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A gender Neutral Bond ?


A gender-neutral James Bond? The idea has left me not just stirred, but shaken. It is time to put the brakes on the more extreme woke and cancel culture, otherwise I predict that we will soon see an enormous backlash against some of the minority groups in our country. Some more extreme activists undo the hard work, sacrifices, and tireless fighting of the many heroes of the LGBTQ+ community which gave us the rights we have now. 

When I first heard the news that there could be a gender-neutral James Bond, all I could think was “NO!”. James Bond was created by the writer Ian Fleming. The character studied at Cambridge University, where he achieved a first in Oriental Languages. In Fleming’s novels, Bond alluded to briefly attending the University of Geneva (as did Fleming) before being taught to ski in Kitzbühel. His character is rumoured to be based on Sir William Stephenson. In fact, Fleming’s first choice actor to play James Bond was David Niven. It is documented that Fleming was less than impressed by Sean Connery playing what he called a glorified stunt man who used to drive a lorry. What the character was certainly not was trans, gender-neutral or a woman. 

We do not need to rewrite the classics to force inclusion. Instead, we need to positively and proactively introduce strong gay characters into new films, television series and cartoons.

Boarding school

True, in “Skyfall,” Daniel Craig’s Bond hints that he may have tried sleeping with a man (it was almost cut). Let’s face it, while the character may be fictional, he did go to boarding school, so it is a plausible possibility. Craig is considered the closest actor to Fleming’s original description of Bond in the first novel. Casino Royale was published in 1953, with a further 11 novels making up the series.  

According to the book, Bond was a womaniser, a man’s man. Rather the antithesis of a gay or gender-neutral person. He embodied, for the most part, what heterosexual men aspire to be, next to being a footballer or sports star. If those fighting for change and we all are were sensible, they would leave well alone and leave this classic macho character to be just that.

There is, for sure, room for LGBTQ+ superheroes or villains on mainstream television or in films. It is important that everyone is given roles to give exposure to all communities. But this needs to be positive exposure, done with tact and not at the expense of “the other side”. 

Lesbian Snow White

I do not want a lesbian Snow White. Nor do I want a socially challenged Queen with narcissism issues carrying a fair-trade organic apple. Or Cinderella, who obviously lost the shoe because she was drunk, being transformed into Buttons, who lost his shoe while getting ready for Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Or Indiana Jones and the Last Top on Old Compton Street. Leave them alone!

Sure, many of us in the LGBTQ+ community did not have role models growing up and those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s can thank God for Bowie and T-Rex, Boy George and Quentin Crisp!

We do not need to rewrite the classics to force inclusion. Instead, we need to positively and proactively introduce strong gay characters into new films, television series and cartoons. Netflix recently released “Single All The Way,” which was a brave attempt at exposing general audiences to gay characters with a sense of normality – just a typical rom-com where the main characters just happened to be gay (it’s a shame though that Jennifer Coolidge could not save that turkey!). But, as my sister says, heterosexuals have to endure Hallmark. It is only fair we have a bad movie too.

Joan Collins

The last thing we need is to start to attack something that is seen as masculine or feminine and try to turn what is seen as a heterosexual character into an LGBTQ+ character. If the heterosexual community thinks we are attacking them, we are in trouble as fear has caused more wars in history – that is what will happen if we attack their foundation.

Why do we need to do this when so many of our community are such heroes? 

Joan Collins has so eloquently expressed that cancel culture is a problem, but so are extremists in the LGBTQ+ community. Trust me: we have a huge backlash approaching as extremism in any group is not a good thing. All the incredible work so many in the community have dedicated themselves to accomplishing to fight for our community rights can quickly be undone. We are already seeing this unravelling –  homophobic hate crimes have trebled in the UK this year…and that’s just crime that is reported. 

