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silbheuig.bsky.social
Sylvia
@silbheuig.bsky.social
2K followers 450 following 330 posts
She/her | Bisexual transfeminist | PhD Candidate in Sociological Studies @sheffielduni.bsky.social | Researching trans women in LGBT+ charities |

Editor: @ebb.bsky.social | Host: @commongenders.org
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silbheuig.bsky.social
Comrades from Ebb and rs21 in Birmingham are hosting a book launch and Q&A TONIGHT (6-8pm) at BRIG Café with Alex Charnley and Michael Richmond (authors of Fascism and the Women's Cause) to discuss trans liberation, anti-fascism and the women's cause.

Free tickets: www.outsavvy.com/event/30282/...
Book Launch + Q&A Trans Liberation, Anti-Fascism and the Women's Cause Join book and pamphlet authors to discuss how we can address transphobia and fascism today. Monday 6th October, 6-8pm at BRIG Café
October 6, 2025 at 12:12 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
I'm thinking of an account in Satnam Virdee's book about James Connolly which always sticks out to me and is precisely *why* organisers should be vocal in their solidarity with marginalised communities and make it a fundamental part of any revolutionary strategy.
An extract from Satnam Virdee's (2014) 'Racism and the Racialised Outsider,' page 69. An example of his deep-felt commitment to the politics of anti-racism and socialist internationalism, and how it extended beyond his immediate concern for Irish independence, can be demonstrated not only by his consistent opposition to the anti-semitism of Britain’s oldest socialist party – the SDF – but also in the manner that he embraced the migrant Jewish community in Ireland. In 1902, when Connolly stood as a candidate for the United Labourers’ Union in the Wood Quay Ward of Dublin – an area with a significant population of Jewish migrants – he refused to indulge in the anti-semitism that characterized the campaign. Instead, recognizing that many of the Jews had been members of the Jewish Bund in eastern Europe, conscious efforts were made to reach out to them. He enlisted the support of Boris Kahan – secretary of the East London Jewish branch of the SDF – to produce a leaflet in Yiddish outlining that only James Connolly was a true ‘Arbeter Fraint’ (Worker’s Friend) (O’Riordan 1988: 125). The election was bitterly fought with one of Connolly’s opponents, the publican P.J. McCall denouncing him as a renegade An extract from Satnam Virdee's (2014) 'Racism and the Racialised Outsider,' page 70. ...from Catholicism by suggesting that socialism was incompatible with adherence to the Catholic faith. The scale of the effort taken to defeat Connolly is revealingly captured by his observation that: ... the paid canvassers of the capitalist candidate – hired slanderers – gave a different account of Mr. Connolly to every section of the electors. How they said to the Catholics that he was an Orangeman, to the Protestants that he was a Fenian, to the Jews that he was an anti-Semite, to others that he was a Jew. (cited in O’Riordan 1988: 126) I have focused on James Connolly not only because he constitutes a rare example of a socialist who forged an anti-racist and internationalist position in an era of ascendant imperialism, but also because in 1903 he co-founded, with George Yates and Neil Maclean, a political organization – the Socialist Labour Party – which was distinguished by its commitment to industrial unionism and proletarian internationalism. In the course of the ‘great labour unrest’ that unfolded throughout Britain from 1910, activists from the SLP played an influential role in shaping working class rejection of racism, especially on Clydeside – encompassing the city of Glasgow and the surrounding urban areas on the banks of the River Clyde such as Paisley, Clydebank and Greenock.
August 4, 2025 at 11:03 AM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Discussing Juliana Gleeson's (@hekate.bsky.social) new book, 'Hermaphrodite Logic: A History of Intersex Liberation' last night was so good!

We had some interesting discussions and questions, it was great to see everyone there at Juno Books!
The books on display. Some are piled up, whilst two others are stood upright. A picture of me and Juliana. She is looking at me whilst I am smiling and looking towards the camera. I am wearing a black t-shirt which says in white font 'Queers for a Free Palestine.' Juliana is in a black dress. A picture of me and Juliana discussing the book in Juno Books with other people watching and listening to us. A signed copy of Hermaphrodite Logic which says, 'Dear Sylv McC! Thanks so much for helping launch this book! Juliana xox'
June 5, 2025 at 10:50 AM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Was very moved to see the gates of the old East Lancs Paper Mill now include a beautiful red plaque for Betty Tebbs.

