UoE to host speaker who said gender-fluidity in children is ‘made up nonsense’

The University of Edinburgh is being criticised for hosting an event featuring a speaker who has claimed that gender-fluidity in children is "made up nonsense".

The Institute for Education, Teaching and Leadership are running the event on December 11th, which is being billed as a panel based 'Research Seminar' on 'Schools and Gender Diversity'.

According to the eventbrite description, the seminar will discuss how gender non-conforming and transgender-identifying pupils should be supported in schools. It will also question how and what should inform the Scottish Government's new guidance for schools on supporting gender non-conforming children and young people.

Students criticising the event on Twitter and Facebook claim the panel is "unbalanced" and have accused many of the panellists of holding "anti-trans" views.

One panelist, Stephanie Davies-Arai, is a founder of the group Transgender Trends, which describes itself as "an organisation concerned about the social and medical ‘transition’ of children, the introduction of ‘gender identity’ teaching into schools and new policies and legislation based on subjective ideas of ‘gender’ rather than the biological reality of sex."

In an article published by The Times about multiple gender identities, Davies-Arai was quoted as saying: "This is made-up nonsense. People are free to identify as anything they like, but this does not change the reality that there are only two sexes.

"To suggest that being male or female is just a personal identity is false and will inevitably confuse children into believing that their biological sex is a choice."

Stephanie denies all allegations that she holds anti-trans views. She told The Edinburgh Tab: "Since I am alleged to have 'anti-trans' views but don’t actually have any, the university has given me a platform which I am pleased to accept.

"I would be delighted if the students came to hear this for themselves and to discuss any points of difference, thereby fulfilling one of the aims of the university – debate and dialogue."

Another panelist, Professor Michelle Moore from London South Bank University, has said: "The concept of ‘gender identity’ confuses children and young people about gender, sex and sexuality.

"In schools, it involves teaching of the idea that children can change sex which is a lie embedded in a discourse of changing gender identity."

In a Facebook post, the Students' Association Trans and Non-Binary Officer, Elliot Byrom, said: "This Seminar follows the event titled 'Women’s Sex-Based Rights' held by the Institute in June…

"As with the event in June, neither the panel nor the framing of this event are balanced, and the perspectives articulated by the speakers pose a real threat to the safety and wellbeing of trans people, particularly young people currently in education.

"Education is a fundamental human right, and trans students – whether at school, college or university – should be able to access education without fear of harassment or discrimination. A culture of support and inclusion benefits all students, trans and cis.

"It is frustrating that, despite extended dialogue between ourselves and the University, they have allowed this event to go ahead, even in the knowledge that it will have a significant negative impact on trans members of our community.

"Over the coming weeks we will be working with PrideSoc and the Staff Pride Network to organise a response to this event – please follow us on social media for updates on our plans."

A spokesperson for The University of Edinburgh told The Edinburgh Tab: “Freedom of expression within the law is central to the concept of a university.

"The University of Edinburgh recognises and upholds the fundamental importance of freedom of expression, and seeks to foster a culture that enables it to take place within a framework of mutual respect.”

Stephanie Davies-Arai and Michelle Moore have been approached for comment.