We need to talk about menstruation. Contrary to the views of a very famous author, using the word "menstruator" is not an attempt to erase the word "woman". The word menstruator is used to describe people who menstruate. This is not the same as women.
I'm a 34 year old woman and for most of my adult life have not menstruated due to a variety of contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. When decisions are being taken on access to free sanitary products those who menstruate should be able to access them, not just women.
We are seeing increased incidence of precocious puberty. Girls are starting menstruation at a young age in some instances. These are not women. They are girls. But they are also menstruators.
Trans men menstruate and have cervixes/ovarian cancer. They are not women but they are menstruators. Post-menopausal women are women, but not menstruators.
The two terms mean different things and are used in different circumstances. The term menstruator is not used to erase the term woman. It's used to describe those who menstruate. I am a woman. I am not a menstruator.
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In 1915 my Great Granny’s father was killed when his fishing boat was cut in half by a British war ship. My Great Granny’s mother, was left to raise 5 girls by herself.
She had to make the choice about whether or not to keep my Great Granny, or hand her over to a relative who had more money. Imagine having to choose whether or not to keep a child? This belongs in the last century.
Yet the evil Tory rape clause means people are having to make those same choices today.
A few people have contacted me with worries about the GRA section in the SNP manifesto. I read it to mean that a re-elected SNP Scot gov would make changes to the GRA.
However a lot of you have read it as meaning that there will be another consultation. We have had enough consultations. Legislation needs to change to make legal gender recognition easier.
Should the SNP, or anyone else, intend to kick this into the future, or run another consultation, I will be standing right there with the trans community and allies, telling my government that they’re wrong.
Focus on improving mental health services - 25% increase in direct Scot Gov investment.
Funding to support families visiting children who receive in patient care. I’ve met many parents who’ve struggled with this when their bairns have been in hospital in Glasgow or elsewhere.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon announcing the transformational @theSNP manifesto, pledging large increases in NHS spending and a focus on mental health too. #BothVotesSNP
We will abolish all NHS dentistry charges! Yaaaass! 🦷 universal healthcare provided free at the point of need. So many of my constituents will benefit from this. (Too many 😢)
A National wage for care staff. So, so important. 25% increase in spend on social care over course of the Parliament. And removing charges for non residential social care!
I know that the local management have fought hard and that the store was actually doing really well compared to other stores. This is a shoddy decision.
This is a huge employer in the city centre. The impact on George Street and the Bon Accord Centre will likely be devastating.
Home schooling reminders for those starting tomorrow.
1. Do not judge yourself against others. Just because they post a happy pic doesn’t mean they’re not also drowning. 2. You have a right to be sad and find things hard even if you have fewer children / a less demanding job / a bigger home than other people.
3. We are in the midst of a global pandemic. People are dying. It is understandable that you and your children will be tired, stressed and worried. Cut everyone some slack, especially yourself.
4. If you’re working speak to your employer and ask for flexibility if you need it.