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

Cycling New Zealand restores single-sex competition; and new report says NZ hospital wards should be “single-gender” (whatever that means).

419 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Health Policy Sports Policy Human Rights Societal norms
  1. Cycling New Zealand has decided to restore single-sex competitions. This change is aimed at ensuring fair competition for female cyclists against biological males who transition after puberty.
  2. A new report suggests that hospital wards in New Zealand should be single-gender. The authors argue that sharing rooms between men and women could compromise patient safety and dignity.
  3. There is a growing debate around gender identity and its impact on sports and healthcare. Some believe it's important to recognize biological differences, while others advocate for more inclusive language and policies.

Kellie-Jay Keen's coming back to New Zealand.

459 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Free speech Civil Rights Activism Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is returning to New Zealand for a court case related to an incident where juice was thrown on her at a rally. This case is set for September 20.
  2. The person charged, Eli Rubashkyn, has faced criticism for his actions at the rally, where he pretended to have different views to get close to Kellie-Jay. His court appearance is expected to draw attention.
  3. There are growing concerns in New Zealand about policies affecting single-sex spaces, as some believe these changes impact women's rights and safety.

New Zealand Police and the TQ+ influence

579 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Civil Rights Law enforcement Gender Issues Activism
  1. The police in New Zealand were criticized for not intervening during a rally where women felt threatened. This raised concerns about their priorities and decision-making.
  2. There seems to be a growing focus within the police force on diversity, particularly regarding transgender issues. This goes alongside a noticeable lack of representation for other groups, like ethnic communities.
  3. Training for police includes a push for certain language regarding gender identities. This has sparked debate about the impact on women's rights and safety.

My presentation in November's webinar for Women's Declaration International - Australia & New Zealand.

299 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Legal rights Public Policy Social justice
  1. A recent decision by the Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to access women-only spaces, which has raised concerns among some women about their safety and privacy.
  2. Although the Council claims they prioritize equitable access and safety, they have not consulted with groups opposing this policy, leading to feelings of being disregarded.
  3. There are calls for more transparency and feedback mechanisms to better understand the impact of such policies on women and to ensure women's voices are heard.

Disinformation aplenty from the aptly named Disinformation Project.

639 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Trans rights Hate Speech Public Policy Social Issues
  1. There is growing online hate towards trans people, especially after certain events that sparked this backlash. This highlights ongoing tensions in discussions around trans rights.
  2. The argument that there is 'no evidence' of trans people being violent is seen as misleading. Critics say that this overlooks the need for better data collection on the impacts of trans policies.
  3. Some believe that allowing trans women into women's spaces increases risk to women and girls. This viewpoint stresses the need for careful consideration around policies involving gender identity.
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NZ Parliament’s biscuit tin unleashes a bill to make ‘gender identity’ a protected characteristic.

419 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Rights Gender Issues Public Policy
  1. A new bill in New Zealand aims to prevent discrimination based on 'gender identity' and 'gender expression.' This could impact women's rights and spaces.
  2. The bill claims to not change existing protections for sex and sexual orientation, but many worry it might still harm women's safety and rights in public spaces.
  3. Some groups, including Māori advocates, are concerned about how the bill uses cultural references and how it might not truly support the rights of women and girls.

'Real Women NZ' starts livestreaming on Tuesday 11 April.

659 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Trans issues Public Protests Media influence Activism
  1. A rally in Auckland on March 25 shocked many people, as women faced violence from trans activists. This incident has made more New Zealanders aware of how trans issues can affect women's rights.
  2. The police at the rally didn't help the women and seemed told not to intervene. This has caused outrage and led to conversations about the treatment of women.
  3. A new group called 'Real Women NZ' is forming to give women a platform to speak out. They are starting weekly livestreams to talk about women's issues and to engage with their audience.

NZ's Women's Rights Party receives a (no surprises) anti-trans slur from "proudly non-partisan" Policy.nz

359 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Trans rights Political parties Human Rights
  1. The Women's Rights Party in New Zealand focuses on protecting women's rights and feels they are being silenced in discussions about their concerns.
  2. They believe that their rights should not be defined by their stance on trans issues and wish to express their views on women's issues without being labeled negatively.
  3. The party claims that assessments by Policy.nz are biased and unfair, suggesting that this reflects a broader misunderstanding of women's rights.

