April was a very busy month, so it has been a while since our last update.
We had the opportunity to travel a little and met up with some male allies in Melbourne and Sydney, where we met the fantastic Daniel Principe. We’re been working behind the scenes on a new project, more details of which we’ll hope to share with you soon!
We’ve also been working hard behind the scenes and hope to be able to announce our first speaker(s) for our #MenChallengingSexism23 conference in Glasgow this October in the next few weeks! Don’t forget to book your tickets asap – our 15% early bird discount ends in 1 month!
PETITIONING & OTHER SUPPORT
We signed Senator Chaire Chandler’s petition asking sport Australia to withdraw their unfair guidelines allowing biological men to compete against women.
We also signed a petition asking New Zealand’s prime minister to apologise to Kellie-Jane Keen for mischaracterising her views and for failing to keep her safe during her recent visit.
Lastly we sent a letter to our MP asking him to speak out against the #IllegalMigrationBill. Unfortunately the petition was not successful as the ‘Illegal Migration Bill’ passed by 289 to 230 votes.
The bill will prevent women fleeing persecution, gender-based violence, rape, and other torture, who arrive in the UK by ‘irregular’ means (such as small boat) from claiming asylum here. Instead they will be locked up in detention indefinitely, while the Government attempts to remove them to their country of origin or a so-called ‘safe third country’, such as Rwanda.
TALKS & INTERVIEWS
Chris did an interview with Vanessa Feltz on Talk TV regarding Labour’s plans to educate boys about respecting women and girls as part of the national curriculum. Chris spoke about the importance involving everybody in educating boys and the importance of ‘peer group education’ in particular where sex and relationship education is concerned. He feels that the presence of young men in schools who carry the message forward is of vital importance in tackling the misogyny, sexual harassment and assault perpetrated by boys. You can see the full interview here.
Chris also took part in an international webinar for Master Practitioner Coaches, who advise women on separation and divorce and wanted to know more about the work of MACS and other men who are active in challenging male violence.
MEN’S DISCUSSION GROUP ON PORNOGRAPHY
On 24 April Björn, Alfie and Robbie took part in Daniel Principe’s group discussing pornography and porn use. It was a really great evening and it was good to get to know some more men and talk about our own experiences. To join the next one, DM Daniel on Twitter or contact him via his website.
ALF UP A TREE
Alfie published the first in a series of videos called ‘Meet the Trans Activists‘, a critical investigative report into ‘Sophie Erica McAllister’. We highly recommend you watch it.
Alfie also attended and filmed the #SaveWomensSports rally at Hyde Park on 23 April. The playlist of speeches from the rally can be found here.
NEXT DISCUSSION GROUP MEETING
We were unable to meet in April, so rescheduled our discussion group until 22 May at 7pm. This time we will be reading Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children by Hannah Barnes.
If you would like to join this meeting or our discussion group, please email us.
