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Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
I admit to being a ‘Terf': Tired of Explaining Reality to Fools
One of the things that makes me feel most patriotic – and such feelings do not come easily, trust me – is that I live on Terf Island. Baffled Americans who have swallowed the Kool Aid and recite things like 'Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary people are valid', while living in a country that chops the breasts off disturbed young women, look at the likes of me and my friends, who want kids left alone, and think it is us who have the problem. For them we are some kind of monsters. We, the Terfs of Terf Island (a misguidedly derogatory nickname that reflects the UK's important role as the centre of gender-critical feminism), want to protect the rights of women and children. And with support we are slowly turning the pernicious gender juggernaut round in just about every area. I can't remember the first time I was called a Terf. It was meant as an insult (trans-exclusionary radical feminist). Originally, the only bit that I felt applied to me was 'feminist'. I did not want to exclude trans people. I am not that radical. But I am tired. It's been a long old battle trying to explain that biology should not trump ideology. TERF: Tired of Explaining Reality to F---wits. To be labelled a Terf was an attempt to shut bolshy women down. Now, a new book, Terf Island, by Sex Matters campaigner Fiona McAnena, reflects the struggle by looking at the social history of the resistance to gender ideology. It's out on August 1, and is well worth a read. As the book highlights, our basic objections were (and still are) to men in women's spaces, men in women's sports, the medicalisation and sterilisation of children, and the erasure of the word women from language so that we became 'people with cervixes' or 'gestational carriers'. The idea that sex itself was changeable and just an undefined feeling in your head? We didn't buy any of this and we were seen as old, redundant, out of touch. Why wouldn't a bunch of awkward, often middle-aged women (which included lesbians) just go along with the shiny new creed where no one was born male or female anymore and everyone could be everything on a whim, the trans activists must have wondered. How mega exciting! (And how profitable for big pharma, big medicine, big shrinkery.) Who would not want to be modern and sexually ambiguous? As for stuff like rights and spaces and protections for women and safeguarding for children… who cares? That was from the dark days, before rainbow lanyards and flags. Yet Terfs just would not get with the programme. We committed the biggest sin of all. We simply did not believe that a man in a wig and stockings could be a woman. What's more, we organised – and held gatherings supported by the advocacy group Woman's Place. Networks were created. The Lesbian and Gay Alliance was formed. Court cases where women had been discriminated against for their 'gender-critical beliefs' were won. Bit by bit, Terf Island was countering the ultra-effective lobbying of Stonewall, which had wormed its way into many public sector bodies. In Scotland, Sturgeon's push to allow gender self-ID fell apart after we saw where that could lead – Isla Bryson, a rapist in a female prison. Since then, Labour, having idiotically signed up to the SNP's self-ID cause, has been coming round. We have had the Sullivan Review, the Cass Review and the Supreme Court ruling, all seeking to improve data collection, policy-making and definitions around sex and gender, rooted in biological fact. I've been maligned for years as a Terf, so excuse me while I celebrate the victories of grassroots groups of busy women against much of the establishment. Other European countries, Australia and, whisper it, some Americans are now paying attention to our push-back, particularly on puberty blockers and 'gender medicine'. Trump's slogan at the election ' Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you ' tapped into the unease many were already feeling. But cult thinking is hard to give up. Tim Roca, the Labour MP for Macclesfield, does not appear to have got the memo that his party has accepted that the word woman means biological woman. He found the Supreme Court judgment 'very depressing', even though it simply clarified the law. He described 'transphobes' as 'swivel-eyed' and 'not very well people'. It's going to be very hard for these people to row back. One-hit wonder Kate Nash has recorded a song that rambles on and then addresses people like me as germs. ('Exclusionary, regressive, misogynist (germ, germ)/Yeah, you're not rad at all.') A young posh duo called the Lambrini Girls perform a muddled ditty with the chorus 'Shut your stupid f---ing mouth you stupid f---ing Terf / There's a reason your kids aren't returning your calls, Carol'. I am afraid these people may think they are rad and out-there but they are missing what is going on. You know, in the world? The slow-motion car-crash of the tribunal of Sandie Peggie, who was cleared of misconduct after NHS Fife suspended her when she complained about having to share a changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a transgender medic, is revealing what happens when an organisation panders to the whims of a trans-identifying male. We end up with a nurse suspended for wanting to change in private. The Peggie case is covering NHS Fife in gender woo-woo that it can't shake it off. It has beclowned itself by putting gender ideology above common sense. This is the level of insanity that Terfs have stood against for years now. But it's changing.