I’ve invited Elon Musk to New Zealand for Kellie-Jay Keen’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

359 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Events Social Issues Public Discourse Free speech
  1. A person invited Elon Musk to a rally in New Zealand that's focused on women's rights. It seems like a playful idea meant to get attention.
  2. The rally is coming back after an earlier one was disrupted by a protest. People are excited and expect strong support this time.
  3. There was a past incident where a trans activist threw a liquid at the rally, which raised serious concerns. People want to make sure everyone feels safe when expressing their opinions.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport urges its staff to go vegan (no, not really).

319 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Social Issues Public Opinion Activism
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Transport didn't actually ask its staff to go vegan; the title was misleading. It's important to check the facts before jumping to conclusions.
  2. The Ministry is criticized for promoting gender ideology and paying an outside group to influence its employees. This raises questions about the use of taxpayer money.
  3. Some people feel that pushing certain beliefs in the workplace blurs the lines between personal beliefs and professional duties. It can be hard to accept when facts seem to be ignored.

Can a child identify as a woman?

499 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues LGBTQ Rights Political Commentary Social Policy
  1. Some people believe that if anyone can identify as a woman, it could also include children. This raises concerns about how society defines gender.
  2. There are fears that if children are allowed to identify as women, it could create safety issues, especially in spaces meant for women and girls.
  3. Without a clear definition of what being a woman means, there’s anxiety about where boundaries will be drawn and how this may affect children and society.

Sports New Zealand is kicking women into touch again. It's getting to be a habit.

519 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Women Inclusion Fairness Policy Advocacy
  1. Women have fought hard for the rights to participate in sports, but now there are concerns about fairness when men claim to be women and join women's sports.
  2. Some believe that men maintain a physical advantage over women, even after lowering their testosterone levels, which raises safety and fairness issues in competitions.
  3. Policies that allow men in women's sports are seen by some as disrespectful to women and their achievements, prompting calls for clearer rules that protect women's categories.

Sex self-ID anyone? Easy, cheap, and unlimited - now on offer in New Zealand.

439 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender identity Legislation Social Issues Legal rights Activism
  1. In New Zealand, people can now easily change the sex listed on their birth certificate to male, female, or non-binary without needing any proof or limits on how many times they can do it.
  2. Many think changing sex markers on birth certificates might make them less valuable because they are now more about how a person feels than a factual record of their gender.
  3. There is a push to recognize gender identity legally, but the terms 'gender' and 'sex' are still viewed differently in discussions about rights and services.

‘Young New Zealander of the Year’ award has gone to the man who helped stoke up violence against women.

539 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Violence Activism Awards Media
  1. A man who encouraged violence against women received a major award in New Zealand. This has raised concerns about the values being celebrated in society.
  2. Media and activists seemed to spread negativity towards a women's rally, which led to violent confrontations. Many believe this hostility shut down healthy discussions.
  3. The award recipient's identity is also controversial, as he identifies as a trans person but did not always present that way. This situation has sparked debate about gender identity and recognition.

What's this? New Zealand's Human Rights Commission adds a disclaimer to their website.

299 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Discrimination Gender Issues Policy Changes
  1. The Human Rights Commission in New Zealand added a disclaimer to their FAQ page. This disclaimer states that the guidance there is not legal advice and might not be the final word on any topic.
  2. The HRC suggests that service providers cannot refuse men who identify as women access to women’s spaces. However, this advice could lead to confusion, as the law allows for single-sex services in some cases.
  3. Service providers still have the option to decide their own policies regarding who can enter women’s spaces. They may want to seek more thorough legal advice to clarify their options.

NZ women, a chance to speak anonymously on air about your experience of encountering a man in your space.

279 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Political parties Legislation Public Opinion Media Coverage
  1. Women in New Zealand are given a chance to share their feelings about encountering men in women-only spaces anonymously on air. This opportunity allows women to express their experiences without fear of backlash.
  2. The National Party in NZ is hesitant to take a clear stance on the rights of women and girls regarding single-sex spaces. Despite some members expressing certain views, there seems to be a general reluctance to engage fully in discussions about gender identity.
  3. Winston Peters from the New Zealand First party openly opposes allowing men who identify as women into women’s spaces and sports. He believes this stance is crucial for protecting women's rights in these areas.

