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Janet Murray

@jan_murray • 37,618 subscribers

Freelance journalist writing on women, culture & public policy | Founder of Courageous | Commentary on politics, culture & public life

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Guardian columnist Zoe Williams claims the reason we don't have mixed football teams is because “women are too good”. 🙄 Now, I’m no expert on football - but you don’t need to be. You can see it with your own eyes. Watch an elite men’s match and an elite women’s match side by side. The men are, on average, quicker, stronger and more powerful - which changes the pace, intensity and physicality of the game. Saying that doesn’t diminish women’s football. It’s simply acknowledging reality. Men’s and women’s football are different - because men and women are different. This isn’t really about Williams - it’s about the kind of baseless arguments that get bandied around to justify men in women’s sports and spaces. Including by women themselves.

Guardian columnist Zoe Williams claims the reason we don't have mixed football teams is because “women are too good”. 🙄 Now, I’m no expert on football - but you don’t need to be. You can see it with your own eyes. Watch an elite men’s match and an elite women’s match side by side. The men are, on average, quicker, stronger and more powerful - which changes the pace, intensity and physicality of the game. Saying that doesn’t diminish women’s football. It’s simply acknowledging reality. Men’s and women’s football are different - because men and women are different. This isn’t really about Williams - it’s about the kind of baseless arguments that get bandied around to justify men in women’s sports and spaces. Including by women themselves.

262,415 Aufrufe

“People born with a uterus.” That’s the phrase filmmaker Georgie Wileman used in her BAFTA acceptance speech for a film about endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition of the FEMALE reproductive system, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. I don’t have endometriosis. But just last Monday I had a biopsy of my endometrial lining to rule out cancer. Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Breast cancer is the most common - around 99% of cases occur in women. I’ve already had that, which can increase the risk. So this isn’t abstract for me. Clear language matters in women’s health. It matters that women know which diseases affect us. It matters that we recognise symptoms and get changes checked promptly. I haven’t seen the film, so I don’t know how it’s framed. But in the 2-minute clip circulating online, the word “women” doesn’t appear once. In his acceptance speech, Wileman’s co-director Matt Houghton called her ‘brave’. Brave enough to deal with a serious gynae condition - and make a film about it. Just not, it seems, ‘brave’ enough to use the word ‘women’ - to describe a disease that only affects women.

“People born with a uterus.” That’s the phrase filmmaker Georgie Wileman used in her BAFTA acceptance speech for a film about endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition of the FEMALE reproductive system, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. I don’t have endometriosis. But just last Monday I had a biopsy of my endometrial lining to rule out cancer. Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Breast cancer is the most common - around 99% of cases occur in women. I’ve already had that, which can increase the risk. So this isn’t abstract for me. Clear language matters in women’s health. It matters that women know which diseases affect us. It matters that we recognise symptoms and get changes checked promptly. I haven’t seen the film, so I don’t know how it’s framed. But in the 2-minute clip circulating online, the word “women” doesn’t appear once. In his acceptance speech, Wileman’s co-director Matt Houghton called her ‘brave’. Brave enough to deal with a serious gynae condition - and make a film about it. Just not, it seems, ‘brave’ enough to use the word ‘women’ - to describe a disease that only affects women.

208,040 Aufrufe

When I was growing up, any adult who spoke to children about sexual themes would’ve been seen as perverts. To be absolutely clear: I’m not calling these two actresses perverts. But their comments are a stark example of how sexualised language has become normalised - even among role models for children. Many young people adore the Wicked films and stage show. And yet this is what two of its biggest stars chose to talk about on the red carpet ahead of the Wicked: For Good release on Nov 21. It is not “progressive” to talk to children about “queerness,” gender “identities,” or “celebrating gayness.” Not because there is anything wrong with being gay. Or because there is anything wrong with adults choosing different identities - that’s a personal choice. What is wrong is introducing sexualised ideas and language to children - especially those nowhere near puberty. It’s simply unnecessary. What worries me is how many children will look up to these two incredibly talented actresses, while also absorbing ideas that they are far too young to understand. The way gender ideology has infiltrated children’s spaces is astonishing - and frankly alarming. And when everyone is doing it - teachers, community leaders, influencers, celebrities - it’s much easier for the perverts to blend in amongst the ‘misguided’. Right there in plain sight.