'The Time for Action is Now!'
A picture of the old front gates of the East Lancashire Paper Mill Company. On the left of the gate on a column is a red heritage plaque that says: BETTY TEBBS 1918-2017 Lifelong Activist Peace Campaigner Radical Working Class Hero THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW!
May 6, 2025 at 10:08 AM
silbheuig.bsky.social
More highlights from Berlin.
A selfie of me at the May Day festival in Mariannenplatz organised by Die Linke. I am holding a bottle of Club Mate. Sowjetisches Ehrenmal, Treptower Park Sowjetisches Ehrenmal, Treptower Park A selfie of me under a tree, sitting on the grass on the Insel der Jugend and watching people passing by on the the Treptower Spree.
May 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Some highlights from Berlin.
A wide angle shot of Ernst-Thälmann-Denkmal with some Plattenbauten behind the memorial. There is some graffiti on the memorial, including 'ALERTA ALERTA ANTI-TERFISTA!' and 'Trans Day of Vengeance.' A selfie of me in front of the Marx and Engels statues in the Marx-Engels Forum. Sowjetisches Ehrenmal, Tiergarten A inflatable shark at the May Day festival organised by Die Linke that says, 'Miethaie zu Fischstäbchen!'
May 4, 2025 at 6:22 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Here we go!
#britsoc25
A picture of a piece of paper stuck to a window. The paper says 'British Sociologocal Association, University Place.' On the bottom right of the paper is the logo for the British Sociological Association.
April 23, 2025 at 9:53 AM
silbheuig.bsky.social
I went to the Women in Revolt exhibition at the Whitworth Gallery on Wednesday.

Absolutely brilliant (and free)! If you're in Manchester, I'd recommend heading down to it whilst it's still on.

Seeing pieces there that I've only seen online was an amazing experience.
A picture of me in front of a large display that says 'Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK, 1970-1990.' I am wearing all black, including an Anti-Raids Sheffield sweatshirt that says 'No Borders,' in the style of New Balance) and holding a floral shoulder bag. An information display on the exhibition that says: 'WOMEN IN REVOLT! ART AND ACTIVISM IN THE UK 1970-1990 Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 presents two decades of art as provocation, protest and progress Taking the 1970 National Women's Liberation Conference as its starting point, the exhibition explores the relationship between art and the women's movement in the UK. It brings together women who made art about their lives and the inequalities that informed them, acknowledging that the personal is political. Arranged chronologically, the exhibition addresses the social and political contexts that influenced the art women were making in the 1970s and 1980s. It focuses on artists who were organisers, agitators and community leaders. It includes women who worked independently and those who practised in collaboration. Together, these women formed a movement defined only by its range of perspectives, many of which challenged each other. As a result, the artworks on display are as diverse as those who made them. They remind us there is no single experience of being a woman, an artist or an activist. Women in Revolt! showcases more than 90 artists, introducing a constellation of voices rather than a few individual stars. It recognises and celebrates a wide-ranging network of women who challenged the art world and society. By acknowledging the actions these artists took and the relevance their art still holds, the exhibition hopes to give them the attention and credit they deserve. A display of various feminist magazines and posters. The picture is focusing on a piece by See Red Women's Workshop of the 7 Demands of the Women's Charter. A picture of the photograph taken by Del LaGrace Volcano (Della Grace) in 1988 'On The Way There, Helen, BJ, Sarah, Pa, Louise, Gay Pride, London.'
March 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Need to remind myself of this more whenever I get feedback and (constructive) criticism.
A passage from Marshall Berman's 'Adventures in Marxism.' 'My emphases in this essay have leaned toward the sceptical and self-critical undercurrents in Marx's thought. Some readers may be inclined to take only the criticism and self-criticism to heart, and throw out the hopes as Utopian and naïve. To do this, however, would be to miss what Marx saw as the essential point of critical thinking. Criticism, as he understood it, was part of an ongoing dialectical process. It was meant to be dynamic, to drive and inspire the person criticized to overcome both his critics and himself, to propel both parties toward a new synthesis. Thus, to unmask phony claims of transcendence is to demand and fight for real transcendence. To give up the quest for transcendence is to put a halo on one's own stagnation and resignation, and to betray not only Marx but ourselves. We need to strive for the precarious, dynamic balance that Antonio Gramsci, one of the great communist writers and leaders of our century, described as "pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will."'
March 19, 2025 at 1:34 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Had a lovely time at the book launch of @reproutopia.bsky.social's new book 'Enemy Feminisms' tonight.

Thanks to Juno Books and @erinmaglaque.bsky.social for hosting!
A signed copy of Sophie Lewis' book 'Enemy Feminism.' 'To comrade Sylvia! In feminist solidarity, Sophie x' The signature is at the bottom of the page. A picture of Sophie Lewis and Erin Maglaque at the book launch event.
March 5, 2025 at 11:18 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
My weekend book purchases were pretty good I must say. All for ~£20 (which was mainly for the Sheffield Troublemakers book, which I didn't know came in a hardcover!)
A picture of three books lying on top of a cream leather sofa. The books are from left to right: Sheffield Troublemakers by David Price, Dreamers of a New Day by Sheila Rowbotham and Soledad Brother by George Jackson.
February 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Before and after.