NZ Herald (at last!) publishes an article which questions the use of puberty blockers.

439 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Child welfare Gender Issues Mental health
  1. An article in the NZ Herald challenges the use of puberty blockers, marking a shift in the media's approach to the topic. It highlights that previous articles may have had misleading information.
  2. Research and reviews from multiple countries, including New Zealand, question the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers for children. Some findings suggest serious health risks and a lack of improvement in mental health.
  3. There's concern about the increasing rates of puberty blocker prescriptions in New Zealand, as procedures and guidelines are becoming more accessible to children without extensive evaluations.

Voices for Children - a rally at NZ's Parliament grounds on 31st Oct.

239 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Policy Gender Issues Children's rights
  1. There is a rally happening at New Zealand's Parliament on October 31st, focused on children's issues.
  2. Organized by a Māori women's group, this event will feature strong voices speaking on current gender topics affecting kids.
  3. Activities and policies regarding youth, like a secret program in Christchurch, are being highlighted as concerns during the rally.

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

439 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Protests Gender Activism Public Opinion
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, received a huge amount of media attention in New Zealand, with 158 news articles about her in just one week. This shows how much focus the media can put on one individual, especially when the subject stirs controversy.
  2. There was significant violence during the 'Let Women Speak' rally in Auckland, which media coverage seemed to downplay or misrepresent. The way the media handled this issue raised questions about their professionalism and objectivity.
  3. A few journalists, like Rachel Smalley and Sean Plunket, stood out by offering a different perspective and promoting women's rights, despite facing backlash from their colleagues. Their actions highlight how challenging it can be to present alternative views in a charged media environment.

How two vegan men peaked me into being a committed women’s rights ‘bigot’.

559 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Issues Veganism Identity politics
  1. Defending women's spaces can lead to unexpected backlash from friends. It's surprising how quickly opinions can change over important issues.
  2. There’s a personal journey in understanding feminism, which can be triggered by seeing unfairness in women's rights. Reflecting on past struggles can inspire a deeper commitment to activism.
  3. Sometimes, conflicts reveal true friendships and values. Ending toxic friendships can lead to personal growth and stronger connections with like-minded people.

Ministry of Health NZ discards the word 'women' in favour of inclusive language, but men are still ‘men’.

399 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Health Policy Social Issues
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Health is using terms like 'pregnant people' instead of 'women', which some people find confusing. Despite this change, they still refer to men as 'men'.
  2. The Plain Language Act was created for clear communication, but many feel that using terms like 'pregnant people' does not meet this goal. People want clear language that everyone can understand.
  3. There are concerns that some people in government, especially those focused on academic language, may not understand everyday people's needs. This leads to communication that doesn’t always make sense to the general public.

Police horses punched in the gut by trans activists

419 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Issues Public Policy Civil Rights Social movements
  1. During a rally in Melbourne, some activists attacked police horses, which is alarming and shows a dangerous level of violence.
  2. The rally is centered around giving women the chance to speak, but there are tensions between different activist groups that complicate the situation.
  3. Media coverage often sparks controversy, with claims being made against rally leaders that may not reflect the reality of their actions or intentions.

The Green Party MP and the cosy connection to a "radical right-wing Christian fascist"

299 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political parties Social Issues Cultural Commentary Gender Politics
  1. Julie Anne Genter, a Green Party MP, cycled to the hospital to give birth, showing her determination and strength. It's a unique story that highlights the lengths some people will go to during important life moments.
  2. The origins of the bicycle may be tied to European inventors, and some of their beliefs may not align with modern views on gender. This raises questions about how we view historical figures today.
  3. The use of terms like 'radical right-wing Christian fascist' can become common in certain circles, which might create barriers in discussions. It's important to be aware of how language can influence our understanding of different beliefs and opinions.

