#GenderDebate

[tmarshconnors]

The LGBTQ2+ movement…

The LGBTQ2+ movement has undeniably become a powerful force in contemporary culture, pushing for expanded rights, visibility, and acceptance. However, as a staunch supporter of conservative ideals, I can’t help but notice a growing divide within this movement that threatens to undermine the very principles that the original LGBT community stood for. What started as a fight for equality, personal freedom, and dignity has, in many ways, evolved into something far more complex—something that seems to be at odds with the original spirit of the movement. I mean seriously what is LGBTQ2+?!?! It’s apparently an abbreviation that includes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirited, intersex, quest, questioning and asexual. A genuine mouthful.

The Evolution of LGBT: A Movement Rooted in Personal Freedom

The early LGBT movement was centred around the principles of individual freedom, dignity, and the right to live without persecution. Gays and lesbians sought the same civil rights as everyone else—rights to marry, adopt, and live their lives free of discrimination. Trans individuals, though often marginalised, sought recognition and the right to live as their authentic selves. The goal was simple: equality under the law and respect for personal choices.

At its core, the LGBT movement was about personal freedom—the idea that individuals should be able to define themselves and their lives without fear of repression. This resonated with many, even those who held conservative views. After all, isn’t personal responsibility and freedom something conservatives also value deeply? The focus on equality and the right to pursue happiness aligned, in many ways, with the broader American ethos of individual liberty.

The LGBTQ2+ Movement: A Shift in Focus

However, the modern LGBTQ2+ movement has shifted its focus dramatically. What was once about individual rights and personal freedom has morphed into something broader, more ideological, and often more divisive. This expansion has introduced new complexities, and some argue, contradictions, that threaten to undo the progress made by the original LGBT movement.

One of the key concerns is that the LGBTQ2+ movement now seems to focus on identity politics and groupthink, rather than the core principles of personal freedom. Instead of fighting for the rights of individuals to make their own choices, the movement has become heavily politicised, with some factions pushing for societal conformity to their worldview. This shift from personal liberty to collective ideology is problematic for many reasons. It has really been warped by the radial left.

The Internal Conflict: Radicalism vs. Moderation

The rapid expansion of LGBTQ2+ identities has led to growing internal conflicts within the movement. For example, there is a divide between those who advocate for more radical changes in society—such as redefining gender entirely—and those who simply want equal treatment under the law. This has created tension between moderates who align with the original ideals of the LGBT movement and those who push for more extreme social changes.

Radical activism, while it garners attention, often alienates the very people it seeks to convert. Pushing ideas that challenge long-held beliefs about gender, biology, and social norms can feel coercive rather than liberating. Moreover, this radicalism creates fractures within the LGBTQ2+ community itself, as not all members agree with the direction the movement is taking. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals, for instance, may feel their identities are being overshadowed by an overwhelming focus on gender ideology, which can dilute the original goals of the movement.

Alienating Allies and Fuelling Backlash

The broader LGBTQ2+ agenda has also alienated potential allies. Many who once supported the movement for its focus on equality and freedom are now questioning the direction it has taken. The push for societal conformity to ever-evolving concepts of identity and language can feel authoritarian.

The insistence on compliance with new norms—such as the use of certain pronouns or the acceptance of specific gender theories—can be seen as infringing on personal beliefs and free speech. This authoritarian bent, even if well-intentioned, often drives away those who value freedom of thought and expression.

Furthermore, this shift is fuelling a backlash that could potentially undo years of progress. When movements push too far, too fast, they risk sparking resistance from the very people they need to convince. Conservatives who might have been willing to support basic LGBT rights are now being driven into opposition by what they perceive as overreach. Even within more progressive circles, there is a growing discomfort with the direction the LGBTQ2+ movement is taking.

The LGBTQ2+ movement is at a crossroads. It can continue down its current path, pushing for ever more radical changes, but at the risk of alienating both its internal members and external allies. Or, it can refocus on the original ideals that once made it a powerful force for good: personal freedom, dignity, and equality under the law.

As a conservative, I believe in the importance of individual responsibility and freedom. While I may not agree the original LGBT movement stood for, I can respect its focus on equality and the right to live without persecution. However, the current direction of the LGBTQ2+ movement raises serious concerns—not just for conservatives, but for anyone who values the principles of liberty and personal freedom.

If the LGBTQ2+ movement is to remain relevant and successful, it must reconsider its approach. It must find a way to balance the needs of its most radical members with the broader principles that once united it. Otherwise, it risks undermining its own achievements and destroying the ideals that made it a force for change in the first place.

