Resources on responding to the GRA consultation

[kaberett]

Here's the actual consultation on reforming the GRA.

Facebook-based resource #1. Facebook resource #2, which links onward to a key-points summary. The detailed response of someone I know. (To be clear, I haven't actually read any of these in detail yet -- I just want to consolidate links.)

ETA GenderBen provides an overview

I categorically do not have the cope to think about actually responding to this properly, yet, For Some Reason That Inexplicably Escapes Me, but:

Would it be helpful for me to host a response-writing session? My usual attitude to overcatering, solidarity, etc. (I'd pretty much definitely find it useful, but I'll cope better with organising it if there's other expressions of interest.)

Comments

[sebastienne]

I'd definitely come to a session for that; in fact I've been meaning for ages to get a regular routine of letter-writing etc going so would appreciate any solidarity that's going in that regard...

[flippac]

I'm low on spoons, but is anyone talking about the two-year residence requirement and how that interacts with the (short) length of marriage/partnership visas? Because it stops people getting married in the right gender, just as having the age for marriage below the age for gender recognition does.

[kaberett]

... not seen those mentioned (though I have seen disadvantage of young folk); will add to my feedback, certainly.

[flippac]

Thanks. Not got the spoons to be getting into it in public generally, but... well, you know where I'm coming from.

[kaberett]

Yup.

[ewt]

Yes, subject to timing etc

[sfred]

I'm going to have a proper look at it when I get home from holiday, which probably actually means next week. I'm unlikely to be able to join in a response-writing session, but might be up for bouncing responses around online?

[kht]

I assume it's helpful for non-LGBT people to do this too?

[randomling]

I would definitely be interested in a response-writing session!

And also thank you for putting such information together; I too am flailing around trying to think about this properly.

[randomling]

I'm also meaning to get more into letter-writing! Solidarity! (Current plans: Jeremy Corbyn, asking him to reverse his position on Brexist; Theresa May, asking her to condemn the US immigration farrago; the current Home Secretary, asking them to institute a fairer and more humane immigration policy and end the hostile environment.)

[randomling]

I think absolutely it is - there will almost certainly be an organised response from transphobes, we need as many voices to oppose them as we can get.

[kaberett]

YES PLEASE. There is absolutely going to be an organised response by the kind of cis people who think cis is a slur, so counterbalance is especially welcome.

[rmc28]

Definitely interested; I might not be able to make it in person, but even so it'll prompt me to sit down and get on with it in Cambridge.

[kht]

OK, will do.

[alexwlchan]

I like the idea of a response-writing session!

I’m not sure if I would come to one you hosted (the next few weeks are low on free time and energy for spending time with people), also I feel like a space for people who are likely to actually be affected by these changes is helpful, and me being there isn’t? idk

I am going to nick the idea, and pitch it to the LGBTQ+ staff network at work, on the basis that responses from moderate, well-meaning, cis allies is probably more helpful than nothing. :-)

[kaberett]

\o/ will attempt to eye up a calendar

[kaberett]

Any preference between 18th/19th August and 25th/26th August? Those look like my next free-ish weekends. (Preferences for specific days very useful!)

[kaberett]

Ooh, that would be lovely, yes please.

I think I'm aiming to do sometime in the weekends of 18th/19th August and 25th/26th August, for reference.

[kaberett]

Thank you :-)

[kaberett]

<3

18th/19th August and 25th/26th August look like my free-ish weekends before September -- do you have a preference as to which of those dates I end up picking? (likely to make it a single afternoon/evening thing, with bonus Film And Pizza at the end)

[kaberett]

<3 Very happy to host some kind of online cheerleading bit too.

18th/19th August and 25th/26th August are looking like the most plausible weekends to aim for, probably an afternoon-and-evening thing with optional pizza-and-film. Any preferences about those dates?

[kaberett]

<3

18th/19th August and 25th/26th August are the target dates -- trying to get input from people as to what works best for them. Cis allies definitely welcome for picking up talking-points and making tea ;)

Thank you lots for spreading letter-writing further :-)

[rmc28]

Of those, 18th is the most likely for in-person attendance, and 19th would work for remote participation. I'm at my cousin's wedding and after-party on 25th/26th; some scope for remote participation on the 26th I think, but none on the 25th.

[randomling]

I'd prefer the 25th/26th (I'm hoping to get to London BiFest on the 18th)!

Whee! <3

[sfred]

Noted.

[khalinche]

I would be interested in coming to a letter-writing session on either of the weekends you mention.