So much lighter!
February 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Looking forward to reading @taliabhatt.itch.io's new book!
A photo of an e-reader with a cropped front cover of Talia Bhatt's 'Trans / Radical / Fem'
January 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Especially when she brings up trans liberation in relation to abolition too.
Black text on a white background: 'great Angela Davis quote where she's saying: I don't think we would be where we are today – encouraging ever larger numbers of people to think within an abolitionist frame – had not the trans community taught us that it is possible to effectively challenge that which is considered the very foundation of our sense of normalcy. So if it is possible to challenge the gender binary, then we can certainly, effectively, resist prisons, and jails, and police.' Source: https://www.ebb-magazine.com/essays/no-one-way-works
December 6, 2024 at 12:33 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Some highlights.
Black text on a white background: The closest analogue to the US discussion of abortion is the increasingly transphobic consensus across the British state apparatus. Mobilising with professed concern for children as their initial wedge, what has rapidly emerged following the Cass Review – along with the wider underfunding of NHS provided gender transition – is the right’s model healthcare system, which would see ever decreasing public spending and reliance on private provision discretely expanded so as not to present a challenge to the structures of the family. As Lisa Leak argues, understanding the complex intermingling of the ‘concerned parent brigade’, ‘commentators’, campaign groups, MPs, and the state itself, is crucial to recognising this is a wider wedge against a particular emancipatory and at the minimum redistributive politics: A feminism which is trans-exclusionary also excludes the fight against state violence, the critique of state-sponsored formal equality, the role of difference and debate within the sisterhood of women, and many other fundamental core tenets of the revolutionary, fighting feminism we need today. Black text on a white background: Precisely the difficulty we have is attempting to orient on such bewildering terrain. However, histories like Cooper’s – in isolating each element and reconstructing them – show precisely how contingent such counterrevolutionary projects have been. At times, various neoliberal economic schools of thought, factions of the Christian Right, and political projects were defeated or receded – albeit temporarily; the integral state is complex, but it is a terrain we must be always mapping. Our challenge in Britain is to unite a social constituency around a politics of freedom against the emergent regime of private extravagance, a kind of social project which can act as a new pole of recomposition in class struggle against the varied forces of the border guard, the right-wing MP, and so on. In doing so, it must smash apart the attempts to distinguish bread and butter from ‘culture wars’ issues. In her conclusion, Cooper notes an opening – a small consolation: While the revival of the left has hardly dented the self-fueled delirium of the far right, we have at least retrieved the sense that things could be otherwise. (p. 376)
December 5, 2024 at 12:36 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
As I do (sadly a reality for LGBT+ socialists), had a check on their LGBT+ policies. They do seem in depth and inclusive, although I admit I was a little nervous about this passage. It is at least transparent on what they think and is better than a lot of the British left

www.ptb.be/programme/lg...
Red text on a white background (in French): Le PTB s'oppose-t-il au changement de sexe pour les moins de 18 ans? Dark purple font on a white background (in French): Le changement de sexe, en particulier pour les jeunes, est un processus délicat et intense. Actuellement, la loi n'autorise pas le changement de sexe biologique pour les mineurs. D'autres interventions telles que l'hormonothérapie ou des changements au niveau administratif sont possibles avant 18 ans. Nous soutenons la législation actuelle, qui est le résultat des luttes menées par le mouvement LGBTI+. Actuellement, il n'y a de facto pas d'âge minimum requis pour les traitements hormonaux. Pour la chirurgie esthétique, l'âge minimum requis est de 16 ou 17 ans, et pour la dernière étape, les opérations de changement de sexe (telles que l'ablation des testicules ou de l'utérus et des ovaires), l'âge minimum requis est de 18 ans. Nous n'entendons pas la communauté médicale ou la société civile dire que cette législation ne serait pas bonne. En ce qui concerne les soins pour les personnes transgenres, nous pensons que le plus important est de réduire les listes d'attente et de permettre le remboursement de l'ensemble du processus de transition. Red text on a white background (in English translated by Firefox): Did PTB oppose gender change for under-18s? Dark purple font on a white background (in English translated by Firefox): Gender change, especially for young people, is a delicate and intense process. Currently, the law does not allow for the change of biological sex for minors. Other interventions such as hormone therapy or changes at the administrative level are possible before the age of 18. We support the current legislation, which is the result of the struggles of the LGBTI movement. Currently, there is no de facto minimum age for hormone treatments. For cosmetic surgery, the minimum age required is 16 or 17 years, and for the last stage, sex resale (such as the removal of the testes or uterus and uterus) the minimum age is 18 years. We do not hear the medical community or civil society say that this legislation would not be good. With regard to care for transgender people, we believe that the most important thing is to reduce waiting lists and allow for reimbursement of the entire transition process.
December 4, 2024 at 1:54 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
I think they're based in Leigh but they also have a vest about Stockport if that helps.