[miamibeachbroker]

This is #great ! #sunnyislesbeach has #solved the #genderdebate once and for all! This is an #intelligent solution to a ridiculous (in my opinion) #problem that has plagued (or distracted) our #society which has largely become so bored and complacent with itself that it creates problems where none exist to pass the #time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIMOBFELyak/?igshid=w0uhbcgbzt96

[tyneoconnell]

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@Muir @jamiejonestv drop round to explore the history of #LGBTQ & the birth of The #Eccentric & #eccentricity as quintessential to the soul of the British & Irish in the 17th Century following the coronation of our first openly & unapologetically #gay king in 1603 - He liberated #lgbtqs & #women to unleash their talent - #shakespeare #francisbacon #ignatiusjones #marywroth #elizabethcarey emerged from the shadows of the Age of #Elizabethan #brutality igniting the Mutability of #genderdebate & the world’s first #celebrity #transgender #maryfrith star of The “Roaring Girl” became a household name ⚜️Unfortunately the liberties of JamesI & King Charles I enraged the #bigots & in 1642 Puritans waged the Civil Wars & abolished Democracy in 1648 #olivercromwell established his Puritan Military Dictatorship & embarked on his program of racial & moral cleansing with #genocides on #Irish & #lgbtq until 1658 History exposes the threat of #bigotry poses to progress & the importance of celebrating #Eccentricity - subsequently we cogitated on the extraordinary experiences we have encountered on @muirs photographic documentary of my life as a #mayfair #eccentric - next adventure: #westminsterabbey & as #virginiawoolf declared: “....all should let flowers fall on the tomb of #aphrabehn for ‘tis she who enabled women (and #lgbtq ‘s) to Speak their mind” (at Mayfair) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Nq4xDAzqx/?igshid=69p4tjnesrqp

[kathrynevansink]

In which I nearly miss the most exciting event of my writing life.

Last year I was invited to take part in Edinburgh International Book Festival. I was very over excited – it was my first major event as a published author and I had a hard job believing I was actual there.

In my actual life.

Jo Cotterill held my hand and we put on a pretty good show. We laughed a lot. AND THEN…

Thanks to a huge number of wonderful voters, who I will forever be indebted to, More of Me became the very first YA novel ever to win the Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award. Roll on a year…and EIBF invited me back!

You’d think I’d have calmed down a bit after a year wouldn’t you? Well…non. I was even more excited because I knew how much fun I was going to have. I had two events planned. Secondly – it was my turn to hold the hand of a new girl – and what an honour it was because I loved Penny Joelson’s unusual debut, I Have No Secrets. But firstly…firstly I was on a panel discussing gender in books and toys, hosted by South East Scotland SCWBI co-ordinators Sarah Broadley and Anita Gallo. And on the panel with me….

JONATHAN STROUD AND DAVID LEVITHAN.

I nearly wee’d myself when I found out.

I know.

I am so not cool,  but it’s true.

  I devoured Jonathan Stroud’s Lockwood series and David Levithan wrote one of my all time EVER favorite books, Everyday. And I was on a panel. With them both.

The big day arrived – I had a comfortable six hours between arriving in Scotland and going on stage. So comfortable I planned to see Tanya Landman and Laura Dockrill’s event before my own.  I arrived at the airport super early, paranoid, as ever, about being late, and checked in my bag (too big for the cabin because it’s full of ridiculous petticoats) – then I settled down with a cup of tea and my laptop and wondered if it’s okay to take a picture of the large number of armed police eating cake in Costa.

Couldn’t resist…

I wrote a bit, tweeted a bit and then looked up at the departures board. I blinked. I couldn’t be reading the board right. My flight was delayed by three hours. THREE HOURS.  I hurried to the harassed looking woman on the desk – could I get on a different flight?  No – because I’d checked in a bag.

Oh My Actual….AAAARGH!!!!

Three hours. I had no choice, I had to calm down and wait- it still left me a cushion of three hours. We’d be boarding at 2.55. It would be fine. I rang the wonderful Roxburghe Hotel where the fabulous James organised a meet and greet taxi for me. I let the festival know I was running late but I would be there. I repeated, it would be fine. Fine. 2.55 came….and went. With no further information at all. The tiny airport was  crammed with people from other delayed flights. I returned to the harassed airport staff to ask what was happening with my flight. The woman looked at me like I’d spat in her tea and said,

“It’s been delayed.”

“I know that, but can you give me any idea when it will be taking off, I have a really important event I need to get to.”

“No. I can’t.”

“Just roughly? Please? I need to let people know if I’m not going to make it.”

I was nearly crying by this point, and trying very hard to keep my cool. She poked a few buttons other computer –

“There’s been an electrical storm, the plane has diverted, it should be here in the next 30 minutes.”

That had to do, I sat down and waited. And waited. Half an hour came and

…went.

My plane eventually arrived and so did I, in Edinburgh, with 5 minutes to spare.

Anita Gallo, Kathryn Evans, Jonathan Stroud, David Levithan, Sarah Broadley.

I threw on my frock and raced across the road to the festival. I’d missed Tanya and Laura’s event, I had no time to curl my hair or iron my dress but I’d made it. The event had sold out, the audience were fantastic, the night was one of the high points of my author life – to think I could have missed it…

Edinburgh Book Festival lived up to it’s reputation in my heart for being a little corner of book heaven. I met up with pals, both writers and not writers; hugged the wonderful Book Witch ( if you don’t follow her blog – you should, it’s brill); had breakfast with Juno Dawson,  opposite Eddie Redmayne’s gorgeous little girl (and her Mum and Dad, also gorgeous);  I met readers.