When I was growing up, any adult who spoke to children about sexual themes would’ve been seen as perverts. To be absolutely clear: I’m not calling these two actresses perverts. But their comments are a stark example of how sexualised language has become normalised - even among role models for children. Many young people adore the Wicked films and stage show. And yet this is what two of its biggest stars chose to talk about on the red carpet ahead of the Wicked: For Good release on Nov 21. It is not “progressive” to talk to children about “queerness,” gender “identities,” or “celebrating gayness.” Not because there is anything wrong with being gay. Or because there is anything wrong with adults choosing different identities - that’s a personal choice. What is wrong is introducing sexualised ideas and language to children - especially those nowhere near puberty. It’s simply unnecessary. What worries me is how many children will look up to these two incredibly talented actresses, while also absorbing ideas that they are far too young to understand. The way gender ideology has infiltrated children’s spaces is astonishing - and frankly alarming. And when everyone is doing it - teachers, community leaders, influencers, celebrities - it’s much easier for the perverts to blend in amongst the ‘misguided’. Right there in plain sight.

195,906 Aufrufe

When they say: ‘It’s not ok to ask what’s in my pants.’ But no one actually asked 🤔

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When they say: ‘It’s not ok to ask what’s in my pants.’ But no one actually asked 🤔

90,876 Aufrufe

Well I’d totally trust these two with foreign or fiscal policy - wouldn’t you? 🙄

Well I’d totally trust these two with foreign or fiscal policy - wouldn’t you? 🙄

11,771 Aufrufe

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Unison leader Andrea Egan appears to be in a muddle. She seems to have misunderstood who the EHRC’s draft guidance on single-sex spaces is aimed at. It is primarily directed at service providers and organisations covered by the Equality Act - not workplace toilet provision. She also appears unaware that employers already have legal responsibilities to provide suitable toilet and washing facilities under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. That aside, her video doesn’t mention women once. From a union leader whose membership is predominantly female, that is extraordinary. Women are the group most directly affected by policies on single-sex spaces, privacy and dignity. Yet their interests barely seem to feature in the discussion at all.

Unison leader Andrea Egan appears to be in a muddle. She seems to have misunderstood who the EHRC’s draft guidance on single-sex spaces is aimed at. It is primarily directed at service providers and organisations covered by the Equality Act - not workplace toilet provision. She also appears unaware that employers already have legal responsibilities to provide suitable toilet and washing facilities under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. That aside, her video doesn’t mention women once. From a union leader whose membership is predominantly female, that is extraordinary. Women are the group most directly affected by policies on single-sex spaces, privacy and dignity. Yet their interests barely seem to feature in the discussion at all.

21,550 Aufrufe • vor 1 Tag

‘They just want the dignity of being confirmed in their sex … or their ‘adopted sex’, if you like.’ I wonder if this is the kind of person the BBC’s Nick Robinson had in mind when he made this comment during a recent BBC Radio 4 interview about the EHRC’s guidance on single-sex spaces. And I wonder whether he realises that, if people were entitled to have their ‘adopted sex’ recognised under equality law, women would be unable to exclude men like this from their changing rooms, toilets and even domestic violence refuges. I also wonder whether he would want that for his wife or daughter. Or feel it was ‘dignified.’

‘They just want the dignity of being confirmed in their sex … or their ‘adopted sex’, if you like.’ I wonder if this is the kind of person the BBC’s Nick Robinson had in mind when he made this comment during a recent BBC Radio 4 interview about the EHRC’s guidance on single-sex spaces. And I wonder whether he realises that, if people were entitled to have their ‘adopted sex’ recognised under equality law, women would be unable to exclude men like this from their changing rooms, toilets and even domestic violence refuges. I also wonder whether he would want that for his wife or daughter. Or feel it was ‘dignified.’

87,367 Aufrufe • vor 6 Tagen

A heterosexual young woman is asked why she wouldn’t date a trans man. Her reaction is painful to watch. Because what you’re really watching is someone trying to navigate the pressure - particularly on younger people - to deny biological reality, while also trying desperately not to offend anyone. And this is ‘inclusion’. Apparently.

A heterosexual young woman is asked why she wouldn’t date a trans man. Her reaction is painful to watch. Because what you’re really watching is someone trying to navigate the pressure - particularly on younger people - to deny biological reality, while also trying desperately not to offend anyone. And this is ‘inclusion’. Apparently.

314,774 Aufrufe • vor 24 Tagen

‘They want the dignity of being confirmed in their sex … their adopted sex if you like,’ said Nick Robinson in his BBC Radio 4 interview with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the EHRC, about updated guidance on single-sex spaces. This is not impartial language or framing. “Adopted sex” is not a recognised legal or scientific term. Nor is it accurate. Sex is not something that can be adopted or changed. “Adopted sex” is activist framing, and if journalists choose to use such terminology it should be clearly signposted as such rather than presented as a statement of fact.

