A B’Old Woman

A B’Old Woman is a Substack focused on critique of gender ideology in New Zealand, emphasizing women’s rights and safety, free speech, and challenges posed by inclusive policies to women and children’s spaces. Recurring themes include the impacts on women-only spaces, public events, and political actions affecting gender discussions.

Gender ideology and policies Women's rights and spaces Free speech and public protests Government and political actions Health and medical terminology changes Public safety and privacy concerns Education and youth programs

The hottest Substack posts of A B’Old Woman

And their main takeaways
1119 implied HN points 17 Aug 24
  1. Adding 'gender' to the law could harm women's rights. Many believe it could create confusion about sex-based rights.
  2. The process to submit opinions on this issue isn't fair. Not everyone has equal access to technology or the ability to express their views clearly.
  3. There's a call for more attention to the negative impacts of letting men identify as women in women's spaces, and a need for women's voices to be heard.
1458 implied HN points 11 Jul 24
  1. Sall Grover's event in Christchurch showed a growing audience that is concerned about gender ideology. People are more aware and ready to take action compared to a similar gathering three years ago.
  2. There has been a noticeable change in attitudes towards gender issues, with attendees at Grover's event feeling frustrated and motivated to fight against gender self-identification practices. The need for clarity and support in women's rights has become a pressing issue.
  3. Different groups are willing to set aside their differences to focus on key goals, like protecting single-sex spaces for women and safeguarding children from harmful gender ideology. There’s a sense of determination to work together for these objectives.
599 implied HN points 13 Aug 24
  1. Policing our spaces is important for women and girls. It helps ensure safety and comfort in female-only areas.
  2. Women should feel empowered to challenge anyone they think shouldn't be in their spaces. It's about safeguarding and taking back control.
  3. The term 'policing' can be seen positively as a way to keep spaces safe, rather than something negative or harsh. Women need to reclaim this role for their own security.
759 implied HN points 31 Jul 24
  1. Health NZ's new policy claims that menstruation is not just for women, stating that people of all genders can menstruate.
  2. Many people are surprised and upset by this policy, feeling it's confusing and not in line with most people's understanding of gender.
  3. There are concerns about how this affects cultural beliefs, especially in Māori culture, which emphasizes the sacredness of women's experiences.
579 implied HN points 08 Aug 24
  1. Smokey the cat is training to compete in the Olympics as a female participant. He's excited about the chance to win despite knowing he might not be the best.
  2. He recognizes that the rules allow him to compete as a girl, and he plans to use this to his advantage. Smokey is clever and knows how to charm people to get what he wants.
  3. If the rules change and he needs to prove his gender, he's not worried. He can easily switch back to being a boy, but he seems to enjoy the idea of competing as a girl for the fun of it.
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739 implied HN points 26 Jul 24
  1. Some people believe that bathrooms are important and should be a topic in elections. Many feel uncomfortable about who can access these spaces.
  2. Once, women had more private spaces for themselves, but now there are concerns about safety with mixed-access policies.
  3. There are specific stories shared by individuals, like fathers worried about their daughters' safety in changing rooms, highlighting real-life impacts of these policies.
759 implied HN points 20 Jul 24
  1. The Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to join women-only swim sessions but does not allow men who don't identify as such. This raises questions about fairness and discrimination.
  2. There is concern that the Council's policy might violate rights under New Zealand law since it doesn't clearly separate sessions based on sex.
  3. Many people are starting to push back against policies that seem to blur lines between men and women, showing a growing demand for clarity and fairness in these spaces.
539 implied HN points 30 Jul 24
  1. New Zealand's Law Commission wants to make 'misgendering' and 'deadnaming' illegal. This means using someone's old name or wrong pronouns could be against the law.
  2. If 'gender' and 'gender identity' are added to the Human Rights Act, it could lead to restrictions on what people can say. Many think this is a threat to free speech.
  3. People are encouraged to share their opinions with the Free Speech Union about these proposals. They can express their concerns and say they oppose the changes.
1059 implied HN points 26 Jun 24
  1. Sall Grover's speaking event in New Zealand was canceled by a taxpayer-funded venue. This shows how some organizations can be influenced by public opinion.
  2. The Women's Rights Party is looking for alternate venues for the event and has a backup plan in place. They believe in standing up for free speech.
  3. Complaints were made against the event, but it's unclear how many were legitimate. It raises questions about how venues handle bookings based on public sentiment.
