by S. Campbell | news
Two parents asked for a legal injunction to ban their transgender teenager from having a Mastectomy, but the High Court ruled against them. Here’s the story.
Parental Injunction Denied
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Two UK parents went to the High Court in London this month, seeking an injunction to stop their 17-year-old nonbinary teenager from having breast removal surgery. But the request was refused.
They Want a Report
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Not only did the parents seek an injunction to ban the mastectomy, but they also sought a compulsory psychiatric report to be made on their child.
Both parents expressed concerns about their child’s well-being and requested a psychiatric evaluation.
Almost a Legal Adult
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The judge, Hon Mr Justice Macdonald, dismissed their bid on the grounds that the teenager was turning 18 the same month as the hearing, so any injunction would be nullified within days as their child would be a legal adult who would not need parental permission to seek gender-affirming surgery.
A Disproportionate Response
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He also denied the call for a compulsory psychiatric report, saying that forcing an examination of the teenager by any professional would be a disproportionate response to the case.
Difficult Home Life
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During the court hearing, the unnamed teenager and their parents gave testimony describing a highly contentious relationship between parents and child.
According to testimonies, the child, who was referred to in court documents as ‘EE,’ began to identify as both lesbian and non-binary at age eleven.
Waiting for Surgery
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The teenager was desperate for bilateral mastectomy, as they felt it was the only way for their “real life” to start.
Unfortunately, public access to mastectomy has a waiting list of ten years or more, and private surgery is too expensive.
“Evil and Satanic”
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As EE began to open up about their gender identity and sexuality, they claimed their parents would not accept it and even referred to all LGBTQ+ people as “evil and satanic.”
Claims of Emotional Abuse
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In court transcripts, the teenager described what they claimed was emotional abuse at the hands of their parents.
“I was being emotionally abused by my parents constantly because they would […] make comments to me about how identifying as transgender means I am mentally ill.”
Off-Color Comments
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“They would constantly make homophobic/transphobic comments towards me,” EE continued.
“And say things such as the reason LGBTQ+ is normal in the UK is because they are trying to reduce the population.”
Teen Runs Away From Home
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The 17-year-old described a familial relationship that was strained to the point where they chose to run away from home in November 2022, opting to live in state care rather than remain with their parents.
Psychiatric Report
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On the other side, their parents presented a psychiatric report from their home country (the family had emigrated to the UK 14 years earlier).
The report, which was brief, diagnosed the teenager with a schizotypal personality disorder. The parents also asserted that their child had experienced bipolar disorder and episodes of catatonia and psychosis.
Not Her Decision to Make, Parents Claim
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The case rested on their claim that because of their child’s alleged psychiatric history, as well as a long family history of mental illness, their daughter could not make an informed decision on gender-affirming medical treatment.
Social Workers Disagree
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However, social workers involved in the claims refuted the parent’s claims.
They described EE as bright and strong-minded with a good academic record, stable friendships, and community relationships outside of the family home.
Judge Calls for Evidence
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Mr Justice Macdonald also denied the parent’s claims of mental illness on the grounds of having no evidence.
Instead, the judge pointed out that there was evidence that EE had been convinced to undergo therapy sessions in 2022, some of which bore “some of the hallmarks of so-called ‘conversion therapy.’”
The Judge’s Ruling
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The judge later issued a written ruling that verified the teenager’s claims that their parents had made homophobic comments toward them.
The ruling mentioned the parents’ concerns about their child’s use of a breast binder and body piercings.
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by S. Campbell | news
A new line of tampons marketed toward trans men has received significant attention and varied responses from online commentators. Here’s the story.
Tampons for Trans Men
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When the Finnish company Vuokkoset, which specializes in sanitary products, launched a new line of tampons for trans men and non-binary people, it was intended to be a helpful gesture for the trans community during Transgender Awareness Week.
But the product campaign quickly drew attention from both supporters and critics online..
Raising Awareness
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The products were designed to raise awareness of the gender dysphoria that many trans men and non-binary individuals feel around having their period.
It can be an especially complicated experience for people undergoing hormone replacement therapy and other gender-affirming care.
Stripped Down, Non-Feminine Marketing
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These trans tampons are stripped of feminine marketing and womanly connotations, coming in a box that is plain and navy blue in color, and stating simply that the products are “for menstruation.”
