LGB rights

As posted before, I am a transphobe.  At least I am deemed so by many. My children, who are aware of my concerns disagree but I see them flinch if I talk about LGB rights as they want me to include the T.

Like JK Rowling, I think that Transgender people exist. I want them to have many rights protected. I do not believe that people should be murdered just for being Transgender. I agree with the Supreme Court ruling about biological sex, but disagree with some aspects of how it is being interpreted, such as with segregated toilets. I do not think anyone with a penis should be allowed to change in communal areas for women. However, I do not consider a transwoman to be a woman. I accept that they are biologically a man and that they deserve many of the rights of a woman, but not all. Due to my view that Transwomen are transwomen and not men, this puts me on the transphobic side of this debate. That and agreeing that more research needs to be done on children who wish to transition also means that I am guilty of transphobia.

I don’t want to be lumped with people who refuse to respect pronouns (which now includes JK Rowling) or deem transgender individuals as being mentally ill. I do think that more research is needed about treating children with puberty blockers and surgery, but I do not agree with any outright ban which forbids this research. But I accept how many will group me with others because of this.

The attack on Iran by Israel and the USA has divided social media. Many are on one side or the other. As I have posted before, I consider both nations to be vile, Iran being the more reprehensible until Israel overtook them with the mass-murder of civilians in Gaza. 

One aspect of this is with rights for transgender people. Iran, unlike many other Muslim countries, recognises that some people are not going to be binary. Some argue that it is better for transgender people to live in Iran than in the UK. They forget two things. One is the oppression and the death penalty for LGB individuals. The other is the second class status of women and the way the Morality Police ensure that women dress in an appropriate manner.

So, Iran offers people the right to transition to women to be treated equally as other women, who are not treated equally! 

See You Next Tuesday

There is an interesting swear word which many women are offended by, but I think is a good thing. Calling someone a cunt to me means that the person has warmth, depth and gives pleasure. It is a good thing, not a bad word and people need to remember that. In fact, a while ago my daughter called me one during a heated argument and I thanked her for the compliment. 

Saying that, there is one exception which is celebrated by many who loathed (or in my case, still loathe) him.  

I Give It a Year

During our weekend away, we started to watch, but did not complete two films. One was Priscilla (which I am going to have to watch again) and the other was Four Weddings and a Funeral. While my son and wife went to bed, I got my daughter to watch I Give It a Year. I had watched it many years ago and I remember liking it, I forgot how much.

Generally rom-coms are not my ideal film. They are okay, some are excellent, but they are not films I tend to go out of my way to watch. This is different. Which means, if you like your normal romantic comedy, this is not for you. Rather, this is more of a male version of one. I would certainly watch this again and I have recommended it someone and I have shown them the worst best man’s speech I have ever seen on celluloid. If you like The Office (I mean the UK version as I have not watched the US copy properly) then the odds are that you will like this. While The Guardian gave this three out of five, I would rate this a solid four. 

Resting at home

It is time to rest as we are back to reality. After leaving our cottage, my daughter and I went for a dog walk while my wonderful wife and son went shopping. We met up with them and while I rested and rehydrated, my daughter joined them. On the way down to Colchester, we visited Pinch, which was a small but much appreciated detour. Anyway, I have ironed, walked the dog and assuming the heat lets up, am ready for work tomorrow. 

The Suffolk, Aldeburgh

We returned to a place we have eaten as a family before. My wife loves it here and the food is great. The service is brilliant, friendly and attentive, and the views from the top bar are fantastic, if you are facing the right way! I did get to go for a walk, but my daughter was in a bad mood. Fortunately it improved but part of it was not being able to walk on the shingle because I had wrong the wrong shoes. I did get to do so later, but she had not accompanied the dog and me for the nighttime walk. 

The Lighthouse

We are in Suffolk. My wife has booked a few days away and rented a charming cottage for us. I already feel relaxed, the children and the dog like it here and we have just got back from a meal. I did not like mine as much as the rest of the family, but it was an enjoyable night out for all. Leia was surprised to find that she had he option to sit next to me, but she preferred to spread out on the floor. We have another night here and I am looking forwards to going to the beach tomorrow! 

Trumps birthday

I know it has been a since since the big day for Trump, sorry, the birthday of the US army, but this was an interesting video to post.  I am not listening to what people are saying about the crowd size as to quote Taylor Swift, haters gonna hate.  

What was interesting is this video about the marching, or the lack of it.  Considering Trump wanted this parade after watching the Bastille Day celebrations in France, it is surprising that he did not insist on any pageantry.