Talking again with Shelagh (on LBC)

It’s really interesting to see what is happening to people and their ability to get lower and lower in their empathy, compassion and kindness towards people unlike them. Politics really does show the worst. Politicians pick a topic, and rather than have sensible conversations about it, they dig themselves into deeper and deeper holes until they start covering themselves in the shit they’ve just dug up.

Rishi Sunak, in PMQs on Wednesday 7th February 2024, made a ‘joke’ towards Sir Keir Starmer about the many policy u-turns he has made. One of those was a jibe about Keir’s confusion about the definition of a woman. They never seem to ask what is a man.

Rishi made this ‘joke’ knowing that the mother of murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey was in Parliament that day. Would it have been ok to make that ‘joke’ even if Esther Ghey wasn’t there. Even Kemi Badenoch got in on the act saying that Sir Keir Starmer was to blame by using the situation for political gain. No mention that Rishi aimed first.

I see the pain in everyone. I see through their masks as they try to hide behind walls of protection so they don’t get hurt. Hurt people, hurt people. My own experience of being trans has given me great insight in the way we react in our feelings when our beliefs are challenged. Rather than look within to find out why we react in a certain way, we choose to blame others for the way we feel and the way we react.

Rishi simply took the short route hoping a jibe would land against his opponent. It just shows him as the fool he is. He is a bully and a fucking idiot. His actions, and those of others in the world, just lay the groundwork for haters to find more reasons to hate. No sense of responsibility and empathy. Kemi, and others in her party, are just like Rishi. Whoever leads, others will follow.

In 2018, I was on BBC Question Time in the audience. James Cleverly and Sir Keir Starmer were both on the panel. It was in the time of the toxic chaos of one side against the other discussing the gender bill and the updates needed to help transgender children and adults. James was very crass in what he said. He said he was a Conservative because he was a libertarian and believed that people should be who they are. He also said to David Dimbleby that he had changed his mind after meeting Paris Lees on another QT some months before. James still came across as crass and his mannerisms spoke of “I can’t be bothered with this question so I’ll answer anything for something to say.” Typical Conservative politician.

Sir Keir was very different in his actions and words. He actually went to great lengths to acknowledge my contribution to the conversation resulting in a warm clap from the audience. David Dimbleby even asked me some more detailed questions about the GRC (Gender Recognition Certificate) and whether changes would help me. Sir Keir came across as kind and compassionate unlike the rest of the panel who really couldn’t care less about a small minority of people suffering under lack of health care.

I spoke to Shelagh Fogarty on the 7th about this. Thanks to Shelagh and LBC for the opportunity to talk.

7th February 2024