On changing definitions of “sexual orientation” in UK Universities: a thread. 1. Possibly one of the strangest things about #Stonewall in recent times is that - despite its being originally set up to advocate for same-sex attracted people - it has recently unilaterally changed the definition of “sexual orientation”.

1. Wondering how Universities come up with trans policies? Stonewall document “Trans Inclusive Policies and Benefits” gives you a good idea. On p.2, they stipulate each organisation should have 4 trans policies (compare: how many policies does your Uni have for BAME students?) 2. On p.5 they address “transphobia” (remember: defined as including “denial/refusal to accept.. gender identity”). They urge staff be made aware of “subtle and nuanced ways transphobia can occur”. One college is praised for enabling 3rd party reporting of “hate incidents”

In coming weeks, we hope to shine light on aspects of Stonewall-sponsored University trans policies, which we think indirectly lead to no-platforming events like Rachel's. Here are three tasters.

First: a definition of being trigender, from Brunel University's policy: Second, a definition of pangender, from the University of Essex trans policy (where, as it happens, Professor Jo Phoenix was no-platformed last week):

1. Gender-critical academics in Stonewall-sponsored universities, trying to organise research events, often face requirement that events be “balanced” (often combined with fact no one from “other side” will accept).
Yet here’s selection of recent events within UK universities. 2. Do these look "balanced" to you?

First up: a recent event at Oxford Brookes, scene of @RachelAra no-platforming:

“Changing Tides: Trans Journeys together, as parents, allies, advocates”. A conversation with CEO of @Mermaids_Gender, Susie Green (plus informal tea beforehand)

1. Think University trans policies are only concerned with HR matters? Not true. Under Stonewall Diversity Scheme, trans policies address teaching curriculum too. In words of one policy “any materials within relevant courses will positively represent trans people & trans lives”. 2.Through Diversity Scheme membership, Stonewall seeks to influence University speaker policies. In its document “Delivering LGBT-Inclusive Higher Education” it equates gender-critical academic views with “anti-LGBT views” and says they “cause LGBT people to feel deeply unsafe”.

Pinned tweet: Help us get trans activism out of official University policies, so that academics who are critical of gender identity can do their jobs. Please support Rachel Ara’s Crowdjustice campaign here: crowdjustice.com/case/academic-… 2. More background on Rachel Ara’s treatment by Oxford Brookes here: thetimes.co.uk/article/oxford…