- As a man totally at ease with my own biology, it simply doesn't affect me.
- Frankly, I don't understand it. I don't mean that in a dismissive way. I just literally don't understand it in that I don't know what it's like to feel you're in the wrong body. I also believe commenting on something you genuinely know nothing about is both ignorant and arrogant, so I have avoided doing same.
- It's a fucking landmine politically and as it didn't affect me personally, I thought it best to steer clear.
However, a few things have changed in recent times. One was the harassment in my profession, of staff, because of the availability of certain LGBT material in libraries. Thankfully it didn't affect me personally, but I know many people were shaken by it. Then there was the shameful treatment by anti- trans activists of Imane Khelif, a biological woman, who was a victim of a bizarre hate campaign. I myself received vile abuse from an anti-trans fanatic I once considered my friend, because I dared to support Imane on my page.
Now this judgement in the UK telling trans women they're not women. I'm sure some of those responsible for this verdict may have genuinely thought this was about protecting women, but what they've really done now is given carte blanche to bigots to further marginalise an already vulnerable group of people.
I don't care if a Mary was born a Michael, I really don't. I've enough of my own problems, I do care though that now that Mary is told she's still Michael, that she is further ostracized and may be at serious risk to her mental health.
There are, potentially, issues around public conveniences, there are issues around where trans women fit into full contact sports. You won't solve those issues by stripping people of their rights and their dignity. If you meet me and I misgender you, let me know and I'll address you correctly. Then I'll go about my day.
⏩Donal O'Driscoll is political activist from West Cork.
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