‘They want the dignity of being confirmed in their sex … their adopted sex if you like,’ said Nick Robinson in his BBC Radio 4 interview with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the EHRC, about updated guidance on single-sex spaces. This is not impartial language or framing. “Adopted sex” is not a recognised legal or scientific term. Nor is it accurate. Sex is not something that can be adopted or changed. “Adopted sex” is activist framing, and if journalists choose to use such terminology it should be clearly signposted as such rather than presented as a statement of fact.

63,749 Aufrufe • vor 7 Tagen

Now I wasn’t expecting that 🔥 🙌

Now I wasn’t expecting that 🔥 🙌

773,811 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Watch this smug political commentator get put in his place by GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry Who asked Samuel Sweek FOUR times whether it’s reasonable to expect women to get undressed “in front of a male”. Sweek visibly squirmed - unable to provide an answer - until finally telling Dewberry they would have to 'agree to disagree'. I mean what kind of numpty has to 'agree to disagree' on biological sex? 🫣

Watch this smug political commentator get put in his place by GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry Who asked Samuel Sweek FOUR times whether it’s reasonable to expect women to get undressed “in front of a male”. Sweek visibly squirmed - unable to provide an answer - until finally telling Dewberry they would have to 'agree to disagree'. I mean what kind of numpty has to 'agree to disagree' on biological sex? 🫣

180,143 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Former Green councillor Matthew Poulton speaking at the recent protests against Girlguiding’s ‘no boys’ policy. This is two minutes of a four minute speech. His microphone is held by what appears to be a guide leader - in uniform. Any parent watching this spectacle would surely think twice about enrolling a little girl or young woman in Girlguiding. Meanwhile the organisation allows this to continue.

Former Green councillor Matthew Poulton speaking at the recent protests against Girlguiding’s ‘no boys’ policy. This is two minutes of a four minute speech. His microphone is held by what appears to be a guide leader - in uniform. Any parent watching this spectacle would surely think twice about enrolling a little girl or young woman in Girlguiding. Meanwhile the organisation allows this to continue.

239,163 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

A Walthamstow resident - a trans refugee - told MP Stella Creasy they had ‘wet themselves three times in public’ since the Supreme Court ruling. Because they were worried about being challenged in public toilets. Did she explain that many venues now provide gender-neutral facilities - and point them towards those available locally? Did she promise to campaign for more third spaces and other practical solutions? Nope … Instead, Creasy appears to want to challenge the EHRC guidance - and, in doing so, women’s rights to single-sex spaces.

A Walthamstow resident - a trans refugee - told MP Stella Creasy they had ‘wet themselves three times in public’ since the Supreme Court ruling. Because they were worried about being challenged in public toilets. Did she explain that many venues now provide gender-neutral facilities - and point them towards those available locally? Did she promise to campaign for more third spaces and other practical solutions? Nope … Instead, Creasy appears to want to challenge the EHRC guidance - and, in doing so, women’s rights to single-sex spaces.

56,532 Aufrufe • vor 12 Tagen

‘Hey transphobe’ (assuming that means anyone who thinks men can’t be women). ‘What you’re doing is wrong and we’re going to find you. We’re going to find you ok?’ No male aggression there at all 🙄

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‘Hey transphobe’ (assuming that means anyone who thinks men can’t be women). ‘What you’re doing is wrong and we’re going to find you. We’re going to find you ok?’ No male aggression there at all 🙄

283,839 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

This woman - who was in the audience at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening - takes a fair and compassionate stance on the guest with Tourette's shouting a racial slur at two black actors. She provides important context: the audience had been briefed about John Davidson’s Tourette’s and his vocal tics had already been evident earlier in the evening. She also articulates something we don’t hear often enough. Words can cause discomfort. They can hurt. And they can do so for many reasons. But that alone does not make someone “wrong” or prove ill intent. Nor does it justify destroying someone’s reputation. Sometimes we have to hold two truths at once - that harm can be felt and that intent and context still matter. And sometimes we have to set aside our own feelings and consider the needs and vulnerabilities of others. A principle worth remembering in many areas of public life.

This woman - who was in the audience at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening - takes a fair and compassionate stance on the guest with Tourette's shouting a racial slur at two black actors. She provides important context: the audience had been briefed about John Davidson’s Tourette’s and his vocal tics had already been evident earlier in the evening. She also articulates something we don’t hear often enough. Words can cause discomfort. They can hurt. And they can do so for many reasons. But that alone does not make someone “wrong” or prove ill intent. Nor does it justify destroying someone’s reputation. Sometimes we have to hold two truths at once - that harm can be felt and that intent and context still matter. And sometimes we have to set aside our own feelings and consider the needs and vulnerabilities of others. A principle worth remembering in many areas of public life.