More trans ideology is being inserted into our children's lives by the Ministry of Education NZ

339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legislation Gender Politics Public Policy Activism
  1. There's a concern that an agenda related to trans issues is being quietly pushed into schools in New Zealand. This includes appointing people who support trans ideology on school boards without public votes.
  2. A new bill is being proposed that could make it easier for non-elected advocates to join school boards, and many people in the education sector may not know about these changes.
  3. Questions are being raised about why gender and sexuality need special representation on school boards, and how this might affect the balance and influence within these boards.

Real Women NZ's first livestream

359 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Public Policy Social movements Media
  1. Real Women NZ recently launched its first weekly livestream to discuss issues affecting women, especially in relation to trans ideology. This provides a platform for women to share their experiences openly.
  2. The group was formed after a violent incident earlier this year during a women's rally in Auckland, sparking a need for more safe spaces for women to express their views.
  3. Upcoming plans include creating a YouTube channel and possibly a website to reach a wider audience, ensuring that women can connect and continue these important discussions, even if they are banned from other platforms.

Jill and Sean talk about NZ's new Women's Rights Party.

259 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Women's Rights Activism Media bias
  1. The Women's Rights Party in New Zealand is close to reaching its goal of 500 members to register for the upcoming election. This is important for gaining a political platform.
  2. Registering as a political party allows them to contest the party vote and access funds for advertising, which they can't do as an activist group.
  3. Many people feel that mainstream political parties have neglected women's rights, which is why the Women’s Rights Party is seen as a needed alternative that stands up for these rights.

It's a bit hellish for women at Hell's Gate in Rotorua, NZ.

399 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Women's Rights Public Policy Social justice Activism
  1. A social rule used to keep men out of women's spaces created a safe environment for women. This changed when some men started claiming to be women and accessing these spaces.
  2. Some women are misled into believing that men entering women’s changing rooms are genuinely women, which makes it uncomfortable for those who truly identify as female.
  3. Rallies are planned for women to express their concerns and demand to be heard on this issue, highlighting the importance of women’s rights and spaces.

Disinformation - the new cash cow, especially if we get 're-educated' about its' meaning.

299 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Free speech Policy Government Society
  1. The New Zealand government is looking to understand disinformation better by offering a $450K tender for research. This is to help them recognize and tackle disinformation in society.
  2. There is concern that the definition of disinformation might be changing. Some groups are expanding the meaning to include comments that are considered mean or hateful, which raises questions about free speech.
  3. One project related to disinformation seems to focus on specific groups and narratives, but some critics point out that other important topics, like the experiences of Muslims, are not being addressed.

[Updated] 'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Language Identity Gender Society Parenting
  1. The word 'mother' has a deep and lasting meaning in many cultures. People feel strongly that this word should not be replaced with terms like 'birthing parent'.
  2. Society is moving away from using the word 'mother', which some believe is a troubling trend. It raises concerns about losing connection to important social roles.
  3. The importance of language in shaping our understanding of relationships and identity is highlighted. Words like 'mother' help create feelings of connection and belonging.

The 'Posie Parker' madness of New Zealand’s mainstream media in just seven days.

259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Analysis Public Opinion Political Activism Gender Issues Media Ethics
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand intensely covered Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, with 158 news items in one week, mostly negative.
  2. Media coverage may have fueled violence against her and others at a rally, showing a lack of professionalism and a rush to judgment.
  3. After the rally, the media's tone changed slightly, but they initially downplayed the violence that occurred, reflecting inconsistent reporting.

Message to all women: “your boundaries are now defunct”

419 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Social norms Public spaces Safety
  1. Women are feeling their boundaries are being ignored, especially regarding safe spaces like toilets. There's concern that their right to privacy is being compromised.
  2. Policies are shifting to prioritize inclusivity for transgender and non-binary people, but this can sometimes overlook the needs and safety of women. The dialogue often places the needs of men before women's.
  3. Many believe that separate spaces for women, like women-only toilets, are important for their dignity and safety. There's a push for workplaces to recognize and respect these boundaries.

'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

119 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Language Identity Gender Society History
  1. The word 'mother' is important and meaningful in many cultures and societies. It's a term that represents deep connections and feelings.
  2. Some organizations are trying to replace the word 'mother' with terms like 'birthing parent', which many people find troubling.
  3. The concept of motherhood is seen as foundational to our understanding of family and identity, and losing that word could impact how we view these roles.