A Cynical Response
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But the product launch received various online responses, including criticisms and mockery.
Numerous comments were posted, with some users expressing skepticism about the campaign and its intentions.
Skeptical Motives
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Some online comments expressed the opinion that these tampons are unnecessary because men don’t menstruate. Others accused the company of creating a market for profit from transgender individuals.
Helping 93% Of Trans Men
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Vuokkoset continues to stand by its new product despite criticism from individuals with differing viewpoints.
They claimed that their product would help to address widespread dysphoria caused by feminine-marketed hygiene products, citing a study that found that 93% of trans men experience menstrual-related gender dysphoria.
“Periods Don’t Define a Woman”
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“Periods should be dealt with more widely and it should be understood that periods or a lack thereof do not determine who is a woman and who isn’t,” their website states.
Different Experiences
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“Women who have gone through the menopause do not have periods, and hormonal contraception can also stop periods,” it continued.
“Some women have had a hysterectomy due to illness, and trans women have never had a womb at all.”
A Product That Can Change Attitudes
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The company added that embracing products like there’s would help to “stamp out discrimination against gender minorities” by “changing attitudes and broadening perspectives.”
“The least anyone can do is to understand that periods do not define womanhood and understand the diversity behind them,” the statement concluded.
A New Perspective for the Period Industry
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Trans model Oscar McGregor, who has collaborated with period-related apparel brands previously, shared a similar perspective to Vuokkoset, suggesting that the period industry is “moving in the right direction” by being more inclusive of other gender identities.
Challenging Narratives
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“The whole narrative around the menstruation is very feminine and as someone who doesn’t recognize themselves in this gendered language, it can be a really challenging experience every month,” he said.
Limited Edition Coming Soon
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The Vuokkoset tampons for men and non-binary individuals will be a limited edition product sold in Finland first, with plans to begin international distribution in early 2024.
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by S. Campbell | news
An unnamed woman has accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams of sexual assault and employment discrimination, based on an alleged incident in 1993.
Denying the Allegations
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Eric Adams, the New York City mayor, has “vigorously denied” the accusations of sexual assault that were made against him this week.
A Serious Accusation
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A woman accused the mayor of sexual assault and employment discrimination in a court filing on Wednesday.
The allegations span back to 1993, during his time working as a police officer in the city.
Issues Under the ASA
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The case was filed under the Adult Survivors Act, which provides a year-long window for sexual assault victims to file lawsuits that would have otherwise expired due to the statute of limitations.
The window was set to expire on 24 November.
Three-Page Summons
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The three-page summons alleges that the plaintiff “was sexually assaulted by Defendant Eric Adams in New York, New York in 1993 while they both worked for the City of New York”. It does not name the plaintiff.
A List of Crimes
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Though it does not go into detail, it names a list of accusations against Adams, including “sexual assault, battery and employment discrimination on the basis of Plaintiff’s gender and sex, retaliation, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress,” all of which Adams has categorically denied.
The City Hall Speaks
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When the report first came to light it was addressed by a New York city hall spokesperson who said “The mayor does not know who this person is. If they ever met, he doesn’t recall it. But he would never do anything to physically harm another person and vigorously denies any such claim.”
“It Did Not Happen”
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But on Thursday Adams addressed the situation directly to CBS News, telling reporters that “the accusation absolutely did not happen”.
Adams Doesn’t Recall
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“I don’t even recall who this person is, I never recall even meeting them,” he claimed. “I’ve spent my life protecting people, I’ve spent my life giving back, and I’m going to continue to do that. There’s a lot going on in the city, and I’m focused on making sure that it’s done.”
Seeking Damages
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The woman who made the allegations is seeking $5 million in damages, according to the document.
Both the New York City police department’s Transit Bureau and the New York City police department Guardians Association are named as defendants in the case.
Immediate Response
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Neither the New York police department nor the Guardian’s Association, which represents black police officers, immediately responded to comments following the report.
Three other unnamed entities have also been labeled as defendants.
The Opportunities of the ASA
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Though the woman is not named, her attorney, Megan Goddard, has issued a public statement concerning the case. “Goddard Law is thankful for the Adult Survivors Act, which has given so many women the opportunity to seek justice. We are immensely proud of our clients and all the women who are seeking justice under the ASA,” it said.
