As children go back to school it is time to take action to protest gender ideology in our schools. We have composed a sample letter that can be used and edited before being sent to those responsible for maintaining this ideology in schools
SAMPLE
To: (fill in)
I am writing to you in the light of the recommendations of the Cass Review, which you will be aware is a report of the highest standard and uses the best available, systemically scrutinized research. Presumably you will also be aware of its findings based on international research which confirms:
• Gender ideology is an unconfirmed pseudoscience
• The promotion and ‘product placement’ of gender ideology in schools can be
psychologically harmful for children
• The promotion of the idea that any individual can change sex is not only wrong, it is
confusing and can potentially create anxiety in children
• Research reports that breast binding is physically harmful for the majority of girls
• Social transitioning is not helpful for any child as it reinforces a false belief and inevitably involves the collusion of other children.
The Cass Review highlights the fact that schools have played and continue to play an important role in influencing children regarding what is clearly an ideological movement which has no basis in scientific reality. Clearly schools should have a preventive role in safeguarding children, and a preventive role in ensuring children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Parents should not have to worry about their children being indoctrinated by a pseudoscientific ideology at school. There are already many parents who have had a stressful and challenging time managing a teenage son or daughter who has announced that they are ‘trans’ due to being influenced by the messages he or she has received in school.
I am seeking reassurances from you as my MSP/MP/Education Manager etc. that you will work towards supporting the approach that schools desist from influencing children with gender ideology. Please inform me that you will act to safeguard our children in school, by enforcing the following:
1. Withdraw the Scottish Government Guidance Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools from all schools
The reason for this requirement is that the guidance itself states (p.10) that it was written by gender ideology activists:
“This guidance has been developed from Supporting Transgender Young People which was developed and published by LGBT Youth Scotland in 2017”
The guidance was not written by child development experts and the guidance presents a one-sided view presenting gender ideology as fact. A further concern is that the guidance infers that in some circumstances, it may be best for parents not to be told that the child is opting to identify as ‘trans’. This is completely unacceptable,
“A transgender young person may not have told their family about their gender identity. Inadvertent disclosure could cause needless stress for the young person or could put them at risk and breach legal requirements. Therefore, it is best to not share information with parents or carers without considering and respecting the young person’s views and rights” (p.35). This risks the encouragement of parental mistrust. Since when were education staff presumed competent to assess these issues?
The guidance supports affirming transgender identity and social transitioning of children and teenagers (pp 21-22). This is despite warnings to the contrary from the Cass Review, including the observation from Cass that social transitioning is likely to reinforce the child or teenager’s unease about their body.
The guidance offers no counter information such as the well evidenced research from various studies which highlight that puberty is the ‘cure’ for most teenagers’ bodily unease and that the vast majority of young people who are gender questioning desist as adults (Griffin et al, 2021). Nor does the guidance refer to the various studies reporting the significant side effects of puberty blockers and cross- sex hormones (Nice Guidelines, 2019) Furthermore, the guidance fails to make any reference to the growing reports of poor outcomes of medicalization from de-transitioners.
The Scottish Government’s Guidance Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools is not at all fit for purpose and is actually making many statements contrary to the Cass Report recommendations.
2. Remove all gender ideology references from the Relationships Sexual Health and Parenthood Resource (RSHP)
Whilst there are helpful sections in this resource, gender ideology is woven throughout it. Similar reasons outlined above are relevant to my concern about the RSHP. The insertion of the pseudoscience of gender ideology is unacceptable as it is potentially harmful to tell children they can change sex. It is also potentially harmful to tell suggestible children about the undefined concept of ‘trans’ and it can induce bodily hatred to tell children they can be ‘born in the wrong body’ or change their sex.
3. Remove third sector activist groups from schools
LBGTYS and TIE are activist organisations who work with the majority of our Scottish schools. Recent guidance published by the Department of Education has stated this must not be taught in schools as gender ideology is a ‘contested belief’. Given that children in Scotland are no different from children in England in terms of their safeguarding needs, the promotion of gender ideology either via a 3rd sector party or through any other means should be cautioned against. It is important to be clear with schools that TIE and other 3rd sector groups which promote the contested belief of gender ideology should not be providing any input to schools. This includes training for staff and pupils and the provision of youth groups.
I look forward to receiving your response outlining how you intend to proceed with my request.
Comments