Imay be a serial leaver of organisations. Too picky, perhaps?
ileft the Labour Party in 2003 over the Iraq War, the fake dossiers and David Kelly.
I left the evangelical wing of the Kirk in 1995 over its denigration of women and its exclusion of gay people.
And last year I left the Scottish Green Party (SGP) over unfounded accusations of transphobia.
It’s painful to leave people and causes you care about. Recovery takes time. I mended quickly from the trauma of leaving Labour. The Party’s position on Trident made that much easier. There are still many people in the Party I admire, follow and support. A Party is more than the sum of its parts.
Leaving the church was much more painful. I was brought up in a devout Christian family. Christianity was my back story, my moral compass, my community. I had brought up my own family within that community and some of my very dearest friends and family remain there. But it was the dogma that got me in the end. Nothing was ever up for debate, inquiry or discussion. It was, is, and for ever shall be - and thou shalt not question – especially if thou art a woman. I was in the wilderness for years, rejected by some, misunderstood by others, but loved unconditionally by my true friends. You saw beyond the doctrine and continued to see me and include me. You know who you are. Thank you.
I’m not yet enrolled on the recovery programme with the Scottish Green Party. I am completely on board with 95% of the manifesto. It’s doubtful if anyone, not even candidates will agree with every bit of party policy. Over several years I canvassed, attended branch meetings, leafleted and contributed generously to funds. The hounding I experienced was brief, but brutal. I responded to a Tweet from a Co-Convenor who retweeted an inaccurate report in Pink News about J.K. Rowling. Had she read the book, I asked? If not, had she read any other reviews of the book? Was this posting necessary? Was it helpful to the SGP?
The response was to invite me to a Zoom discussion with her and the Co-convenor of the SGP’s Rainbow Greens. During this call, I clearly expressed my support for the human rights of trans people, my concerns for support and health care for trans people (I have a trans grandchild that I love and support through their transition). However, I was denigrated as transphobic for raising the question about JKR and the call ended with me being told to ‘find myself another party’. A few days later, I received a message saying I was being investigated for breaching the code of conduct on account of my transphobia. The person investigating was superb and found no case to answer. I was asked if I would kindly delete some tweets, which, while not transphobic, might upset other party members. I did so. I then asked if I could have the slur of ‘transphobia’ removed and an apology given. This request went unanswered for two weeks. I left the Party as the strain was becoming too much. I was told later I ought to have stayed and it might have been possible to reach a resolution. I won't take my bat home, though. My second vote with always be Green, in spite of the treatment. I know it is only one small, but very toxic corner of the Party.
It felt so like leaving the kirk. I don’t expect people to agree with me on everything. I’m not always right! I have lots to learn. But for there to be no possibility of debate or question? Oh, it does so remind me of my days in the kirk. Deja Vu all over again!
So, on International Women’s Day I salute all those women who keep on protesting, organising asking questions and fighting misogyny, even when they are denigrated, silenced, sacked, violently attacked and have their effigies hanged.
I wish I had their courage.