479 implied HN points 02 Aug 24
  1. Parents are concerned about certain gender and sexuality topics in their kids' school curriculum. They feel the content is inappropriate for children.
  2. Two parents, Blair and Karen, are actively fighting against this content and have formed a support group called PAGE NZ. This group helps others share their concerns and experiences.
  3. Not all schools use the same content from the guidelines, but those that do face strong pushback from parents trying to protect their kids.
1119 implied HN points 14 Jun 24
  1. Women and girls in New Zealand are feeling unsafe because they might have to share their spaces with men who identify as women. This makes many women uncomfortable and worried about their privacy.
  2. There are concerns about unisex toilets, as they may not be safe or clean for everyone. Some people believe that having clear male and female spaces could help reduce risks.
  3. A new group called Inflection Point is working to raise awareness about these issues and bring people together to fight against gender ideology, even if they have different beliefs.
719 implied HN points 08 Jul 24
  1. Gender ideology is seen as causing division and misunderstanding in society. Some people believe it complicates our views on gender and creates confusion.
  2. Certain politicians and lobby groups are closely aligning with gender ideology, and this raises concerns about their influence on policies. There's a feeling that important discussions are being bypassed.
  3. Many people who oppose gender ideology are encouraged to meet in person to share their views. Being together can create a stronger impact than just discussing issues online.
899 implied HN points 17 Jun 24
  1. Frances shares her experience of living in a women's jail alongside a trans-identifying male who was involved in an assault against her. It highlights her struggle and feelings of vulnerability in that situation.
  2. After living with this man in the self-care unit, Frances had to negotiate living arrangements and ensure safety while also trying to keep the peace, indicating complex dynamics in prison life.
  3. Corrections NZ policies on housing trans-identifying males with women have changed over time, but Frances emphasizes that these men are still fundamentally men, impacting how women feel in these environments.
479 implied HN points 15 Jul 24
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'
1159 implied HN points 19 May 24
  1. The UNSILENCED event in New Zealand brought people together to discuss concerns about gender ideology. Attendees were diverse, but united in wanting to protect women's and children's rights.
  2. Protests and high security surrounded the event, showing the heated opinions on both sides. Some attendees faced hostility, but they persisted in their discussions.
  3. Many speakers at the event shared their experiences, including a young woman who detransitioned. The atmosphere was charged and supportive, highlighting the importance of in-person connections.
419 implied HN points 18 Jul 24
  1. The Sall Grover event in Christchurch had a positive atmosphere, showing a shift in public opinion against gender ideology compared to three years ago.
  2. Collaboration between different groups is important to effectively challenge gender ideology and its impacts.
  3. Reality Check Radio offers a platform for diverse voices and discussions, highlighting views that mainstream media may overlook.
819 implied HN points 10 Jun 24
  1. Sall Grover created the Giggle app for women, but faced legal issues when a trans woman was removed from it. This highlights ongoing debates about gender and women's spaces.
  2. Stats NZ has changed its census questions from 'sex' to 'gender', raising concerns about the reliability of data. Many feel this could mix up important information about biological females.
  3. There is a call for better representation from gender-critical voices in discussions about gender identity. People want to ensure that women's perspectives are included in these important conversations.
1298 implied HN points 05 May 24
  1. A billboard for ovarian cancer featuring a young man has caused confusion about who can get this disease. People assumed it was promoting the idea that men can also have ovarian cancer, which led to a public debate.
  2. The health organization's wording may seem ambiguous, as it suggests that 'ovarian cancer can affect anyone'. This phrasing made many question why a man was the focus, when ovarian cancer primarily affects women.
  3. There is a concern that using unclear language regarding women's health issues risks overshadowing women's experiences and identities. The billboard didn’t directly mention women, leading to confusion about the message it was trying to convey.
639 implied HN points 20 Jun 24
  1. There's a debate about including trans women in women's spaces and sports. Some believe it's necessary for ending patriarchy, while others think it threatens women's rights.
  2. The Auckland Women’s Centre promotes trans rights, arguing that supporting all gender identities helps fight against discrimination. They see trans rights as part of women's rights.
  3. There are concerns about the effects of transphobia, claiming it distracts from real issues facing women and undermines everyone who doesn't fit traditional gender roles.
919 implied HN points 25 May 24
  1. Young people are acting just like they always have and are not the problem in society. The real issue lies with adults who fail to take responsibility and guide the youth.
  2. It's important for adults to use their life experience to help young people learn how to handle power and responsibility. Young leaders may not always be ready, so they need support from experienced adults.