The festival sold out of my books; I spent more than I should on other people’s books; I fan-girled a bit (a lot);  I went to a drop in workshop run by Jonathan Stroud  where Christopher Edge and I invented a brilliant game of Snakes and Ladders called:

How to Make It Big in Books.

(Rights still available)

And finally, I had my picture taken by the amazing Chris Close.

Genuinely, there is no happier place for a writer and a reader than Edinburgh International Book Festival. If I don’t get invited as a writer next year, I’ll be going as a reader 🙂

Kathryn Evans is the author of More of Me, winner of the 2016 Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award, nominated for the Carnegie medal and  winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award 2017

Edinburgh Book Festival: 2017 In which I nearly miss the most exciting event of my writing life. Last year I was invited to take part in Edinburgh International Book Festival.

[aforfresh]

#Repost from @blaqchan with @regram.app ... Another thrilling time on Radio... The International Human Rights Law group highlighted that, in Nigeria, customary law has been used to settle at least 80% of land disputes to the disadvantage of women. Do women have the right to inherit land or titles where you come from? Should they have these rights? Have you been disinherited because you are a woman? Welcome to Reality Check, this is where your voice is heard. QOTD: Who deserves inheritance, man or woman? Join AFOLABI AJOMALE (Area Service Director, Youth Involvement and Activities (Africa) for Y's Men International) today at 11am (GMT + 1) as we go head to head. Can listen online at www.rainbow941.fm #SDGevangelism #radioguest #genderdebate #realitycheck #faceoff #infodebate #genderequality #inheritance #realitycheckwithaforfem #globalgoals ❤✌🌟

[thoughtsofju]

Tumblr, I understand your fight for trans and genderqueer and nonbinary and everything else.

I understand.

But the more you yell and scream and tell us “don’t genderbend”, “Here’s 5000 Million pronouns use them correctly” and “Here’s a billion terms for sexuallity and gender, you should remember them all” please think.

The more you yell and scream and curse and use so many words that seem so silly the less likely people are going to listen to you.

Educate, do it.

But don’t be an ass about it.

Don’t classify things when your tagline seems to be “NO CLASSIFICATION OF THINGS THAT’S EVIL:”

Just don’t

This has been a friendly PSA (◡‿◡✿)

[kathrynevansink]

I am SO EXCITED!!!

I still have  a week until I head up to Edinburgh for the festival but I can’t sit still. I’ve already had my hair done and my petticoats are packed. 

Pink, Purple and Blue Gender Themed Hair!

Last year I had an amazing time  – this year I think it may be off the scale. Things I’m looking forward to:

Catching up with SCBWI and Scotland based friends.

Seeing beautiful Edinburgh again.

Hanging around the author yurt and bumping into pals but also  lolling outside reading and drinking Prosecco and making new pals!

Hearing Laura Dockrill and Tanya Landman talk Pushing Boundaries. Tanya’s other two events are already sold out so I’m super lucky to be seeing her at all.

Debating Gender in books and toys with SCBWI chair Sarah Broadly,  the brilliant Lockwood and Co author Jonathan Stroud and David Levithan – author of one of my all time favourite books, Everyday.  Aaaargh!!! I can’t believe that is actually happening.

Discussing Debuting the Unusual with Penny Joelson – we’ll both be talking about why we write what we write – I love Penny’s debut, I Have No Secrets – it’s very unusual and let’s face it, More of Me is a weird book. It’ll be an interesting ( and revealing)  discussion!

Meeting readers in the book shop.

Queuing up to get my books signed – the chatter in the queue is always book related and FAB.

Aaargh – am such a book geek and I don’t care who knows it. I am so lucky to be going again – hope to see some of you there –   The Gender Debate is sold out but  I think there are still tickets for Debuting the Unusual

Please come! Edinburgh International Book Festival is like a little corner of book heaven, come and share it!

Kathryn Evans and Jo Cotterill sign piles of books!

Kathryn Evans is the author of More of Me, winner of the 2016 Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award, nominated for the Carnegie medal and  winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award 2017

Edinburgh International Book Festival I am SO EXCITED!!! I still have  a week until I head up to Edinburgh for the festival but I can't sit still.

[aforfresh]

#Repost from @blaqchan with @regram.app ... Pls kindly join Afolabi Ajomale (The Area Service Director, Youth Involvement and Activities for Y's Men International Africa) @blaqchan and I in this show down today on @rainbow94.1fm by 11am (GMT + 1) as we go head to head. This is certainly a big subject and we are curious to hear what you think; who is a better manager, man or woman? Does gender decide your managerial skills or is it subjective and devoid of any gender specificity? QOTD: Who is a better Manager, man or woman? Can listen online at www.rainbow941.fm #debaters #headtohead #bettermanager #manager #managertussle #manorwoman #manager #manage #management #greatdebate #realitycheck #newsegment #rainbowfm #radioguest #SDGevangelism #genderdebate