When this is over, she'll go down in the history books as well as the literary ones. She probably doesn't even know how special she is.

 

[Rabbitweed]

We made it to 100!! Will we get a letter from the King do you think?

 

[Rabbitweed]

What is a ‘trans+’ person?

It's when your trans but extra trans, like the transiest person alive. More trans than your average trans.

 

[Funny_bunny]

Fuck you too Willoughby. You have zero right to tell any woman how to feel. You’re a man. Men think all that matters is men’s feelings. “Rose” is bloody man, trying to get his wife pregnant, which no woman can ever do. He is not, and never will be a woman. TRA always are so angry and vile. It only makes me hate them more.

 

[Metropolis]

By the way, cake all round. Happy 100!

 

[maytoseptember]

Why do men (not all) have to be such fucking Eleven-erfifes? They even have tougher menopause’s than us. Going bald, developing a beer belly and finding sexy 25yr old women don’t want to shag you is not on par with the menopause.

I get the same levels of rage when men get interviewed about male “postnatal depression”. Fuck off. Yes, the arrival of a baby is like a bomb going off in your otherwise comfortable life, and the exhaustion and what the hell have we done-ness of it all can be really hard to contend with. I can imagine some men feel depressed as they adjust. But is it the same struggle that women experience, i.e. all of the above plus hormonal crashes, birth trauma, trying to heal your battered body on no sleep and erratic meals? No it is not.

 

[MaineCoonMama]

The London Assembly has agreed a motion. How tedious 🥱
View attachment 3784283

View attachment 3784281

Assembly calls for Transgender rights for Trans Day of Remembrance

The London Assembly would like the Mayor of London to make a commitment that the GLA family of organisations will remain trans-inclusive employers.

www.london.gov.uk

I thought it was agreed Brianna Ghey wasn't a trans hate crime? I'm sorry the kid lost his life in such a terrible way but he was just the one who happened to be there, it could've been a teenager of either sex.
I don't want to sound like a prick but I bet more young children have lost their lives to their mothers new boyfriends than trans being killed by violence. Where's the day and the outrage for them?

 

[petitspois]

I really dispute gender dysphoria as a concept at all these days. I just think it’s mental illness manifesting as self hatred.
The rest of them are your classic pervs.

 

[Gomi goner]

Stay here and equip yourself with information to help your sister. At 14 she may be scared of how her body is changing and want it to stop or she may be getting unwanted attention she wants to avoid and thinks this is the answer. You are right, she needs someone on her side as the internet will just give misinformation and promise quick fixes that lead to massive harm.

I'm not sure if I'm going to word this right so that I get my point across and also don't offend anyone, but it's alarming how many teen girls, often with autism, mild intellectual disability or some other disorder, want to be non-binary.
They need to be reassured that they don't HAVE to look, feel, dress or act feminine.
It's okay... and it might also be only temporary.
Additionally, being attracted to another female, or maybe not having those kind of feelings is also 100% okay.
Not "feely girly" does NOT make you any less female. Stop reaching for the non-binary umbrella as a cover.
You are female through and through, quite literally. Stop prescribing to stereotypes and most importantly stop scrolling the internet and finding things that A) make you feel bad about yourself, your feelings and your appearance, and B) try to convince you that you're some mythical non-female entity

 

[People-huv-tae-know]

AS far as I am aware my friends sons operation and treatment before and after was all done on NHS, as she passed comment on how much is it taking out of the system I can only go by what she has told me I assume that is what he has told her as well as all the bitching and you will never understand outbursts it's a nightmare and I feel it will get worse not better as she said whatever the problems he has had they haven't gone away just another set of problems arrived.

Yes, my relative had her surgeries in 2010 and 2011 for full hysterectomy and breast removal. She declined a penis construction which would have involved cutting skin from her under arm (lower arm) to construct the penis. The scar would have been enormous and the penis obviously not properly functional. She was put on testosterone thereafter and was on it until this year. This was all done for free on the NHS. The transition was meant to cure her depression and now it is worse than ever. It was a gender clinic in Edinburgh that she was 'assessed' at (not thoroughly) and I think that was free too, although they took on private patients at the time. Now, she is in her 30s and needs estrogen gel and therapy on the NHS. She would love a breast reconstruction and is mourning the fact she can't have her own babies. I know she decided to go down this route but I strongly feel she was manipulated and exploited. She was the victim of CSA, under 25 (brain still forming) and estranged from most of her family. Poor mental health, PTSD, depression and living in poverty, alone. So, very, very vulnerable. The gender clinic did not assess her mental state or ask questions regarding mental health history or abuse. At best they were careless, at worst they deliberately preyed upon her and manipulated her into this. Last year, when she began to confide in me about her doubts as to whether she could continue as a trans man, I began to realise what a cult and conspiracy it is. I feel similar about the cashless society. It's being forced on us. I can't even pay with cash in my local Lidl any more. These companies and the Govt are colluding together to force this on us and the same goes for trans crap. It's blatant propaganda.

 

[MaineCoonMama]

Nothing but love for Moira.

 

[Vanelope]

so sick of the parroting of ‘trans girls are the most vulnerable, the most marginalised the most vulnerable’ they just aren’t! They are either children who have been groomed and abused. So yes vulnerable but not from abuse from general public, from abuse by their own parents. Or they are galumphing fetishy pervert men who get off on transgressing women’s boundaries and are an active danger to women and girls.

 

[DoraMaar]

Four hours on 'Dr' Webberley's timeline ...

 

[Peachsquish]

Sadly this is a current GG group