Connie Shaw: ‘I’ve been penalised for expressing my freedom of speech’ (S1, Ep 5) Lessons from being ‘cancelled’ for holding gender critical views

Universities are the home of free speech, critical thinking & robust debate, right? Not for student Connie Shaw who was recently suspended from Leeds University Student Radio because of her personal views. While the reasons for her suspension have not yet been made clear, she believes it’s because of her gender critical views i.e. she believes there are two sexes - male and female - and that the notion of ‘gender identity’ does not exist. And she’s passionate about protecting women’s sex-based rights to safe spaces, fairness in sport (and all aspects of life) … along with sex-based language. While twenty-year-old Connie does not have a business (yet) she is a courageous leader. Because she’s willing to stand up for what she believes in - even if it makes her unpopular. Which means there is much to learn from this conversation - both for business and life. And here’s the thing. It shouldn’t feel courageous for me to share this conversation between two women - twenty years apart - who share a passion for protecting women’s sex-based rights - and the language used to describe them. And yet it does. And regardless of whether you agree/disagree with what you hear in this discussion - the right to freedom of expression is the most valuable thing we have. And something I believe we must protect - at all costs. Key Moments00:03:04 Why Connie was suspended from the position of daytime editor on Leeds Student Radio00:13:19 The erosion of women’s sex-based rights - and why not enough people are taking about it 00:25:44 A gender-critical stance: Connie’s unfiltered beliefs 00:34:34 Erasing ‘woman’ - the controversy around women’s sex-based language 00:41:22 Why Connie believes biological men should not compete in women’s sporting categories and awards 00:51:41 Why being called bigoted doesn’t hurt Connie 2025 Courageous Business Planner Bundle - Apply PODCAST10 at checkout and save 10%.Janet Murray’s website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Connie Shaw’s podcast: The FringeConnie Shaw’s XConnie Shaw on SoundCloudConnie Shaw on Substack

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