"Freedom is always and exclusively freedom for the one who thinks differently." - Rosa Luxemburg

In 2015, gender politics hit the mainstream. With high-profile transgender celebrities in the media and terms like ‘cisgender’ entering the dictionary, many people became aware that certain ideas about gender were becoming popularised, normalised and indeed enshrined in legislation. 2016 has seen this process accelerating, with significant increases in the number of children presenting to Gender Identity Clinics, and questions about single-sex facilities, sports participation and prison accommodation all making the news.

Feminists have long had a critique of gender, and this conference creates a rare space for ‘thinking differently’ about gender politics. It will discuss what we mean by ‘gender’, and consider the implications of current notions of gender identity for women and children. Topics covered will include: historicising transgenderism; analysing gender; the ‘transing’ of children; transgenderism and the impact on women; and no-platforming and the silencing of feminists.

Speakers include:

• Sheila Jeffreys, professorial fellow, University of Melbourne; author of 'Gender Hurts: a feminist analysis of the politics of transgenderism'
• Lierre Keith, writer, radical feminist, food activist, environmentalist
• Julie Bindel, journalist, author, broadcaster, campaigner
• Stephanie Davies Arai, activist, writer, founder of 'Transgender Trend'
• Mary Lou Singleton, radical feminist mother, midwife, nurse-practitioner, activist
• Jackie Mearns, radical lesbian feminist activist, blogger
• Julia Long, lecturer in Sociology, Anglia Ruskin University
• Magdalen Berns, student, feminist activist, vlogger

Registration from 9.15am; programme starts 10am. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Programme (may be subject to minor amendment)

09.15 Registration

10.00 Welcome

10.15 Historicising Transgenderism: Sheila Jeffreys

11.00 Break

11.30 What is gender? Lierre Keith

12.10 The 'transgendering' of children: Stephanie Davies-Arai

12.50 Lunch

13.40 Panel session: Transgenderism and the Impact on Women - Jackie Mearns, Julia Long, Sheila Jeffreys

14.50 Break

15.10 Panel session: Transgenderism & the silencing of feminism - Mary Lou Singleton, Julie Bindel, Magdalen Berns

16.15 Closing remarks

16.30 Finish

A very limited number of free places are available for those in financial hardship. Please contact the organisers if you would like to apply for a free place.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be provided at the morning break (unfortunately we are not able to provide coffee on arrival).

We are unable to provide lunch, but lunch will available for purchase at Conway Hall, and also at nearby cafes: Cafe in the Park, Red Lion Square; Cafe Kozzy, 53 Red Lion St; Becks Cafe, 28 Red Lion St. To avoid queueing, you may wish to bring your own lunch.

There will be no tea or coffee in the afternoon break.

Evening event

A women-only social event will be held at a conveniently-located venue. There will be a bar, evening menu, live music from singer-songwriter Ali Bee and friends and a playlist. There is no entry fee, but please eat and drink with us, as we have to cover a minimum spend. Details will be provided at the conference. We very much regret that the room is on the first floor, and therefore not wheelchair accessible: we were unable to find anything both accessible and affordable in the area.

FAQs

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact us at: londonwne@yahoo.co.uk

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes, please do!

Will there be a social event in the evening?

Yes, for women only - please see the notice above.

I am no longer able to attend, can I get a refund?

We regret that we are not able to offer refunds for unused tickets.