Protesters holding a hand-painted Progress Pride Flag on a placard, with the words 'Get used to it' in white. Photo: By Norbu Gyachung on Unsplash.
Look who’s talking: Mark Russ wants an end to Quaker transphobia
‘There comes a point where debate and dialogue must end.’
With our reputation as peacemakers and generally good people, Quakers have a tendency to think that if we just keep listening to one another, if we keep space open for dialogue and debate, we’ll eventually arrive at a place of unity. Discussion of different views is seen as healthy and inclusive. But is this the case when the words we use are actively harmful? Some Quakers in Britain today continue to question the legitimacy of trans identities in the name of protecting cis women and children. They insist that debate and dialogue should be ongoing, that room be continually made for their anti-trans views. Resistance to their demands is met with accusations of voices being silenced, beliefs being policed, and ministry being suppressed.
