1. I seem to have come out against self ID, although I was already out as a tranny man. So what do I actually believe? Worth a thread to put previous comments in context I thought. Especially as I seem to have gained a lot of followers including @SimonFanshawe

I think that the current system for getting a GRC is outdated and should be simplified. But I also think that there should be some system in place to regulate the issue of gender recognition certificates.

I struggle to believe that anybody willing to endure the horrors involved in transition would do so with dishonorable intentions, and that they should be accepted as transwomen - using whichever facilities are appropriate. Remember this is with appropriate controls in place.

I also think that there are a lot of men (including me) who we would have used to call transvestites. Straight men who like to present as women. And I can fully understand why we should not be allowed to suddenly declare that we are women.

There is always a case for considering the interests of the majority against the interests of the minority. In this case the majority is 50% of us - women. The minority must be tiny in comparison. Obviously I don't have figures.

Most of the men / trannies / tgirls or whatever we are supposed to be called that I socialise with are from the most privileged group in society - i.e. white men, usually middle aged. But ... that's just my experience.

I have a black and white view on biology - you are either male or female & that's it. Strange though it must seem (my wife finds it laughable) I would have preferred to be female. but, much as being a privileged middle aged western European man, it is simply an accident of birth.

From which I have benefited immensely I should add

So while I'm at it, a few other random musings - I don't acknowledge the prefix "cis"

Can a man be a feminist? Not sure but I don't really think so. A man can empathise with feminists, understand the arguments and support them but actually be a feminist. Don't think so. I can understand unwanted sexual attention but as a man in a frock it's easy to fend off.

In the 80's I was into "rock against racism" but the closest I actually got to racism was accidentally going into an Irish pub. (And rather naively thinking telling them I was Dutch would diffuse the situation - should have paid more attention in history 🙄)

Since looking at #GRA things in more detail I've started following a lot more women. My twitter feed suddenly has more intelligent and considered argument, less gratuitous porn and less insults

If you search the hashtags femboy, crossdresser, sissy etc a lot of "interesting" profiles come up. I assume self id would be available to all?

I actually think it would protect true trans people if the wider population were assured that any system of gender recognition has system had checks and balances. The notion of self id implies that it wouldn't.