Tuesday 20 September 2022 07:02 PM Feminist academics at universities say they self-censor their views on trans ... trends now

Feminist academics have told how they are self-censoring because their views on trans issue have led them to being overlooked for jobs, physically barred or even removed from events, and facing a 'continuum of hell' from online trolls who have made death and rape threats. 

Laura Favaro, a researcher in gender issues at City, University of London, interviewed 14 feminists who believe that men and women have biological differences which are 'binary and immutable'.

The so-called 'gender critical' feminists claimed that they have been the targets of abuse, intimidation, no-platforming, smears and 'lost career progression opportunities, including being blocked from jobs' in the world of academia for their views on sex and gender.

Some described being physically removed from events and even being the recipients of incitement to murder online. 

One criminology scholar described her experience as 'a continuum of hell' while others in the early stages of their careers admitted 'it would just be too terrifying' to make their views public because of the fear of being 'ostracised' - and instead choosing to 'hide in the shadows'.

Writing for The Times Higher Education, Miss Favaro said the interviewees warned of the near-total control of academic freedom - deciding what can be discussed in departments or included in scholarly journals - by supporters of 'trans-inclusive feminism'.

One academic said: 'It feels so alienating because academia should be about discussing and exchanging ideas, and it's not. It's not in our context.

'It's also incredibly anxiety-provoking because I don't want to lose my job and I don't want to put my kids at risk - I know they could be put at risk.'

Miss Favaro wrote: 'Of course, I fear harms to my career and more for instigating, as interviewees repeatedly put it, ''difficult conversations'' - not least as an immigrant early career scholar with a family to support. 

'But, at the same time, why would I want to work in academia if I cannot do academic work? Much more terrifying than being hated is being gagged.'

It comes after a barrister who won a tribunal against her chambers after they discriminated against her for her beliefs on gender rights has resumed her battle with a controversial LGBT charity.

Allison Bailey, who is friends with Harry Potter author JK Rowling - herself the target of hatred for her views - had accused Garden Court Chambers of withholding work from her and trying to crush her spirit.

She said it happened after she criticised Stonewall's trans policies including recommendations to change pronouns from 'she and he' to 'they and their'.