339,746 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

So our new health secretary James Murray (no relation, thankfully) appears to think the definition of a woman is up for debate. Apparently something people might simply have different “opinions” on 🙄. And while it’s entertaining watching Julia Hartley-Brewer expose just how absurd his position is in this Talk interview, it’s also deeply concerning. Because this is the person now overseeing women’s healthcare in the UK - including pregnancy and maternity care, breast-cancer screening and policies affecting what happens in hospitals, including access to single-sex spaces and services for female patients and staff. And our public officials must be able state basic biological reality clearly - particularly when public policy, healthcare and safeguarding depend on it.

So our new health secretary James Murray (no relation, thankfully) appears to think the definition of a woman is up for debate. Apparently something people might simply have different “opinions” on 🙄. And while it’s entertaining watching Julia Hartley-Brewer expose just how absurd his position is in this Talk interview, it’s also deeply concerning. Because this is the person now overseeing women’s healthcare in the UK - including pregnancy and maternity care, breast-cancer screening and policies affecting what happens in hospitals, including access to single-sex spaces and services for female patients and staff. And our public officials must be able state basic biological reality clearly - particularly when public policy, healthcare and safeguarding depend on it.

49,787 Aufrufe • vor 21 Tagen

I’ve always liked Dr Amir Khan. I follow him on TikTok - he seems warm, kind, and clearly adores his mum (“Mama Khan”) - which is usually the sign of a decent guy. But his recent debate with Piers Morgan on ITV's Lorraine show left me cold - and genuinely concerned from a safeguarding perspective. Because Khan - a practising GP: - Says he “identifies” as male (rather than simply is male) - Dodges the question about whether trans women (i.e. biological males) should use women’s toilets - Claims men - not trans women - are the problem when it comes to male violence towards women (seemingly unaware that trans women *are* male) Women cannot know which males pose a risk. So the rule has to be simple: all males stay out of women’s spaces. Women know this. Piers Morgan knows this. Yet Khan - a highly trained medically trained professional - seems unable to grasp this basic common sense. Many women prefer female doctors - particularly for 'women's' issues - but sometimes that just isn’t possible. Which means trust matters even more. But how can women trust a male doctor who can’t clearly say what a woman is - and who appears to think women’s sex-based rights and spaces are less important than men's feelings. Honestly? I’d much rather see a male GP who wasn’t half as “nice” as Khan - but at least knew what a woman was.

I’ve always liked Dr Amir Khan. I follow him on TikTok - he seems warm, kind, and clearly adores his mum (“Mama Khan”) - which is usually the sign of a decent guy. But his recent debate with Piers Morgan on ITV's Lorraine show left me cold - and genuinely concerned from a safeguarding perspective. Because Khan - a practising GP: - Says he “identifies” as male (rather than simply is male) - Dodges the question about whether trans women (i.e. biological males) should use women’s toilets - Claims men - not trans women - are the problem when it comes to male violence towards women (seemingly unaware that trans women are male) Women cannot know which males pose a risk. So the rule has to be simple: all males stay out of women’s spaces. Women know this. Piers Morgan knows this. Yet Khan - a highly trained medically trained professional - seems unable to grasp this basic common sense. Many women prefer female doctors - particularly for 'women's' issues - but sometimes that just isn’t possible. Which means trust matters even more. But how can women trust a male doctor who can’t clearly say what a woman is - and who appears to think women’s sex-based rights and spaces are less important than men's feelings. Honestly? I’d much rather see a male GP who wasn’t half as “nice” as Khan - but at least knew what a woman was.

417,559 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

Stephen Fry warns about a “rising tide of transphobia”. He says it’s being used as “a kind of lever” to open up “all kinds of horror”. I'm guessing he doesn't think women being compelled to undress in front of men - to affirm the identities of males who say they are women - is also 'horror'?

Stephen Fry warns about a “rising tide of transphobia”. He says it’s being used as “a kind of lever” to open up “all kinds of horror”. I'm guessing he doesn't think women being compelled to undress in front of men - to affirm the identities of males who say they are women - is also 'horror'?

