Gransnet forums

AIBU

Census 2021 and self ID

(60 Posts)
chattykathy Fri 12-Feb-21 11:15:47

I've looked on here to see if anyone has started a thread already but can't see one.
Have you seen the news that the ONS have reversed their decision to only ask for the the sex that is recorded on your birth certificate? They are saying people can use what it says on your passport or driving licence whre you can self identify. If this nonsense goes ahead then the data will be totally skewed and will affect women's services for years to come. All this is to pander to a tiny but very vocal trans community, never mind 51% of the population who are biologically female. I am fuming about this. Please write to your MP and ask them to oppose this move. There is more information on womansplaceuk.org/2021/02/10/sex-and-the-census-call-to-action/ We really need to stand up to this otherwise we'll be ignored even more.

FarNorth Thu 18-Feb-21 13:47:20

As far as I know, there are two parts to the question: firstly, asking about gender at birth and, secondly, asking about any change.

That would be fine but it isn't what's happening.

The first question will be asking about sex, and the guidance will advise that self-identified sex is acceptable.

This is not about a simplified legal process, is about people simply saying they are the opposite sex and having it legally accepted.
You can be sure that its use in the census will be quoted as a precedent in other situations.

Bridgeit Thu 18-Feb-21 13:50:54

You only have to look at the expressions on those children’s faces to recognise what a confusing & IMO unnecessary statement(s) is being delivered to them.
What is the rush? Let them be young & carefree. They will ask questions themselves when or if THEY are ready to do so.

chattykathy Sun 21-Feb-21 12:47:45

Thanks for the name calling NellG water off a duck's back

Why are transpeople so against answering a factual question about the sex they were born? They will also have an opportunity to answer the gender question. There are multiple reasons why collecting data on sex is important from physical and mental health, education, the labour market, pay inequalities and crime. I don't understand why transpeople feel the need to answer both questions according to their gender identity. Surely we need accurate data on both.

Hetty58 Sun 21-Feb-21 13:43:13

chattykathy, I really don't think it matters. How will it make the slightest difference to your life? Why are you 'fuming'?

You're assuming the census data are accurate - when in fact it's only ever been an overview of things.

For instance, occupation 'shirt maker' was widely used in the past - for those women who didn't want to declare the 'oldest occupation'!

trisher Sun 21-Feb-21 15:04:51

I've already mentioned the 1911 census when huge numbers of women simply went "missing". Did that damage services?

Hetty58 Sun 21-Feb-21 15:17:15

Found only on Gransnet (nowhere else) a strange, persistent obsession with - and perceived threat from, transgender people. Why? Can anyone explain?

'Women only' spaces have always run on trust anyway. Nobody checks what's in your underwear!

GagaJo Sun 21-Feb-21 15:29:22

On one hand, ou say this is a TINY number, which means they will have a very minimal affect on the results.
All this is to pander to a tiny but very vocal trans community

But on the other you imply they are a real multitude and will totally change the results.
totally skewed and will affect women's services for years to come

These points are totally contradictory chattykathy. Much like most transphobia.

#Schrödingerstransperson

chattykathy Mon 22-Feb-21 12:29:54

Nobody's answered my question as to why transpeople don't want to say what their biological sex is.

FarNorth Mon 22-Feb-21 12:36:55

Reasons I've heard :

It upsets them.

If the form is being filled in by someone else who doesn't know that the person is trans, they will have to 'out' themselves by saying what their true sex is.