Thread by @BLUFclub

OK, so where does #BLUFclub stand on trans issues, and things like self-ID? Well, broadly speaking, since it's not a democracy, it stands more or less where I do, since I set policy. So, let's look more at that, shall we?

Firstly, the vast majority of applications to BLUF have always been done online, without an applicant having to be seen in person. Nor have we ever required proof of identification, still less of gender.

The requirement to join is that you are a man, and you meet the dresscode. The bulk of our members are gay, and it would be fair to call us a gay club. But we have straight members, and bi members too.

If people ask "I'm straight, can I join BLUF?" my answer is "Sure, if you meet the dresscode, but be aware you may be hit on by guys wanting sex. If that's a problem for you, you probably won't enjoy it"

Of course, since we don't require people to disclose anything during sign up (other than to state they're over 18), we really don't know - and never have - how many members identify as gay, straight, bi. Or even trans

I'm pretty sure that we have trans members, but it's up to them to tell people if they want to. We've never checked someone's pants before they join, and I'm not about to start rummaging in them to thrown people out either.

And since we don't do those checks, it would be futile to say "trans men are not welcome in #BLUFclub" because all that would do is encourage people to be quiet and stay in the trans closet.

When I have talked about this in the past some have said "OMG, I might be talking to someone on BLUF who has lady parts."

Well, yes, I daresay you might.

But you know what? Anything more than chat is a negotiation. If you can't have fulfilling sex without fisting, say, I'd expect you to mention that to someone before taking them to bed.

And if you think your genitals might not be the ones someone is expecting, I think it's polite to say so. And they, of course, have the right to turn you do.
What they don't have is the right to second guess your gender for you.

We don't accept other people questioning our definition of our own sexuality, and I don't think we accept questioning someone else's gender.

All are welcome; openness and honesty are encouraged

On the specific issue of self-ID in the UK, I think requiring a statutory declaration is sufficient, and will negate the arguments against it, like men says "Oh, I'm going to be a woman today, to get into that changing room"

Finally (probably) - the T is in LGBT because when it comes to issues related to gender/sexuality, like marriage and discrimination, there is a huge commonality between LGB and Trans people.
All 'sexual' minorities face similar issues, esp with religion, education and so on.

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