173,857 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

Zack Polanski dad dancing in a raincoat in Trafalgar Square - next to a man gyrating in fetish gear. Exactly the kind of politician you’d put your trust in 🙄

Zack Polanski dad dancing in a raincoat in Trafalgar Square - next to a man gyrating in fetish gear. Exactly the kind of politician you’d put your trust in 🙄

123,950 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

On Saturday evening I got a personal email from the Scope CEO that said: ‘Following reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the choir to sing at the marathon tomorrow. We do this wholeheartedly and do hope you will be able to attend as per the previous arrangements.’ Had he sent this email after our telephone conversation on Thursday afternoon, it’s likely I’d have accepted. I may even have chosen not to tell the choir - why upset them unnecessarily over a ‘misunderstanding’ that has been resolved? But they didn’t. Instead they doubled down - and later tripled down - by publishing multiple damaging public statements about me. So I did not take up this invitation. By this point I’d had to tell the choir they had been excluded over MY lawful views. The damage had already been done - to all of us. So I pulled together a group on Saturday evening - and we found our own spot at Mile 15 As you’ll see from this video people were clearly very ‘distracted’ by my presence 🙄.

On Saturday evening I got a personal email from the Scope CEO that said: ‘Following reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the choir to sing at the marathon tomorrow. We do this wholeheartedly and do hope you will be able to attend as per the previous arrangements.’ Had he sent this email after our telephone conversation on Thursday afternoon, it’s likely I’d have accepted. I may even have chosen not to tell the choir - why upset them unnecessarily over a ‘misunderstanding’ that has been resolved? But they didn’t. Instead they doubled down - and later tripled down - by publishing multiple damaging public statements about me. So I did not take up this invitation. By this point I’d had to tell the choir they had been excluded over MY lawful views. The damage had already been done - to all of us. So I pulled together a group on Saturday evening - and we found our own spot at Mile 15 As you’ll see from this video people were clearly very ‘distracted’ by my presence 🙄.

72,333 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Imagine working really hard, passing your exams and going to Oxford University … and having a bearded man with massive fake boobs teaching you. Whatever this fella gets up in his spare time is his own business. But students are, literally, paying to partake in their tutor’s fetishes. Why is the university allowing this?

Imagine working really hard, passing your exams and going to Oxford University … and having a bearded man with massive fake boobs teaching you. Whatever this fella gets up in his spare time is his own business. But students are, literally, paying to partake in their tutor’s fetishes. Why is the university allowing this?

60,618 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

A former Girlguiding leader explains why she wouldn’t go back to volunteering as it’s not a very ‘inclusive’ organisation. I expect many parents will be very disappointed by this. 🙄 In all seriousness though … these young people need support - not affirmation.

A former Girlguiding leader explains why she wouldn’t go back to volunteering as it’s not a very ‘inclusive’ organisation. I expect many parents will be very disappointed by this. 🙄 In all seriousness though … these young people need support - not affirmation.

72,977 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

My new favourite TikTokker. So many gems where this came from 🤣

My new favourite TikTokker. So many gems where this came from 🤣

118,634 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Nicola Sturgeon maintains that men’s rights are more important than women’s.

Nicola Sturgeon maintains that men’s rights are more important than women’s.

42,983 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

When I heard UNISON Southwark were hosting a demonstration in support of men using the women’s changing room in a council gym, I was taken aback. Because UNISON - UK's largest union has a 75% female membership across healthcare, education and social care. Sectors where privacy, dignity and safeguarding really do matter. I went along today, hoping to listen - and perhaps speak to a Unison rep, councillor or Southwark Council staff. But I couldn’t get close enough to hear what was being said. I was physically blocked by protesters, Repeatedly abused and sworn at. There were also threats - directed at me and, I believe, two other women who were filming at the time. I do also have footage from the women’s protest - which took place afterwards. Including the amazing Miranda Maya Forstater WRN Heather Binning #RespectMySex 💚🤍💜 SEENinSport Dr Pam Spurr Psychologist & Artist 🟢⚪🟣 and MrMenno 🇳🇱🏳️‍🌈🎶 which I plan to share separately. But I wanted to show you this first. Because 60 seconds of footage says it all.

When I heard UNISON Southwark were hosting a demonstration in support of men using the women’s changing room in a council gym, I was taken aback. Because UNISON - UK's largest union has a 75% female membership across healthcare, education and social care. Sectors where privacy, dignity and safeguarding really do matter. I went along today, hoping to listen - and perhaps speak to a Unison rep, councillor or Southwark Council staff. But I couldn’t get close enough to hear what was being said. I was physically blocked by protesters, Repeatedly abused and sworn at. There were also threats - directed at me and, I believe, two other women who were filming at the time. I do also have footage from the women’s protest - which took place afterwards. Including the amazing Miranda Maya Forstater WRN Heather Binning #RespectMySex 💚🤍💜 SEENinSport Dr Pam Spurr Psychologist & Artist 🟢⚪🟣 and MrMenno 🇳🇱🏳️‍🌈🎶 which I plan to share separately. But I wanted to show you this first. Because 60 seconds of footage says it all.

147,417 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten