Female-only spaces

Half way through 2020 and this is the first thing that I've written here all year.

Surrey Swans is currently in a virtual kind of state.

Life is slowly getting back to more like normal but there's a long way to go yet, and no-one knows what the new normal will really be like.

Recently I received an email from TransActual 

It was based on a report that appeared in the Sunday Times on June 14 2020.

So far as I can tell, you can only read the Sunday Times article by subscribing to it.

However, the article is mentioned in The Guardian here:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/14/trans-rights-government-reported-to-be-dropping-gender-self-identifying-plans?fbclid=IwAR1WpclT0QNmFSMHP3PqGzupVFRImLcpnJMUwTSJpwkY965luDJ_Yfq4SAY

It mentions that "the government was said to be preparing to set out new safeguards to protect female-only spaces including refuges and public lavatories."

Also, ITV News here https://www.itv.com/news/2020-06-13/boris-johnson-drops-plans-to-make-gender-change-easier/ mentions "the Government was said to be preparing to set out new safeguards to protect female-only spaces – including refuges and public lavatories – to stop them being used by those with male anatomy."

In response to the letter I've written to my MP (Member of Parliament), Adam Afriyie:

I received an email today which highlighted some disturbing possibilities concerning possible actions that the Government may be considering with respect to the rights of people that identify as being Transgender.

The email referred to an article published in the Sunday Times on June 14 2020 (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-johnson-scraps-plan-to-make-gender-change-easier-zs6lqfls0).

The article in the Sunday Times says that it is based on a leaked Government document.

The article is referenced by many other news outlets including the BBC here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53101071, The Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jun/14/trans-rights-government-reported-to-be-dropping-gender-self-identifying-plans?fbclid=IwAR1WpclT0QNmFSMHP3PqGzupVFRImLcpnJMUwTSJpwkY965luDJ_Yfq4SAY and ITV News here: https://www.itv.com/news/2020-06-13/boris-johnson-drops-plans-to-make-gender-change-easier/

The BBC article says “The government has not yet commented on the leak or its accuracy" so I’m hoping that the leak is not accurate.

I understand that there are people that have concerns about making gender transitioning simpler than it currently is.

However, if the leaked document is accurate and there are plans to make the lives of people that identify as Transgender more complicated than they already are then I’m really saddened.

The reports suggest that the Government may take steps “to protect female-only spaces including refuges and public lavatories.“

Again, I understand that people have concerns about these “spaces”.

But making it easier to prevent trans people from accessing public lavatories would actually be a step backwards.

My understanding of current legislation is that organisations already have the right to protect single-sex spaces on a case-by-case basis where appropriate.

I identify as genderfluid.

At times when I present as female, if there are no gender-neutral lavatories available then I use the “ladies”. This has never been a problem for me. No-one has ever complained. The idea of using a “gents” toilet facilities on such occasions is unimaginable.

So, I’m writing to you to ask if you will oppose any changes in legislation that would be likely to make the lives of transgender people more difficult than it already is.

Would you commit to supporting amendments to any new proposed legislation to ensure that this does not happen?

When I receive a reply I'll post it here.

Harrogate revisited - Q's and Ps, Stout and Wasps, Breaking Free, Art, Ilkley Moor and Niel Diaomond

2018 was Eastbourne.

2017 was Sparkle.

2016 was Eastbourne.

2015 was Bournemouth.

Way back in 2014 it was Harrogate  as it was in 2013.

August 2019 provides an opportunity for Harrogate revisited.

Back in 2013 I lured Tina into the The Winter Gardens and we received Wolf Whistles. In 2014 Tina lorn'd hoo te speak Geordie, courtesy of Malcolm. 

Though, maybe it would be more accurate to say, Tina tried te worrk oot what a Geordie wez saying.

 The Harrogate weekend is organised by Kay and Irene West. 

It usually happens twice a year at the Cairn Hotel in – you guessed it – Harrogate. 

This is Harrogate weekend number  13th.

This is the plan for the weekend:

And here’s how it went for Andrea and Tina in 2019.

Andrea spends a surprisingly long time on the evening of Wednesday August 7th packing two suitcases. 

Having decided that one suitcase wasn’t going to be quite enough she succumbs to the temptation to actually try to fill them both. 

It has something to do with the six pairs of shoes and all that makeup.

It’s strange how this girl takes twice as much stuff for 4 days in Harrogate as the guy took for a four-week trip to New Zealand. 

Post-packing there is the nail polish. Two coats of Barry M Siren (823) with a pre basecoat and post topcoat thrown in.

Come Thursday morning it’s time to make up, even though she hasn’t fallen out with anyone. All in all, an unrushed hour and fifteen minutes and she’s ready.

Tina arrives and makes up, without falling out, and changes. Then they are on the road.

A brief fuel stop, and the trip begins.

At various places the girls say hello to some of Eddie’s girls.

At Watford Gap, that icon of British motoring history, it’s time for a visit to the conveniences and a cup of coffee. 

Until just a few moments ago I never knew that there is a village named Watford as well as a town named Watford – and, of course, a Gap named Watford.

A while later, somewhere along the A1, Andrea needs to spend another penny 

Relief is soon in sight as an Esso petrol station complete with Burger King, Gregg's and the Doncaster Travelodge appear on the horizon. 

The car park is out back. 

Tina stretches her legs.

“I’ll be back in a minute”. Andrea heads towards Greggs and Burger King and steps inside. 

On the other side of the door Andrea realises that she’s been a bit over optimistic. 

There is a p q – or should that be a q to p? 

Andrea comes in at number five. 

The door to the right apologises.

Ahead there’s another door, introducing itself as:

The line of ladies waits patiently. 

Andrea slowly and quietly steps from one foot to the other. 

Two men walk past the line, through the door and turn right. 

The resulting kerfuffle abates as the leader of the line points out that that through the main door and to the right, the door is:

To the left is:

And between the two:

No wonder there is a Q to P.

The leftmost door opens.

The line shrinks by one. 

At least the part of the line in front of Andrea. 

Behind, it’s grown by two. 

Two men exit the door on the right.

Quietness.

A whisper. “Is it empty?”

“Go and have a look.”

She goes.

And returns.

"No it isn't empty."

The leftmost door opens, and the line shrinks again.

A man exits from the right.

A girl takes a chance and heads right.

The Gents temporarily becomes a Ladies.

Andrea smiles at the instant transition.

The line moves forwards.

A little over twenty minutes after the infamous “I’ll be back in a minute”, a relieved Andrea emerges, and the journey continues.

At the Cairn there is plenty of room in the car park. 

Check-in is painless. 

Kay and Irene greet the newcomers who aren’t newbies, knowing who they are without having to ask.

After unpacking it’s a Malthouse and a Black Sheep in the bar.

Dinner, conversations and sleep.

The weather forecast for the weekend is somewhat grim.

But Friday starts of dry. Providing an opportunity to walk into town to stock up on supplies of foundation and liner at Superdrug. 

And a predictable detour to the Winter Gardens for a tipple of stout.

A wasp says hello to Tina and decides to go for a swim in her drink.

Wasps seem to have a thing for Tina.

It was only a week or so ago at Surrey Swans that another wasp did exactly the same thing.

The wasp sips stout and swims as Tina goes off in search of a teaspoon.

Things don't end well for the wasp.

Back at the Cairn there’s opportunity to relax and chat with folks. 

We talk about where we are at. 

Where we have been. 

Where we are headed. 

The universe.

The second law of thermodynamics.

Religion. 

Deuteronomy (as in the Bible rather than the practical cat).

Politics. 

Indigo Girls.

Emily Maguire.

Jacob Rees-Mogg Esq. 

Prime Minister Johnson. 

President Trump.

And a long, long list of other things.

Not everyone agrees with everyone else. 

But there's certainly more makeup than there is breakup in the air.

Then there's dinner

Followed by the fashion show,courtesy of M & Co) and disco. 

The star model is Kay, who enters stage left complete with a Vax vacuum cleaner and a rendition of “I want to break free”. 

Fantastic!

Saturday starts off dry but is going to get wet. 

OK Google.

“Things to do in Harrogate when it’s raining”.

And it’s a trip to the Mercer Art Gallery.

Tina, Andrea and the occupants of another car spend a surprisingly long time to work how much it costs to park a car on Crescent Gardens.

They then find out about William Powell Frith: The People’s Painter - with more about him here and here.

Tina and Andrea have never heard of him before, but both enjoyed the exhibition very much.

Next a drive to Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens.

The rain begins. 

Tina borrows a red National Trust brolly.

There’s a chance to find out all about:  Yorkshire! Achievement, Grit and Controversy. 

As it says 

“From Jodie Whittaker the new Doctor Who, to the notorious Gunpowder Plot conspirator Guy Fawkes, discover the faces that have helped create the reputation of Yorkshire. Who would you include to demonstrate the county’s reputation?” 

Michael Parkinson, David Hockney, Arthur Scargill, Alan Bennett, Patrick Stewart, Guy Fawkes, Nicola Adams, Judi Dench and Geoffrey Boycott are amongst the many that get a mention.

Hidden amongst the exhibits are little gems such as “Put wood inth ‘ole” and “On Ilkla Moor Baht’at”. 

And here’s the song . With a fair few “On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at’s” omitted.

Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee?

On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at

Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee?

Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee?

On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at

On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at

On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at

Tha's been a cooartin' Mary Jane

Tha's bahn' to catch thy deeath o' cowd

Then us'll ha' to bury thee

Then t'worms'll come an' eyt thee oop

Then t'ducks'll come an' eyt up t'worms

Then us'll go an' eyt up t'ducks

Then us'll all ha' etten thee

That's wheear we get us ooan back

If 2014 was the year of the Geordie, then 2019 is surely the year of the Yorkie.

Andrea wonders if they still sing this in music lessons at schools.

Back at the Cairn there’s a chance to chat and get ready for dinner.

After dinner it’s Neil Diamond. 

Andrea takes a break and phones home to say hello to Sally.

“Does he sound a lot like Neil Diamond?”

“Maybe. But I have no idea what Neil Diamond sounds like.”

Tina confesses to being not so sure either.

It’s a pleasant evening. 

Oddly, the best part from a dancing perspective anyways, is a series of non-Neil Diamond songs sung in a Neil Diamond style.

Having danced the night away with swaying señorita’s (or, in the case of T & A perhaps that should be señiorita’s) its off to sleep ready for breakfast and the journey home on Sunday

All in all, a great weekend.