I feel utterly let down by the @OpenUniversity. I have used my visibility as a #transgender man, singing your praises and acting as an ambassador to encourage others to study with you. This weak internal statement on the Gender Critical Network is simply not enough. 
The OU sheild is a symbol of academic prestige and endorsement. If you dont endorse the GCN then why are they allowed to use the sheild? Even our OU LGBT group @OU_Pride wasnt allowed to use the sheild.
This is an example of a much more robust response to the GCN lse.ac.uk/gender/news/ju…
I am being inundated with messages from trans students who now feel unsafe and potential students who are now changing their mind about the OU.
"..I cannot possibly go on being part of a university that gives its approval to and provides a home for the Gender Critical Research Network"
medium.com/@mewlingcreatu…
medium.com/@mewlingcreatu…
Thank you @essers for writing this powerful.and heartfelt article
As an ambassador, my face is all over the @OpenUniversity and now as a #transgender man, this makes me feel utterly sick to my stomach.
"...Many trans & non-binary people are frightened of the current atmosphere....They are now concerned that in expressing themselves they may run up against tutors, etc. who are antagonistic or worst about their rights"
worldwearywoman.medium.com/open-universit…
worldwearywoman.medium.com/open-universit…
Thank you to everyone who is retweeting. I know how hard it is to stick your neck out on these things, so please know how grateful us trans and non binary folks are for your allyship.
For those unsure what gender critical means and why its problematic medium.com/@transphilosop…
Great response by @OU_Pride who are formulating an open letter
https://twitter.com/OU_Pride/status/1406193436668141569?s=19
It would be wonderful if we could have the support of @OUstudents in this matter too.
Fantastic to have so much support from internal staff at the OU
docs.google.com/document/d/1v1…
docs.google.com/document/d/1v1…
@OU_Pride are formulating an open letter which current students and alumi can add to. Find it here docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…
Heartfelt letter from @rimmsie and @A_Phen
the founders of @OU_Pride
docs.google.com/document/d/1Gr…
the founders of @OU_Pride
docs.google.com/document/d/1Gr…
You only have to briefly look at some of the comments on here to see what us trans folks face every day of our lives, from those who are 'gender critical'. As you can see its transphobia, thinly disguised in academic language. Wrap a turd in pretty paper, it's still a turd.
Thank you to #openuniversity students, alumi, and staff who are bravely sharing how the creation of the GCN is affecting you. I will add your tweets to this thread. Thank you also for keeping this thread calm. Let's keep our side of the street clean.
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