Thankful for the New Window
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It continued, saying that Goddard Law is “also thankful that the legislature may be considering reopening the window because so many victims of sexual assault are only finding out about the ASA now.”
A Flurry of Accusations
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Indeed, the announcement of the Adult Survivors Act last year has led to a burst of accusations made and cases filed against a number of public figures, including entertainer Jamie Foxx, film producer Harvey Weinstein, and former president Donald Trump.
Not the First Time
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This is only the latest legal issue that has pulled Eric Adams into the spotlight.
He is currently under investigation for his mayoral campaign financing back in 2021. The investigation is centered around a suspected conspiracy with the Turkish government to violate US campaign finance laws.
Illegal Foreign Donations
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The scheme would have allowed illegal foreign donations to be presented as donations from US citizens. Adams has denied any wrongdoing involved in his 2021 campaign.
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by S. Campbell | news
Renowned Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama has issued a public apology for offensive remarks made over two decades ago, overshadowing her art show, ‘Infinite Love,’ at SFMOMA and sparking a broader conversation about art, history, and accountability.
Kusama Apologizes
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“I apologize for the pain I have caused.” – In the lead-up to her upcoming art show ‘Infinite Love,’ acclaimed Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama apologized for a series of anti-Black comments she made over 20 years ago.
An Official Statement
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The apology came in the form of a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, provided by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which is hosting Kusama’s upcoming show.
“I deeply regret using hurtful and offensive language in my book,” the 94-year-old’s statement began.
Love, Hope, Compassion, Respect
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“My message has always been one of love, hope, compassion, and respect for all people,” it continued.
“My lifelong intention has been to lift up humanity through my art. I apologize for the pain I have caused.”
Autobiographical Reflections
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The questionable comments in question came from passages in her own autobiography, Infinity Net, published in 2003.
She described a little Black girl’s “exotic face” in one passage and wrote about the U.S. in another, imagining it as “a land full of these strange, barefooted children and virgin primeval forests.”
Taking It Further
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She went even further, describing Black people in general as “primitive, hyper-sexualized beings.”
In the original Japanese first edition of Infinity Net, Kusama described her life in New York and called her neighborhood a “slum,” which she blamed on “Black people shooting each other out front, and homeless people sleeping there.”
The Hustler’s Grotto of Christopher Street
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But her racial commentaries weren’t exclusive to her autobiography. In her 1984 novel The Hustler’s Grotto of Christopher Street, she added offensive and fetishized descriptions of Black people’s smells and genitalia.
Tokyo Lee
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In another literary work, her 1971 play Tokyo Lee, Kusama added a single Black character, who she crudely stereotyped as a “WILD-looking, hairy, coal-black savage.”
Comments Resurface
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Though these instances flew under the radar for decades, they recently resurfaced in a San Francisco Chronicle op-ed article titled “SFMOMA is set to have a blockbuster show. But what about the artist’s racist writings?”
Elephant in the Polka-Dotted Room
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Columnist Soleil Ho’s article brought attention to her controversial writing and noted that SFMOMA had not yet confronted the “elephant in this polka-dotted room,” a reference to the signature polka dots that adorn much of Kusama’s most famous works.
She Has a Problem
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“Despite the global cultural branding that depicts Yayoi Kusama as a beacon of love and a barrier-breaking woman of color, the artist has a racism problem,” Ho wrote.
SFMOMA Takes a Stand
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SFMOMA director Chris Bedford responded to the article, sending an email to the Chronicle that stated, “SFMOMA stands firmly against these and all anti-Black sentiments.
Our effort is not to edit figures out of art history based on misdeeds but rather to present a fully dimensional, complex social art history.”
A Broader Interrogation
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More recently, Chris Bedford expounded on his response in a phone interview, explaining that “We can use this moment as a catalyst for a broader interrogation of what it means to present artists in our galleries.”
Inspiration for a New Program
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In fact, a series of programs are slated to appear at SFMOMA in 2024 as a response to the criticisms against Kusama. The programs will explore how museums and their visitors can navigate problematic artists in their work.
Tackling the Issue
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“We need to tackle this, not only in relationship to Kusama but actually in relationship to art history more broadly,” Bedford elaborated.