The Herald Scotland
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
NHS Fife under pressure over Peggie tribunal statement
It was widely criticised and has since been edited a number of times, including twice on Sunday. READ MORE Monday's hearing was delayed as the two legal teams held private discussions with Employment Judge Sandy Kemp. Ms Peggie's lawyers would not discuss what was said, but 'confirmed that they have asked Fife Health Board to confirm the names of those individuals who signed off the statement they issued on Friday and still await a reply'. The initial statement referenced the CEO of Sex Matters, Maya Forstater, who has already given evidence, and the group's chair, barrister Naomi Cunningham KC, who is leading Ms Peggie's case. The next paragraph stated that while the case had attracted 'significant and very polarised debate' on social media, 'what began as debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland'. During Friday's hearing, Ms Peggie's barrister, Charlotte Elves, told the tribunal: 'Paragraph four of the statement seems to conclude that [Sex Matters' involvement] has resulted in more worrying behaviour that has involved Police Scotland. 'It is a matter of some concern that a party to proceedings seems to link a witness in these proceedings with the conduct of members of the public, including threats of physical violence.' The statement was later amended to say that 'NHS Fife was not seeking to suggest that anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above'. It was then edited again to remove mention of Ms Cunningham and Ms Forstater. By Monday, all reference to Sex Matters had been removed. The Peggie tribunal resumed last week after a five-month adjournment. Ms Peggie, an A&E nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, is suing the board and Dr Beth Upton after she was suspended for raising objections to the trans woman doctor's use of a female changing room on Christmas Eve 2023. The row comes as political pressure on the board increases. Scottish Labour politicians Melanie Ward and Claire Baker met Ms Peggie on Monday morning. Taking to X, Ms Ward, the MP for Cowdenbeath and [[Kirkcaldy]], said her constituents were 'losing faith' in the board. She said: 'This morning @clairebakermsp & I met with Sandie Peggie, who I have spoken in support of in Parliament. 'Sandie has 30 years' service as a nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and should never have had to take legal action to uphold her right to change in a single-sex space. 'This is the SNP's Scotland, where ideology trumps the law. 'Constituents are rapidly losing faith in the leadership of NHS Fife. 'Both their position and that of the [[SNP]] Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP is increasingly untenable.' This morning @clairebakermsp & I met with Sandie Peggie, who I have spoken in support of in Parliament. Sandie has 30 years' service as a nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy & should never have had to take legal action to uphold her right to change in a single sex space. — Melanie Ward MP (@melanie_ward) July 21, 2025 Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said if the Chief Executive and the board did not step down, the First Minister, John Swinney, should intervene. 'As an MSP representing Fife, I have been appalled by the treatment of my constituent, a nurse with 30 years of unblemished service, who was suspended by her employers because she complained about the presence of a biological male 'trans woman' in the women's changing room at her hospital,' he said. 'What we've seen over the past few weeks in the employment tribunal taken by Sandie Peggie is an appalling catalogue of failure on the part of NHS Fife and its mistreatment of their employee. 'I believe we are now at the point where the public have lost confidence in NHS Fife and its management. Its Chief Executive and the board must step down, and if they will not do so voluntarily, then John Swinney the First Minister needs to come out of hiding and sack them and restore public confidence in this failing institution.' READ MORE On Monday, the tribunal heard from Lottie Myles, a service manager at NHS Fife who was tasked with reviewing Ms Peggie's suspension. She said that despite complaints from Dr Upton about Ms Peggie's practice — including an accusation she walked out on seeing a patient — the incident had not been escalated or reported in the correct manner at the time. Lottie Myles said she didn't want to go on hearsay (Image: Iain Masterton) Ms Myles also said she had been told by other NHS Fife staff — including Dr Upton's line manager, Dr Kate Searle — that Ms Peggie had previously been involved in racist incidents in the workplace, including using a racial slur to describe a consultant. However, Ms Myles said these incidents had never been reported or documented. She added she was not willing to use 'hearsay' when deciding whether Ms Peggie should return to work. Ms Myles said: 'There were views that Sandie was homophobic and there were elements of racism in