  3. Mixing generations is valuable, but adults in leadership roles need to have enough life experience. This way, they can manage situations better and set a good example for younger people.
479 implied HN points 01 Jul 24
  1. Sall Grover is facing a discrimination lawsuit for removing a person who identifies as a woman from her women-only app, which highlights tensions around women's rights.
  2. There has been a shift in how women respond to discussions about gender identity, moving from politeness to speaking more openly and honestly about their concerns.
  3. Sall Grover's upcoming visit to New Zealand is a chance for more discussions about these important issues, especially regarding women's spaces and rights.
719 implied HN points 28 May 24
  1. A summit called 'UNSILENCED' was held in New Zealand for gender critical speakers to express their views after being silenced for a long time. This event aimed to showcase concerns about gender ideology.
  2. Various speakers shared personal stories and insights, highlighting the impacts of gender ideology on people, especially women and children. Their testimonies called for greater understanding and caution regarding this issue.
  3. The event received mixed reactions, with some support and considerable criticism. Despite challenges, the speakers emphasized unity among people with differing viewpoints to confront the ideology they oppose.
819 implied HN points 14 May 24
  1. The UNSILENCED summit in Wellington, NZ, is set to discuss gender ideology and its recent changes in society. It's a chance for people to express their views and break the silence around this topic.
  2. There has been pushback against the summit from some local officials and activists, highlighting ongoing tensions over gender issues. Despite this, the event organizers and supporters are determined to proceed.
  3. Lawyers and free speech advocates are involved to protect the event from cancellation, showing the importance of free expression. The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about gender ideology.
399 implied HN points 27 Jun 24
  1. In New Zealand, there are new policies that suggest foster carers must help transition gender-nonconforming children to the opposite sex. This is causing concern among some people.
  2. A request for information about how many children in state care are being transitioned revealed that the government doesn't have clear data on this issue, which raises questions about their policy-making processes.
  3. Critics argue that current policies are based on flawed research and may be influenced by a generation that supports transitional practices without proper scrutiny.
559 implied HN points 01 Jun 24
  1. Queenstown, New Zealand is looking to expand areas where sex trade activities can happen. This proposal has raised concerns among local groups and residents.
  2. The Women’s Rights Party opposes the expansion, arguing it will worsen economic issues like low wages and unaffordable housing that push people into prostitution.
  3. Critics believe that normalizing prostitution by treating it like a small business ignores the dangers and exploitation involved, which they think should be highlighted more.
759 implied HN points 24 Apr 24
  1. Some parents in New Zealand are worried about what kids are learning in school about gender identity and sex education. They feel that these topics are sometimes not suitable for children.
  2. The 'Let Kids be Kids' roadshow faced backlash from activists who disagreed with its message. They pressured event venues to cancel the presentations.
  3. There's a growing concern among parents about their involvement in decisions about school education. Some feel their voices are not being heard in discussions about the guidelines related to sexual education.
659 implied HN points 01 May 24
  1. The trans lobby in New Zealand is trying to push back against criticisms from reports like the Cass Report, claiming that local kids are different from those in the UK.
  2. Some journalists, like Graham Adams and Yvonne van Dongen, are courageously discussing issues related to trans ideology when many others avoid the topic.
  3. There's a growing number of people, including some health professionals, who are publicly questioning the use of puberty blockers for youth, which adds to the ongoing debate.
5135 implied HN points 25 Mar 23
  1. At the rally in New Zealand, many women felt scared due to aggressive protests from trans activists. This fear led to organizers feeling they had to abandon the event for safety reasons.
  2. There are strong concerns about how discussions around gender and women's spaces are being handled, especially the rights and safety of women in spaces meant only for them.
  3. Many women and parents are frustrated that their voices and concerns are not being acknowledged by the government or media. They feel they should be able to speak freely about these issues without facing violence or backlash.
579 implied HN points 08 May 24
  1. A new guide from Ethos Alliance in New Zealand offers a different approach to handling gender identity in schools. It suggests a method called 'watchful waiting,' which is about giving kids time to explore their feelings about gender.
  2. The guide is meant to provide clear information for schools and parents that isn't driven by specific ideologies. It aims to reassure concerned teachers and families about the options available regarding gender identity.
  3. There has been pressure on schools to support gender-identity affirmation without enough evidence that it benefits children. Ethos Alliance hopes their guide helps start a more balanced conversation around this issue.
899 implied HN points 25 Mar 24
  1. A man who supposedly encouraged violence against women in New Zealand has been hired by a Labour MP. This has raised concerns about the MP's judgment.