“The statement that Kusama herself made has opened the door for us to become leaders in the field and thinking about the relationship between authorial complexity and artistic expression.”
A Dark Shadow on Her Show
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As Kusama issued her apology, her long-anticipated San Francisco exhibition, ‘Infinite Love,’ was already underway. The show made its debut on October 14 and quickly sold out for the entire month, even though it couldn’t escape the recent media scrutiny.
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by S. Campbell | news
Actor Mark Ruffalo hit out against Donald Trump after Trump was accused of committing fraud in a NY court ruling earlier this week. It is just one in a long line of Hollywood stars speaking out against the former president. Here’s what went down.
Ruffalo Slams Trump
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“He is a scam artist” is just one of the fiery lines in a recent online post by actor Mark Ruffalo that has caught public attention.
As a New York court case against former US president and business mogul Donald Trump has turned sour, Ruffalo went online to share his opinion.
An Outspoken Political Activist
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For decades Ruffalo has been a mainstay in Hollywood, appearing in the superhero franchise Avengers as Bruce Banner aka The Incredible Hulk, and movies such as 13 Going on 30 and Now You See Me.
But he is also known for his outspoken political and activist views.
Mark Makes His Mark
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Ruffalo pulled no punches in sharing his opinion with his 8.2 million followers. “Another reminder that this man, in totality, is a fraud.
“He is a scam artist,” he wrote in a post on Wednesday.
Many Potential Victims
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The post continued, with the actor listing numerous people who have been affected by Trump’s past behavior, from members of the public to his employees and associates.
“He steals from the public, his workers … and now his followers in donations that he pockets.”
Closing Thoughts
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Ruffalo completed his raging post with a final message. “If you have any sense at all you will beware Donald Trump,” he concluded. “You mean only to him, what he can take you for.”
Stirring Up Controversy
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Responses to Ruffalo’s post were understandably mixed. One X user subtweeted the actor, saying, “He did fine for four years as president. You have nothing.”
While others jumped to defend him, “Unlike Trump, he actually earns his money and pays his taxes.”
A Political History
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While spending most of his career in the film industry as an actor and producer, Ruffalo has long been a vocal advocate for climate change awareness and other social issues.
He is an avowed Democrat and Donald Trump’s case was just one of many issues he has been outspoken about.
A Case Is Made
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A New York judge ruled that Donald Trump had committed fraud over years of building the Trump real estate empire.
This ruling was made by New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron after overseeing a civil lawsuit brought against Trump by Attorney General Letitia James. It is just the latest in a series of polarising news about the former president.
Heavy Accusations
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Trump and his company have been accused of repeated acts of deception when dealing with banks, insurers, and others involved with his business deals.
This included inflating his net worth and overvaluing assets.
The Lawsuit Goes Ahead
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This ruling came about after Trump’s legal team bid to have the lawsuit thrown out, and Judge Engoron publicly dismissed their bid.
“The documents here clearly contain fraudulent valuations that defendants used in business,” he stated in his official rejection.
Trump vs. Hollywood
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Ruffalo was far from the first Hollywood star to speak out against the 45th President of the United States.
Last year, A-lister George Clooney made a statement of his own after Trump referred to Clooney and other celebs as “Hollywood Elites”.
Clooney’s Take
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The twice-named ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ shared a response to Trump’s comments that was possibly even more heated than Ruffalo’s.
“This idea that I’m somehow the ‘Hollywood elite’ and this guy who takes a **** in a gold toilet is somehow the man of the people is laughable,” Clooney retorted.
Trump Responds
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Meanwhile, the former president has not responded directly to Ruffalo’s post, but he did address the court ruling online.
He called Judge Engoron’s decision “Un-American,” writing that “My Civil rights have been violated, and some Appellate Court, whether federal or state, must reverse this horrible, un-American decision.”
His Team Isn’t Happy
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Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, also made a public statement, calling the ruling “completely disconnected from the facts and governing law,” and affirming that Trump’s legal team will be appealing the decision.
Time Will Tell
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The NY fraud case against Donald Trump is far from over, and with the 2024 re-elections coming in hot, the coming year is going to be a busy one for the former president and his representatives. Is this case the end of his troubles, or just the beginning?
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