Mermaids

Talking, not arguing, is the way forward. Recently, I had the pleasure of having drinks with two friends. The topic of trans children came up. I know many trans activists who think children should wait until they are 18 years old to start treatment but are frightened to say so in case they are cancelled or abused on social media. I was wondering what the author’s perspectives were, and the conversation quickly went quiet. So, we moved on. Later in a very entertaining hour or so, the subject of Mermaids, the charity for trans children and their parents. It turned out that one of the groups had been involved with the charity. I asked if they had gone quiet before as the subject had offended them. They said no: they just said they didn’t want an argument. The statement “I do not argue, I merely correct” sprung to mind as they said this, and it made me realise that different perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community may not be heard. We need to calmly listen to one another, as we still have a lot to learn. Thanks to the conversations I have had, I have learned a different point of view and, that night, I started to look into Mermaids and find out about how they help trans kids who need support through what, for many, is a difficult and often traumatic experience.

The LGBTQ+ community is still under attack every day. Like all wars, a good strategy is a key factor in survival. Education in schools is essential – using positive role models and making kids feel safe who do not fit the masculine or feminine stereotypes. This is still going to take time, understanding, and some amazing people to give a strong voice to this community. This is NOT going to be achieved by trying to rewrite classic characters, as this will only antagonise those not affiliated with the community.  

If we do not box clever, one day, we could wake up to someone ruling the world that will make Trump look like a fairytale character. Just think back to 1933 when a failed artist persuaded an entire nation to turn against minorities. Let’s not be naive and think it could not happen again.

Daniel Craig My favourite Bond
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Anna Kennedy’s Pride Column Pride Month & Autism column

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE Pride picture BY Annemarie Bickerton https://www.annemariebickerton.co.uk

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE Pride picture BY Annemarie Bickerton https://www.annemariebickerton.co.uk
https://annakennedyonline.com Dr Anna Kennedy with charity patron Steven Smith. Photo Annemarie Bickerton

Hi it is Anna here founder of the autism charity Anna Kennedy Online. Since starting the charity in 2009, my passion has always been to raise awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autistic individuals and their families. Over the years, through our events like Autism’s Got Talent and The Autism Hero Awards, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people who continue to inspire me every day.

This Pride Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate our autistic LGBTQ+ community members—many of whom still don’t feel fully seen or supported. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it means accepting and embracing every part of who someone is. I’ve spoken to young people and families who are navigating this intersection, and I know how important it is to feel heard, respected, and safe to be your true self.

This column is a reminder that you are not alone. You matter. You belong. And we see you and your welcome at AKO Love Anna xxxx

Why do you think it’s important to recognise and celebrate Pride Month within the autism community?
Recognising and celebrating Pride Month within the autism community is important because it fosters a sense of belonging, validates the experiences of LGBTQ+ autistic individuals, and promotes greater understanding and acceptance. This recognition challenges the misconception that autism is solely a deficit and instead highlights the unique strengths and contributions of autistic people. We’ve seen this time and time again through our events such as Autism’s Got Talentand The Autism Hero Awards.

What are some of the unique challenges that autistic individuals who are also LGBTQ+ face?
Autistic individuals who are also LGBTQ+ often face the challenge of navigating two distinct communities. This can lead to increased isolation and mental health struggles. Some people I’ve spoken to find it difficult to feel fully understood and accepted, as they may not feel they completely fit within either the autistic or LGBTQ+ communities.

https://annakennedyonline.com

How does your organisation support autistic people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year—not just during Pride Month?
Since launching our charity in 2009, we’ve always been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve offered advice and support to individuals and families who’ve reached out, and we’ve proudly included many LGBTQ+ performers in Autism’s Got Talent, as well as nominees for the Autism Hero Awards. Our team includes a wonderfully diverse group of ambassadors, charity patrons, and volunteers who reflect our inclusive values.

Autisms Got Talent

Have you noticed an increase in autistic people feeling confident to express diverse gender or sexual identities in recent years?
In my opinion, yes—there is growing awareness, acceptance, and confidence among autistic individuals when it comes to expressing diverse gender and sexual identities. Research supports this trend, and organisations like Reframing Autism are playing an important role in empowering autistic people to explore and embrace who they are.

How can parents, carers, or educators better support young autistic people who are exploring their gender or sexual identity?
The most effective way to support young autistic individuals exploring their gender or sexual identity is through active listening, affirmation, and creating safe, respectful environments. This includes using preferred names and pronouns, sharing reliable resources, and helping them access both peer and professional support networks.

