Controversial opinion piece in the August 15 edition of Hastings Independent Press

Women wasting their time fighting other women…

The latest edition of Hastings Independent Press (HIP) has caused upset amongst regular readers because of an article over the definition of what is a ‘woman’. Erica Smith looks at why some of HIP’s readers and stockists have lost faith in the newspaper as a result of the anonymous opinion piece.

The 15 August edition of Hastings Independent Press includes an article by ‘members of East Sussex Women’s Rights Network’ (ESWRN). The gender-critical organisation is supportive of April’s controversial Supreme Court ruling which defines ‘sex’ as biological sex at birth. In short, the organisation believes that trans women are not women and should be excluded from women-only spaces.

Rejecting inclusion leads to exclusion

Local intersectional feminist group, Women’s Voice, was attacked in the article for stating that ‘there is no feminism without trans women’ and for not inviting Women’s Rights Network to have a stall at the inclusive event that the group hosts for International Women’s Day. Women’s Voice is currently preparing a response to the ESWRN.

Katy Baird from LGBTQI+ organisation Home Live Art said: “I’m hugely disappointed that HIP published such a divisive article without checking the facts. Opinion is one thing, but spreading misinformation is another. It claims women’s safety is at risk, yet there’s no evidence that trans-inclusive spaces endanger women; crime statistics and reviews show no such link. It dismisses gender-affirming care, despite peer-reviewed research proving it reduces distress and suicide risk. And these groups aren’t excluded by local organistations because they are ‘pro-woman’, they’re excluded because they reject inclusion. Framing this as ‘women versus trans people’ ignores the law, the evidence and the reality which only fuels division instead of solidarity.”

Co-founder of Trans Pride Hastings, Victoria Oldman, stated: “I am apalled to see this piece printed in the Hastings Independent. Hastings and St Leonards has time and time again proven to be an enormously welcoming and accepting place for the trans community. This article is deliberately misleading and in no way representative of our proudly diverse town. Attempts to whip up hysteria, hate and fear for women and trans folk alike is not in any way welcome here.”

Lesbians support their trans sisters

DJ Emma Joliffe said “I – along with hundreds of lesbians I know – see trans women as friends, comrades and sisters in the fight against the patriarchy, and we share so many struggles. We are tired of seeing this kind of misinformation and bigotry about trans women, who are just trying to live their lives in peace. It’s difficult enough trying to navigate the world as a trans person, to access gender-affirming care, to deal with the complexities of relationships across transitions, and the very real threat of violence – and then “articles” such as this one appear. The article encourages people to challenge anyone they suspect of being trans in ‘women-only’ spaces – how do they think this will play out?

“Already we have reports of non-gender conforming women being challenged in toilets. This disgusting bigotry keeps no-one safe- it merely makes it worse for everyone.

“It is so bizarre to focus on trans people – a tiny minority – and not the cis men who commit crimes against women daily. If your so-called feminism is only concerned with trans people then I’m afraid you’ve gone very wrong along the way.
Trans women are loved, accepted and valued by the vast majority of lesbians.”

Actions not words

Regular readers of HIP have been reported to be collecting up copies of the newspaper to use for cat litter trays and starting fires.

Fundraiser Julie Eason said – “I’d encourage readers to think about whether HIP aligns with your values – and if it doesn’t – maybe it’s time to stop lending your support as a reader or advertiser.”

Both Alan Day-Jolly from The Forbidden Fruit bar and Anton Burton-Windsor who runs the St Leonards Market have both said they will no longer allow Hastings Independent to be stocked.

All cis women who want to show support for their trans sisters are welcome to sign the ‘Not in our Name’ petition.

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