What does it mean to be male or female, a man or a woman? The idea of gender has become a battleground, with scientists, philosophers, writers and activists clashing over its definition, and even its usefulness as a category at all. Where is the line where “man” becomes “woman”, and vice versa – is it to do with having the “right” genitals, or a particular kind of brain? Are people who want to transition from one gender to another re-inforcing the idea that there are fundamental differences between the two? Are there fundamental differences between the two?
On 24 September, the Soho Skeptics group (full disclosure: convened by NS blogger Martin Robbins) is hosting a debate on the subject, featuring trans activists Adrian Dalton and Bethany Black, feminist campaigner and writer Julie Bindel, and “science groupie and professional dork” Gia Milinovich. The event is controversial – Bindel recently withdrew from a university debate on prostitution after receiving threats related to her stance on transgender issues – but the question it is asking is vital to anyone with an interest in feminism or trans rights. What makes you a man or a woman, anyway?
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