The “Let Women Speak” initiative, under the stewardship of Kellie-Jay Keen and her organisation, Standing For Women, has emerged as a significant component of an ongoing anti-trans campaign. This development contradicts the initiative’s declared purpose: advocating for women’s rights and free speech. The series of events consistently propels anti-trans messages, sparking recurring controversies.
These gatherings, usually held in public, outdoor venues, craft an illusion of inclusivity. They purport to be open to all, provided attendees voice anti-trans views. Notably, during a Newcastle event in January 2023, a speaker invoked sections of Mein Kampf, drawing an unsettling parallel between trans people and “The Big Lie,” a cornerstone of Hitler’s anti-Jewish propaganda. In a March 2023 “Let Women Speak” event in Melbourne, neo-Nazi groups were among the attendees, leading to the suspension of MP Moira Deeming due to her participation.
The blueprint of these events lies at a contentious crossroad between free speech and trans rights. While presenting themselves as champions of open discourse, they have been identified as platforms that intensify and disseminate anti-trans rhetoric.
This emphasis on preserving cisgender women’s rights often results in the marginalisation and exclusion of trans women. Keen and “Let Women Speak” continue to push a narrative that dismisses the multifaceted identities within the feminist community, particularly ignoring trans women.
Despite attracting wide-ranging criticism, Standing For Women and the “Let Women Speak” events maintain a substantial following. This enduring support reflects the enduring presence of detrimental viewpoints on gender and identity that obstruct the progression of truly inclusive feminism.