How can Pride events become more sensory-friendly or accessible to autistic attendees? Have you worked with any organisers to help with this?
To make Pride events more sensory-friendly, organisers should consider providing quiet zones, visual guides, clear schedules, and accessible information. It’s also vital to ensure authentic and diverse representation within the planning teams. While we haven’t yet partnered with organisers on this specifically, it’s something we’d be very open to in the future.

Do you see any stereotypes or misconceptions that still need to be challenged when it comes to autism and LGBTQ+ identities?
Yes, there are several. One persistent misconception is that being both autistic and LGBTQ+ is rare, when in fact, research shows a significantly higher prevalence of LGBTQ+ identities among autistic individuals. Another issue is the lack of visible role models and media representation. Although awareness is growing, we still need more positive stories and accurate portrayals of autistic LGBTQ+ people in the media and beyond.

What message would you like to share during Pride Month on behalf of the autistic community—especially those who often feel invisible in both autism and LGBTQ+ spaces?
My message is: “You are seen. You are valid. You are loved. Don’t be afraid to embrace your authentic self. Find your space, take your time, and know that there is a community ready to welcome and support you.”

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No one wins in this High Court Ruling .

Steven’s Viewz

No One Wins in This High Court Ruling
By Steven Smith

This week’s High Court ruling has left many people reeling—disappointed, divided, and more confused than ever. But one thing is clear: no one truly wins in the aftermath of this decision. Whatever legal boundaries were reinforced or redrawn, they’ve done little to offer protection or peace to the people affected most. If anything, the result is further division, and the human cost is growing.

Let’s start with a blunt truth. If there is a god who allows a child to be born with bone cancer—or worse—then perhaps, just perhaps, that same god may have placed a soul in the wrong body. It’s a difficult thought, but one that challenges traditional notions of perfect design and invites empathy over judgment.

In this debate, one group’s rights cannot come at the expense of another’s safety. Women—especially those who’ve suffered trauma at the hands of men—deserve dignity, privacy, and protection in spaces like bathrooms, hospital wards, and shelters. These are not just physical places; they are emotional safe zones, where healing and recovery often begin. To ignore the fear and anxiety many women feel about sharing intimate spaces with anyone who presents as male—even if that person identifies as female—is to ignore real, lived experience. We must listen with compassion, not condescension.

This isn’t a rejection of transgender people. On the contrary, I’ve known incredible trans women since I was a teenager. These are brave, passionate human beings who have committed to a long, often painful journey to live authentically. They undergo extensive psychological evaluations, hormone therapy, and surgery. Some reintegrate into society quietly; others become public figures or advocates. All of them, in my eyes, are women.

Which is why this ruling cuts so deep. Many trans people who have taken every step available to become their true selves now find themselves swept up in a storm of legal and cultural backlash. Instead of being seen as individuals with complex stories, they’re being lumped in with others who have not taken the same path—or who may not even identify as trans in the same way.

Part of the problem is ignorance. When I first heard the term “trans,” my mind went straight to “transvestite” or flamboyant characters like Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And while I adore a good performance, let’s be clear: wearing a dress and heels doesn’t make someone a woman. There’s a vast difference between performance and identity. A man in a frock might enjoy the expression, the character, even the fantasy—but it doesn’t make him female.

True transition is not about fantasy. It’s about becoming. It involves sacrifice, struggle, and a level of self-awareness many of us never have to face. For those who take that journey, they earn a place in the world as their authentic selves—and they deserve respect, not suspicion.

Children, too, are part of this complex conversation. Some express gender discomfort from a young age. These feelings must be taken seriously—but also approached with caution. Many people I know went through periods of gender confusion in their youth, only to feel secure in their biological identity as adults. Others continued to struggle, and those individuals deserve full support. But irreversible medical decisions should, in most cases, wait until late adolescence, when a person’s sense of self has had more time to develop.

Still, it bears repeating: having a penis does not make someone a woman. That is not a statement of hate—it is a statement of biology. If someone is transitioning, that’s a journey we can honor and support. But biology does matter, especially when it intersects with the rights and safety of others.