her beliefs. It's hearsay. I try to disregard views which haven't been documented or there's little evidence of.' She added: 'I wanted both parties to be treated fairly and equally. The situation was 'she said/ she said', we were limited on witnesses and things being documented.' Ms Myles said: 'I actually challenged that by saying: 'Why wasn't this documented? Why wasn't it escalated?' Nobody could confirm, but I felt that was hearsay. I felt that to try to prevent any other allegations from happening having a senior team member on duty would be supportive for her.' She said it was agreed to put the pair on 'opposite shifts' and for Ms Peggie to be supervised during a phased return, describing it as a 'compromise', the tribunal heard. Ms Myles said that her involvement ceased around April 19 at the request of head of nursing Gillian Malone, and she had no role in the investigation. The tribunal continues.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
NHS Fifeinsists lawyers signed off explosive Peggie release
The health board's initial statement — addressing what it described as "misinformation" around the case — went online just after 3pm last Friday, as the tribunal entered its final hour for the day. The statement has since been edited at least twice. It has also been described as 'petulant' by the Scottish Information Commissioner, who warned of contempt of court proceedings in the Court of Session. It looks set to be raised before Employment Judge Sandy Kemp at the start of Monday's session. READ MORE Paragraph three of NHS Fife's original statement referenced the CEO of Sex Matters, Maya Forstater, who has already given evidence, and the group's chair, barrister Naomi Cunningham KC, who is leading Ms Peggie's case. The next paragraph stated that while the case had attracted 'significant and very polarised debate' on social media, 'what began as debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland'. During Friday's hearing, Ms Peggie's barrister Charlotte Elves told the tribunal: 'Paragraph four of the statement seems to conclude that [Sex Matters' involvement] has resulted in more worrying behaviour that has involved Police Scotland. "It is a matter of some concern that a party to proceedings seems to link a witness in these proceedings with the conduct of members of the public, including threats of physical violence.' NHS Fife's senior counsel, Jane Russell KC, said she had only just seen the statement and asked for more time to consider it. However, she rejected the suggestion that it contained anything defamatory or untrue. 'There is no way NHS Fife's statement could be seen to directly link the threats to those involved with Sex Matters,' she said. Nevertheless, NHS Fife later tweaked the release, adding: 'To be clear, NHS Fife is not seeking to suggest that anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above.' It was edited again to remove mention of Ms Cunningham and Ms Forstater. The Peggie tribunal resumed last week after a five-month adjournment. Ms Peggie, an A&E nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, is suing the board and Dr Beth Upton, after she was suspended for raising objections to the trans woman doctor's use of a female changing room on Christmas Eve 2023. On Sunday, the Courier quoted an NHS Fife manager who described the statement as 'extremely badly advised'. 'We have lost the confidence of local politicians. 'Anyone who signed that statement off should face scrutiny,' they added. An NHS Fife spokesman told the paper its legal representatives had approved the 1,700-word intervention. Ms Russell told The Herald she could "not comment on, or in connection with, cases in which I am instructed." NHS Fife has been approached for comment. READ MORE The paper also quoted a senior source saying NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter faced an internal 'crisis' due to a lack of staff confidence in her. 'I find this hard to say, but yes, unfortunately the responsibility for this stops with the chief executive. Her position is not tenable,' they said. Labour's Joani Reid said: 'The conduct of NHS Fife bosses is a disgrace. They've failed in every possible way: morally, professionally and as leaders. They should be sacked and never allowed near the NHS again. 'This goes way beyond Fife. It's a national scandal — a shameful reflection of how the Scottish Government allows [[pub]]lic services to be run: ideological, defensive and unaccountable. A system that protects power, not people.' Meanwhile, the Mail on Sunday reported that the Auditor General could launch a probe into the health board. Stephen Boyle told the paper: 'Without commenting on the specifics of the case... I understand across the piece why the public will want to be satisfied that public money is spent properly, consistent with the roles and responsibility of public bodies who are tasked with implementing government policy.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Tory leader calls for resignations at NHS Fife over Sandie Peggie tribunal
