-
Catherine McGregor realises her stand on safe schools was wrong
Catherine has posted an thoughtful article in the SMH titled
Encounter made me realise I was wrong to oppose Safe Schools.In the article she describes how an encounter with a trans actor, Charles O’Grady lead her to question her approach to the Safe Schools program.
Quote:I understood exactly why he felt as he did. He penetrated my defences and challenged me to review my own behaviour. Many young trans people believed in me at one time. I had never fully grasped the extent of the hope that I had inspired in them.I dashed their hopes and broke their hearts over my criticism of Safe Schools. I was too selfish, too ideological and too combative. Frankly, I had felt manipulated at being asked to back a program whose most public face, Roz Ward, had denigrated the Australian Defence Force and was affiliated with Socialist Alternative in Victoria. I have never recanted from my opinion of her.
But to my discredit, I allowed my resentment of that fanatic to taint my attitude to the merits of the program. I was too rash in dismissing it. My concept of gender was forged by exposure to the showgirls of the 1970s and 1980s who were my heroines. I had a limited, arguably obsolescent view of how gender variance manifests among contemporary teens. My model worked for me. Indeed, it was integral to my survival and sense of self. But that is not how O’Grady lives and expresses his gender. Neither of us are wrong.
….
Quote:In light of the harm I did to many and the friendships that I lost, I deeply regret my actions. I wish to apologise to all those I harmed or disappointed. I made a mistake and threw the baby out with the bath water. Fame and public attention came rapidly to me when my transition became news. I lacked the maturity and depth to handle it with the grace and aplomb that those to whom I became a beacon deserved. -
2 Replies
-
Wow! Thank you so much Cate. Apart from the obvious reassurance to older war veterans like myself (Vietnam 1966-67), what a fantastic example to set ALL of our political leaders: ‘it is ok to admit wrong; it is ok to apologise’. The world thinks much more highly of those who can do so than it does of those without the courage, compassion or endurance do admit error and apologies for harm done.
What a role model: Catherine McGregor, as another former soldier, you have just been returned to the top of my ‘most respected public figure’ list. I would dearly love to know you.
-
It has been said in many forums that it shows real character to admit to being wrong. I have to admit to being rather confused over Catherine’s original stance on safe schools and am obviously relieved to hear her renewed opinion.
Now, if only others would follow suit.
Thanks for posting Adrian,
Claire