What’s heartbreaking is that this ruling, intended perhaps to draw clearer lines, may only deepen misunderstanding. Trans women who have undergone surgery, therapy, and lived experience are now at greater risk of being misjudged, targeted, and excluded. The backlash is likely to hit the wrong people hardest. We risk punishing those who’ve made the most effort to live honestly.

The public discourse on transgender rights is failing everyone. The messaging is chaotic, the tone often cruel, and the nuance lost in a sea of outrage. Education is vital. We need thoughtful, well-informed conversations—conversations that recognize the humanity in everyone involved. The issue of gender identity has been reduced to a political football when it should be a human rights discussion rooted in compassion and science.

One of the most shameful chapters in this saga was when President Donald Trump banned transgender individuals from serving in the military. Anyone willing to risk their life for their country has my full respect, regardless of how they identify. That level of courage transcends gender—it defines character. In my eyes, that’s the truest identity of all: brave.

As society evolves, we must also evolve our understanding of gender. It may be time to acknowledge a third, even fourth category of sex or gender. The binary system doesn’t serve everyone, and clinging to it may be doing more harm than good. The law should reflect the complexity of human experience, not flatten it into rigid boxes.

Ultimately, this ruling doesn’t protect anyone—it creates more confusion, more pain, and more opportunities for discrimination. Women’s safety is still not fully addressed. Transgender individuals are now more vulnerable than ever. And society, caught in the middle, is left with more questions than answers.

No one has truly won this week. But if we learn anything from this moment, let it be this: the path forward must include better laws, deeper understanding, and above all, compassion for every human being trying to live their truth.

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Spoiling It for the Others

Why “Dead Life” Will Seriously Affect Us All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyPhuLb4EZQ Peter Tatchell fights for us all to be who we are .

We are living in an era where serious fraud is celebrated, and the tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes feels more like reality than fiction. If you dare to point out the truth—that the emperor is, in fact, naked—you might find yourself in court. It’s an utterly unhinged world we live in.

I am at a lovely lunch in the heart of Essex, a place synonymous with spray tans, hair extensions, Botox, and outrageously long lashes. To say the least, I fit right in. My gorgeous companion has abandoned extensions yet looks stunning, appearing even fresher and more youthful than the rest. She is what I would call real. When she did go the false route, she never told tall tales or passed them off as her own. She is genuine—in fact, we once joked about the extensions needing food parcels. If she had lied, I wouldn’t trust her.

So, when I recently noticed a trans woman using what I find to be the most troubling and manipulative card of all—the “Dead Life” card—I was deeply concerned. And now, everyone is expected to either accept her version of events or face being sued. This isn’t a joke—it’s a serious issue.

For those unaware, the “Dead Life” concept allows individuals who have transitioned to rewrite their past. Not only can they change their pronouns (I am totally with)  but in some cases, they can craft entire fictional histories for themselves—transforming their previous existence into something entirely unrecognisable. A bit like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where a whole new world is created from imagination.

Now, let me be absolutely clear: I have had the privilege of knowing many incredible, talented, and brave trans women. They have undergone their journeys to become their authentic selves, and in my eyes, they are now—rightfully—women. Interestingly, none of them have resorted to the “Dead Life” tactic. Instead, they have spoken openly about their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs, offering guidance and inspiration to others. One such example is the incredibly lovely India Willoughby, newsreader and presenter.

Gorgeous and talented India Willoughby and asset to us all and role model for the trans community.

However, let’s consider a different scenario. Suppose I told you that, at 16, I was an astronaut and had a torrid affair with Madonna. That would be an outright lie (all but  an amusing one). At 16, I was, like many others, just a regular teenager experiencing life. But here’s the difference: if I were to publish a book claiming such fabrications as fact, people would rightfully call it out as nonsense.

Madonna called for you to “Express yourself ” not lie .

So why is it that a trans woman can write a memoir claiming that, at 17, she was a stunning young woman having an affair with a well-known pop star (now deceased)—when, in reality, at that time, she was a 17-year-old boy with acne? The claim that she auditioned for a well-known girl band when she would have needed a good shave for that is also questionable. But what’s really worrying is the superimposition of pictures of herself as a girl into family photos when, in fact, she was a boy.

