Lecturers and students say Edinburgh University should NOT show transgender row documentary claiming screening will ‘endanger trans people and erase their identities’

• Lecturers have said that Edinburgh University should not screen a ‘transphobic’
• The University and College Union asked the university to withdraw its venue
• The student Pride Society also condemned the sold-out event, happening today

Lecturers and students have said that Edinburgh University should not screen a ‘transphobic’ documentary today, arguing that showing the film will ‘endanger trans people and erase their identities’.

Adult Human Female is a 90-minute documentary film, which claims to ‘look at the clash between women’s rights and trans ideology’.

The film, rated 15, discusses issues such as trans women being placed in women’s prisons, and criticises political moves toward gender self-identification.

The sold-out event was organised by the Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom (EAAF) group.

Adult Human Female is a 90-minute documentary film, which claims to ‘look at the clash between women’s rights and trans ideology’

One of the film’s directors Deirdre O’Neill said that the film includes quoted discriminatory language ‘in order to condemn not endorse discrimination’

The University and College Union (UCU) wrote to the University of Edinburgh last week asking it to withdraw the use of a university venue for what it called a ‘transphobic event’, student publication The Tab reported.

Responding to the request for the university to withdraw the venue, the group wrote: ‘We’re sorry our UCU branch takes a censorious and dogmatic view of sex and gender’, adding that it is not afraid of being ‘cancelled’.

The student Pride Society also condemned the event and said that it was ‘appalled’ by the decision to host a screening of the film.

It said that showing the film would ‘endanger trans people on campus and beyond, erasing their identities’ and encourage hate.

The Students’ Union warned that it ‘will contribute to an unsafe and unwelcoming environment on campus for our trans members.’

The university said that it supports a welcoming community for staff and students, but it is its ‘duty to make sure staff and students feel able to discuss controversial topics and that each event allows for debate.’

One of the film’s directors Deirdre O’Neill, told The Tab: ‘We note that no evidence of transphobia in the film has been cited because none exists’.

Ms O’Neill added that the film includes quoted discriminatory language ‘in order to condemn not endorse discrimination.’ 

The university’s elected LGBTQ+ Liberation Officer, Jamie Prada, said: ‘Those organising this event are the minority, and I would encourage all trans folks and allies to join us at our Trans Solidarity Community Event.’

The sold-out event was organised by the Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom (EAAF) group. It is being held in an Edinburgh University building

They said that events such as the screening negatively impact trans safety and wellbeing.

They added: ‘We are disappointed that trans lives continue to be framed as a debate, both by the organisers of this event, and the University’s Compliance Group who have allowed it to go ahead.

‘The right to freedom of speech does not give you the right to target an already vulnerable group with misinformation and hate speech.’ 

The call from UCU Edinburgh for the event to be cancelled caused controversy on social media among those who both support and oppose the film.

Monica Lennon, the Scottish Labour MSP has supported banning the film, and said that the ‘truth is that transphobia and hate won’t win.’

Journalist Susan Dalgety, said the reaction from staff and students against the film was ‘another reason why women are getting angry’.

Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom invited members of the UCU to watch the film, rather than trying to ‘ban a film you haven’t seen.’

The University of Edinburgh said in a statement that it encourages respectful debate and discussion.

‘As part of our commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom it is our duty to make sure staff and students feel able to discuss controversial topics and that each event allows for debate,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Given the size of our community, it is inevitable that the ideas of different members will conflict.’ 

The student Pride Society also condemned the event and said that it was ‘appalled’ by the decision to host a screening of the film

The film has caused controversy elsewhere. 

A public screening of the film was originally planned to happen in Nottingham last month, but was reportedly cancelled after the venue learned of its content.

Reality Matters, the production company behind the documentary, denies the film is transphobic.

It wrote on Twitter: ‘The only time the film contains ‘transphobic language’ is when one of our interviewees is criticising transphobia.’

Its website said: ‘In record time, the trans movement has captured the big institutions. The police, the political parties, the media, the universities and major corporations have taken up the cause in the name of inclusiveness.

‘But is it really harmless when men identify into the female sex?’

It claims that trans activists are guilty of ‘reality denial’.

The British Board of Film Classification, which describes the film as having ‘Issues relating to trans and women’s rights discussed at length. Discriminatory terms such as ‘tr***y’ and ‘pan-fry sexual’ occur, often in the context of reported speech.’

It also contains strong language, sexual violence and threat, the BBFC said.

The event is planned to go ahead at 6pm in 50 George Square, while a Trans Solidarity Community Event will take place nearby at Teviot Row House. 

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