Don't think it's jealousy, just promoting art and culture outside of Manchester. Seem like a sound lot too.
Black text on a white background that says: 'We believe that artistic opportunities should be spread equally across our island. STAT is dedicated to fighting the over-exposure and over-reliance of Manchester City Centre as the cultural hub of the North West of England. And so we publish writing that helps to define the art and culture happening across our villages, towns, and boroughs. In truth, we publish stories on the areas that nobody talks about. Roughly 80% of journalists come from an upper-class background; 87% are white. Working class people make up a measly 8% of all professional artists. When the media decides who gets to create art and who gets to cover it, you are not even in the conversation. This is why STAT was created – to rebalance the UK’s cultural landscape, to open up the floor to the people making and experimenting on the ground floor. STAT is not just for you, it’s written by you. Designed by you. It’s printed, bound, and posted by you. STAT‘s team and contributors are from a range of different sexualities, identities, and backgrounds – including queer, disabled, marginalised, and racially minoritised voices.' Link: https://statmagazine.org/about/
November 26, 2024 at 2:18 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Have to show this off.

I'm super excited to have this shirt, which is from STAT magazine. statmagazine.org/product/abol...
Me (Sylvia), standing up behind a white background, wearing a black t-shirt that says 'Abolish Manchester' in all caps and white text. Underneath the text, there is a white a graphic of the metropolitan borough of Manchester scribbled over. The t-shirt is from STAT magazine.
November 25, 2024 at 1:30 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
It's hard reading, but necessary. Understand what is happening and to who and remember them through your actions and solidarity. 🕯️ 🏳️‍⚧️

Source: transrespect.org/en/trans-mur...
Screenshot of black text on a white background that says the following: 'Trans Murder Monitoring 2024 data reveals: 350 trans and gender diverse people were reported murdered between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024. This year, the total number of recorded murders has crossed 5,000 cases since TGEU began monitoring in 2008. Consistent with previous years, 94% of the reported murders were femicides, i.e the victims were trans women or transfeminine people. Sex workers remain the most targeted group of all known occupations. However, the proportion of sex workers among victims (46%) is at its lowest level since our monitoring began (2016: 62%; 2008: 84%). 93% of the reported murders were of Black or Brown trans people, a 14% increase from last year. One-third of reported murder victims were aged 31 to 40, and a quarter were aged 19-25. 15 trans youth under the age of 18 years (nearly 6% of the total) were murdered. Almost three-quarters (73%) of all reported murders were committed in Latin America and the Caribbean. For the 17th consecutive year, Brazil leads the country rankings, with 30% of total cases. Nine cases were recorded in Africa for this monitoring period, more than double the previous highest annual total since the project began (four in 2012). There were half as many cases in Europe this year compared to last year (2024: 8; 2023: 16); whereas cases in the United States increased (2024: 41; 2023: 31). Almost half of the reported murders (46%) were shootings. More than a quarter (34%) of the recorded murders took place on the street and almost a quarter (22%) in the victim’s own home.'
November 20, 2024 at 1:04 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
1,000 followers?

Gosh! Thanks everyone. I know the majority are from following starter packs I'm in. But I hope people still continue to be interested in this account in the future. ☺️
November 17, 2024 at 9:58 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Think I looked badass last night.
November 16, 2024 at 5:27 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Spent this morning reading both issues of the Victorian Vegan.

Some fascinating insights into early veggie journals and culture in the first issue, even if it's a bit all over. Second issue is very good, more structured and some fascinating essays on the veggie communes and anarchist interactions.
November 16, 2024 at 4:32 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
It's difficult to 'change' a symbol like this within anti-fascist organising.

I would like to change it ideally because of the anti-communist origins, as well as just personally preferring the flag symbols instead (especially the original KPD one in all red, communists and socialists in unity).
November 13, 2024 at 5:18 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Happened to me twice today.

I think being added to the Marx, Marxism and Critical Theory starter pack has done this. 😝

Anyway hello new followers.
November 11, 2024 at 9:07 PM
silbheuig.bsky.social
Historical Materialism conference highlights.

Didn't get too many pictures at the conference though. Still, it was lovely presenting and meeting people there.
November 10, 2024 at 3:52 PM