Ms Peggie was suspended from her job as an A&E nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy in 2024 after complaining about having to share a changing room with trans medic Dr Beth Upton. Ms Peggie took the board to an employment tribunal which began earlier this year. But this week, Ms Peggie was cleared of a bullying and harassment complaint from Dr Upton, as the tribunal reconvened. Mr Findlay has called for NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter to resign, along with the authority's board, and if they refuse, the Scottish Government should step in and sack them, he said. 'This ongoing slow-motion car crash from NHS Fife confirms that Carol Potter and her entire board can no longer remain in post,' the Scottish Tory leader said. 'In their zeal to embrace the SNP's bonkers belief in gender ideology, they were willing to destroy the career of a nurse and waste huge sums of taxpayers' money.' Mr Findlay claimed the board was 'smearing Sandie Peggie and the campaigners who have stood with her'. On Friday, the board released a lengthy statement claiming there had been a threat of 'physical harm and sexual violence' in relation to the tribunal, but clarified this is not believed to be related to any of Ms Peggie's supporters. An earlier version of the statement had referenced the involvement of the campaign group Sex Matters. 'The claimant's case is being supported by Sex Matters, whose chief executive officer and co-founder was called as a witness by the claimant in the earlier hearing. 'The claimant's barrister is also chair of Sex Matters. 'Other members of the organisation's 'advisory group' have provided commentary to the media on a number of occasions where no reference is made to their direct involvement.' The updated version of the statement removed reference to the group's involvement in the tribunal and inserted two notes saying the board 'is not seeking to suggest that Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned'. Mr Findlay added: 'John Swinney, Neil Gray and their SNP colleagues appear to be the only people left in Scotland who think this is OK. 'If the NHS Fife board won't do the right thing and quit, then they should be sacked.' A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: 'As this is an active legal case, it would be inappropriate to respond to these comments.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'It would be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an employment tribunal are ongoing.'
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Tory leader calls for resignations at NHS Fife over Sandie Peggie tribunal
Ms Peggie was suspended from her job as an A&E nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy in 2024 after complaining about having to share a changing room with trans medic Dr Beth Upton. Ms Peggie took the board to an employment tribunal which began earlier this year. But this week, Ms Peggie was cleared of a bullying and harassment complaint from Dr Upton, as the tribunal reconvened. Mr Findlay has called for NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter to resign, along with the authority's board, and if they refuse, the Scottish Government should step in and sack them, he said. 'This ongoing slow-motion car crash from NHS Fife confirms that Carol Potter and her entire board can no longer remain in post,' the Scottish Tory leader said. 'In their zeal to embrace the SNP's bonkers belief in gender ideology, they were willing to destroy the career of a nurse and waste huge sums of taxpayers' money.' Mr Findlay claimed the board was 'smearing Sandie Peggie and the campaigners who have stood with her'. On Friday, the board released a lengthy statement claiming there had been a threat of 'physical harm and sexual violence' in relation to the tribunal, but clarified this is not believed to be related to any of Ms Peggie's supporters. An earlier version of the statement had referenced the involvement of the campaign group Sex Matters. 'The claimant's case is being supported by Sex Matters, whose chief executive officer and co-founder was called as a witness by the claimant in the earlier hearing. 'The claimant's barrister is also chair of Sex Matters. 'Other members of the organisation's 'advisory group' have provided commentary to the media on a number of occasions where no reference is made to their direct involvement.' The updated version of the statement removed reference to the group's involvement in the tribunal and inserted two notes saying the board 'is not seeking to suggest that Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned'. Mr Findlay added: 'John Swinney, Neil Gray and their SNP colleagues appear to be the only people left in Scotland who think this is OK. 'If the NHS Fife board won't do the right thing and quit, then they should be sacked.' A spokesperson for NHS Fife said: 'As this is an active legal case, it would be inappropriate to respond to these comments.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'It would be inappropriate to comment further while judicial proceedings in an employment tribunal are ongoing.'