How can publishers allow this and sell it to an unsuspecting public? It is deceitful. Should we sue?

Even newspapers are reporting such blatant fabrications as truth. It makes Trump’s propaganda look like child’s play. As a community are we not all up in arms about his lies ? 

Lies are not facts. Yet, we live in a time where, if The Emperor’s New Clothes were rewritten today, the boy who dared to shout, “He’s naked!” would be the one dragged into court. It’s insanity. Serious fraud is being rewarded, and if you speak out against it, you are painted as the villain.

Now, I am sure that many trans women who invoke the “Dead Life” narrative are simply living their lives quietly and not publishing books filled with fabricated stories. But as a community, we are in danger.

On 5 March, Legendary Children (All Of Them Queer) screened for the first time in London to a sold-out crowd. The screening marked the end of LGBT+ History Month and was followed by a Q&A with human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, who said he hopes the film inspires others towards activism.

Peter Tatchell made an incredibly insightful point. He doesn’t just work within LGBTQ+ charities; he also volunteers in a range of organizations, including those within religious communities that have historically been homophobic. By leading through example—by showing up, engaging, and being part of these spaces—he changes minds. That is real activism.

A humble hero Peter Thatchell

Many trans people do not wish to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, and that is their choice. However, for now, they remain within it. They are welcome. But honesty must remain at the core of any community. Without honesty, we lose trust, and once trust is broken, everything begins to crumble.

When a con artist exploits the “Dead Life” card to fabricate a fictional past and present it as fact, we all suffer. We need to hold individuals accountable. My hope is that someone exposes this person for who they truly are—so that they may serve as an example to others not to go down the same route,

Because, at the end of the day, she is spoiling it for the others.

The incredible Boy George and 2hades favourite David Hoyle a star .

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Steven’s Viewz 

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Picture Terry Scott

A column that does not hold back.

My viewz and not of 2Shades brought to you bi -monthly a column that does not hold back

“Where to pee or not to pee, is that really a question?”

Trans. Trans, dear God has there ever been a topic that will have you cancelled simply for not agreeing and get so many hot under the collar? 

Now let us get this straight and to help the right-wing God squad: if your apparent higher power allowed a child to be born with bone cancer or deformed, is there not a chance he popped one or two in the wrong body too?  

For me, if a man or woman feels they have been born in the wrong body and have undergone two years of therapy and gender reassignment, as far as I am concerned, they are now the sex of their choice.

People who have had gender-affirming surgery have been in my life since I was 16. The Famous Julia / George dropped coffee all over my Fiorucci white jump suit at “Scandals” night club when she ran the coffee shop there. Strangely we became friends. From April Ashley to Tallulah, famous sex changes have been in the news. Many have played under the radar and of course with some there was the odd whisper, but all for most part got on with their new lives. Wonderful India Willoughby, whom I admire, campaigns for 

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Julia-Story-Extraordinary-Woman/dp/1852834811

rights and (just as important) educates. She is always approachable

if I have a question of anyone else for that matter on the topic .

The lovely India Willoughby https://x.com/IndiaWilloughby?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Transvestites who enjoy popping a frock on are not in that transgender category, however.

Nor is drag. Drag has been around since time began and in the theatrical sense it is a performance. So many people seem to be labelling drag artists as trans which, for the most part, they are not. Men that suddenly announce they are trans and pop on a frock, an acrylic wig and some false nails are not women.

Sure, some might be starting a journey towards being a woman. Others never will make that trip and must appreciate it is a dream and not expect rights as a woman.

Tim Curry in the incredible The Rocky Horror show is a sweet Transvestite not to be confused with gender reassignment https://rockyhorror.co.uk

Much as mixed toilets have been in many venues for years, the right for a woman or, when it comes to it, a man to go the toilet that is used by their own sex should be enforced. What many forget is some women are coping with trauma, having been raped or abused badly by men. They will find the idea of sharing a bathroom (where they are in a vulnerable state) with anyone with a penis utterly terrifying. Simply put, if you have a penis stay out of the ladies loo. 