The judgement is out for Sall Grover’s ‘Tickle v Giggle’ court case, and it means that Australian women have NO female-only sanctuaries anymore.

3 HN points • 23 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legal issues Judiciary Women's Rights Trans rights
  1. A court ruling in Australia has decided that women can no longer have private spaces just for them. This means any man can say he's a woman and enter those spaces.
  2. The judge in this case ruled that a person's legal paperwork can change their identified sex, even if their physical traits do not match. This has raised concerns about how this affects the safety and rights of women.
  3. There are ongoing debates about gender rights and safety for women. Some argue that this ruling could set a precedent for similar laws in other countries, prompting calls for action to protect women's rights.

Let Women Speak in New Zealand.

219 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Social norms Public Discourse
  1. Working together on one clear issue can lead to big achievements. It's important to focus on what unites us, even when we have different beliefs.
  2. It's okay to have positions we won't compromise on, but we can still find common ground with others. Open dialogue can help build respect and understanding.
  3. Conversations around important topics like women's rights should be honest and straightforward. It's essential to protect our bodies and ensure a good future for our children.

I can’t help but notice the difference in what people are doing …..

219 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Disasters Public response Trans rights Social Issues
  1. Cyclone Gabrielle has caused severe damage in New Zealand, leaving many people homeless and without basic necessities like water and power.
  2. While the community suffers from this disaster, some activists are choosing to focus on events far away, which seems out of touch with the local needs.
  3. There is a call for people to prioritize local help and support for those affected by the cyclone rather than holding protests and vigils for distant events.

When Kellie-Jay Keen comes to New Zealand, we women will be looking out for each other.

219 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans rights Women's Rights Activism Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is coming to New Zealand for her 'Let Women Speak' tour, and women plan to support each other during the events. It's important to be united and look out for one another.
  2. There have been incidents of harassment from activists during similar events in other countries, which raises concerns about safety. Women, especially the elderly and disabled, need protection from intimidation.
  3. Past experiences show that activisting groups can be aggressive, making it crucial for women to be prepared and aware of each other when attending such events. Safety in numbers and awareness can help prevent harassment.

New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2022

239 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Legislation Activism Public Opinion Health Policies
  1. In 2022, New Zealand adopted laws related to gender identity, including the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation, which makes it illegal to change or suppress someone's gender identity or sexual orientation.
  2. There were significant debates and actions around gender identity in public spaces and schools, with many parents expressing concerns about the influence of gender ideology on children's education.
  3. Organizations and individuals pushed back against perceived gender ideology in sports, education, and healthcare, leading to a complex conversation about the rights of transgender individuals and the protection of women and children.

New Zealand’s 2023 Census is a dog (no disrespect to dogs)

179 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Opinion Government transparency Social Policy
  1. The 2023 Census in New Zealand will focus more on gender than biological sex, aiming to collect data on people's self-identified genders.
  2. Statistics NZ is prioritizing responses about gender and will interpret any unclear answers in favor of a gender identity, even if the participant does not explicitly answer the question about sex.
  3. The approach taken by Stats NZ has raised concerns about clarity and the conflation of biological sex and gender identity, potentially creating confusion and social division.

The New Zealand birth certificate will soon be just a vanity document.

199 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Gender Rights Human Rights Identity politics Public Policy
  1. In New Zealand, people will soon be able to buy a birth certificate online with any sex on it for just $10, making it less about actual birth details and more about personal choice.
  2. There are concerns about fraud as individuals could legally hold two different birth certificates with different sexes, which might confuse identity verification.
  3. Single-sex spaces can still be legally protected in New Zealand, even after the sex self-ID law passes, but confusion about the law may lead some services to include individuals who identify differently.

A tiny number of men in women’s sports is not equal to only having a tiny impact

219 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Transgender Issues Inclusion Competition Policy
  1. Having a few men in women's sports doesn't mean their presence won't have a big effect. Even a small number of players can change the game for everyone else.
  2. The guidelines allowing men to compete in women's sports based on self-identification are controversial and raise questions about fairness. Many people are concerned that this policy could take opportunities away from female athletes.
  3. Just saying there are only a few men in women's sports doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem. The impact of those few can still be significant and can affect many women’s chances to win or compete.