  2. Shaneel Lal, who is now working as an executive assistant, has faced backlash for his views and actions regarding women's rights. Many are questioning how someone like him can be in a position to influence policy.
  3. The wider implications of hiring someone with Lal's background could affect women's rights and safety. There is worry that he may push for changes in legislation that could undermine these rights.
439 implied HN points 27 May 24
  1. Oranga Tamariki in New Zealand is struggling to track how many children are receiving puberty blockers and other gender-related treatments. This lack of data makes it hard to understand the impact of these treatments.
  2. Many organizations and healthcare providers in New Zealand don't consistently record information about young people using these treatments. This makes it difficult to analyze trends or outcomes.
  3. The conversation highlights a growing concern among some groups about the influence of gender ideology in systems meant to protect children. Many feel it's time to address these issues more openly.
639 implied HN points 20 Apr 24
  1. Christchurch City Council is considering spending $50,000 on a rainbow pedestrian crossing despite being in significant debt. This is seen as controversial given their financial situation.
  2. Rainbow crossings may not comply with regular traffic safety laws, posing potential confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. Standard zebra crossings are designed for clear road safety.
  3. There is a suggestion that the council should allocate funds to more pressing social issues, like supporting women’s shelters, instead of spending on symbolic projects like a rainbow crossing.
899 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. Women and girls are losing control over their own spaces, which should be designated for them alone. This is a big concern because it affects their safety and privacy.
  2. Allowing any man who claims to be a woman into women's spaces can lead to potential risks. There’s fear that it could put women and girls in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
  3. Many people dismiss the concerns about men in women's spaces, but it's important to recognize that no woman or girl should feel unsafe or worried about who might be in those spaces with them.
559 implied HN points 29 Apr 24
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.
639 implied HN points 12 Apr 24
  1. Deb Hayes has presented a petition to Parliament against changes made by the NZ Midwifery Council. She wants to investigate why the words 'woman' and 'baby' were removed from important documents.
  2. Two MPs supported Deb during her petition presentation, showing they are willing to engage with controversial topics. This kind of support is pretty rare these days.
  3. The Midwifery Council quickly updated their Scope of Practice document after learning about the petition. This raised concerns about transparency and the process used to create such documents.
759 implied HN points 22 Mar 24
  1. New Zealand has decided not to proceed with its proposed hate speech laws, which many people welcomed. They felt these laws could lead to more problems than solutions, despite the good intentions behind them.
  2. Rex Landy made headlines for her frank comments during a governmental hearing about prisons. She criticized a current MP for not listening adequately, which sparked controversy and was labeled as an 'anti-trans rant' by media.
  3. A woman named Phillippa was banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that stated 'men are not women, even if you squint.' She shared her experience, highlighting her belief in free speech and planned a protest against the supermarket.
619 implied HN points 02 Apr 24
  1. A former prison officer discussed the challenges of working with trans-identifying males in women's prisons. She highlighted the lack of proper training for staff on how to handle such situations.
  2. She mentioned how the system seems to prioritize the needs of trans-identifying males without considering the feelings and safety of the female inmates and staff. This led to uncomfortable situations for female officers.
  3. The officer expressed her personal struggles and discomfort resulting from having to conduct strip searches on these individuals, illustrating the broader impact this type of policy can have on female staff in corrections.
779 implied HN points 28 Feb 24
  1. A cookbook was removed from a bookshop because its author held beliefs that some people disagree with. This decision caused disappointment and frustration.
  2. The author, Jane Morgan, created the cookbook to raise money for people affected by a cyclone, showing community spirit and support.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges when personal beliefs clash with business decisions. It raises questions about how businesses should handle differing opinions.
519 implied HN points 14 Apr 24
  1. A new petition in New Zealand is pushing for an investigation into midwifery practices, signaling a shift in how politicians view discussions on gender issues.
  2. An Australian court case is determining if someone who identifies as a woman should be allowed access to a women-only app, raising important questions about gender identity rights.
  3. The UK Cass Review found that puberty blockers were being used too liberally, sparking a call for more careful discussions about their use and the impact of gender ideology in healthcare.
859 implied HN points 12 Feb 24
  1. This year, some people want to stop being kind just because it's expected. They feel like kindness should be personal and not forced.
  2. There's concern that being kind to everyone could actually hurt certain groups, especially women, by allowing men who identify as women into their spaces.
  3. The idea of kindness is seen as being used to manipulate people, making them do things that may not be fair or right for everyone involved.