Letters, November 25 2022

Misinformation and transphobia

 

I am writing this letter in response to another written earlier this month (Courier letters, November 4) regarding The Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

 

There seems to be a general idea that changing gender is easy and that anyone can do it. The current process that we have is lengthy and scrutinises trans people in a way which can be traumatising. Not to mention that just being trans comes with a whole load of shame and abuse which no one would choose unless necessary to their wellbeing.

 

The bill proposes changes which will streamline the process and, with that, a criminal offence for applicants to make a false statutory declaration, with a potential punishment of up to two years' imprisonment.

 

The Gender Recognition Reform Bill is a proposal of amendments to the already existing Gender Recognition Act which was created in 2004. Considering that 2004 was 18 years ago, surely it would make sense that the time has come for this act to be looked at again with the information we have now?

 

The fear is that women are vulnerable to trans women when in reality trans women very rarely have access to women any more than men have access to women.

 

Protecting or giving rights to one group of individuals should not mean the diminishing of another group of individuals. Trans people are just as valid as cis men and women and should be treated as such.

 

Trans people are much more likely to be a victim of abuse than prosecutors due to the prejudice and misinformation that exists.

 

As a woman, I am tired of hearing my name being used by men as a way to excuse their blatant transphobia. Times are changing. Why would a man change their gender just to get access to vulnerable women? They simply wouldn't.

 

Believe it or not, women are everywhere not just in 'women-only spaces'.

 

Stopping trans rights isn't how we stop predators. What we need is more funding for the community, social work and mental health resources; a real solution that has been proven to lower crime.

 

Megan Elliot, Campbeltown.

 

Stand-to veterans

 

The United Kingdom Government Office for Veterans' Affairs aim is that the UK be the best place for veterans to live in the world, and has recently launched the Veterans' Survey to gather views from the UK veteran community on how to shape future services.

 

If you wish to contribute, taking about 20 minutes, you can complete the survey online at: www.ons.gov.uk/surveys/informationforhouseholdsandindividuals/householdandindividualsurveys/veteranssurvey

 

I would encourage all of Kintyre's veterans to participate.

 

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Royal British Legion Scotland Campbeltown, Campbeltown Brass and the many individuals who organised and attended the various war memorial services throughout Kintyre over the Remembrance period.

 

I am also aware that many more in our community observed the silence, at church, at home, in work at 11am, others taking time at some point in the day to reflect on the huge sacrifices made for our freedom.

 

If I can be of any assistance to serving military personnel, veterans, mercantile mariners and their families, no matter how big or little the issue, please do not hesitate in contacting me directly on 07788 520 429 or tommy.macpherson@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

 

For the fallen.

 

Councillor Tommy Macpherson, South Kintyre ward.