What is bizarre to me and many of the trans is this “Dead Life”, i.e. if you are now identify as woman, your prior life is “Dead Life” and you can suddenly create a whole past as girl. One (who we all know) 

described how she slept with a variety of celebrities as a beautiful young girl – the issue here is she was a 17-year-old spotty boy at the time she claims it happened. It is just a lie, a “Fantasy Life” that to my mind is closer to criminal fraud. 

I certainly would have been trans back in my school years. I used to pray that I would wake as a girl because being a boy was pure misery for me. Today I love being a man, in fact after about 14 that desire to be a girl eventually passed. For many it does not, and they have my 

empathy and support to be who they want to be after a certain age.

Forcing kids into boxes i.e. boys like football and action and 

girls like Barbie and cooking is one of the unhealthiest things I can think of.  It is responsible for so many mental health issues in those kids who do not fit into society’s false expectations. But please do not let kids undergo surgery till they are fully matured and can decide if it is still what they really want.

Personally there would be no way I would even want a child of mine to have a piercing or tattoo until they were in their late teens. There are support groups such as Mermaids that help young people who feel they are struggling with gender

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

Finally, practise what you preach. A lovely trans woman who I respected and addressed as a woman (even though they had not had surgery, or any work done), berated me for not eating what I was given at a dinner table (I do not eat red meat or pork).

 “In my day you ate what you were given!” she chastised me. 

Thank God for you it is not “your days” as you would be running for the hills dressed as woman. The problem is, if we expect people to accept us for who we are, it has to be reciprocal, not one-sided. 

Colin Farrell – a real man of action

As if we could not love Colin Farrell enough already, the actor and his son James have melted our hearts this month. Colin has been talking about his 20-year-old son James who lives with Angel Syndrome. 

 “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.” 

The actor told People Magazine in the US. 

https://people.com

Angelman syndrome is genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms include a small head and a specific facial appearance, severe intellectual disability, developmental disability, limited to no functional speech, balance and movement problems, seizures, and sleep problems.

Farrell has started a foundation in honour of his son in the US. The Colin Farrell Foundation will provide support for adult children who have an intellectual disability through advocacy, education and innovative programs.

As for the foundation, for years Farrell has wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve and the assistance in all areas of life.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell says. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and often is left behind.” 

This is mirrored in the UK. Last year Dr Anna Kennedy OBE petitioned Number 10 Downing Street to help those living with autism to be aided after the age of 24 where government aid stops. “Who will look after my sons when I am gone?” is a question Anna has raised along with many parents of children with special needs.

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and me delivering a petition to Number 10 downing street picture Terry Scott ,

Colin and Anna are real heroes and we need more of the likes of these two in this world. 

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Toxic Come Dancing 

Yet more bad news for the BBC as their top-rated show “Strictly Come Dancing” comes under fire for apparent bullying as previous contestants have been complaining.

Oh do get a grip. You go into a reality show and you are really expecting it to be plain sailing? 

These people complaining of bad treatment have agents and a 

right to walk out at any time. Stop, enough already. Do not go into a 

show like “Strictly” or “I’m a Celebrity” and expect back rubs and hugs.

Dance is a highly disciplined practice and anyone who has properly 

trained at the ballet or dance school will tell you it is not for the faint 

hearted.

To conclude .

When your bear friend has been taking Ozempic and asks if 

you have noticed any visible side effects on them…

End .

email Steven at spman@btinternet.com

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A gender neutral James Bond ?

The idea has left me not just stirred, but shaken.
It is time to put the brakes on the more extreme woke and cancel culture, otherwise I predict that we will soon see an enormous backlash against some of the minority groups in our country.

Some more extreme activists undo the hard work, sacrifices, and tireless fighting of the many heroes of the LGBTQ+ community which gave us the rights we have now. 

When I first heard the news that there could be a gender-neutral James Bond, all I could think was “NO!”. James Bond was created by the writer Ian Fleming. The character studied at Cambridge University, where he achieved a first in Oriental Languages. In Fleming’s novels, Bond alluded to briefly attending the University of Geneva (as did Fleming) before being taught to ski in Kitzbühel.

His character is rumoured to be based on Sir William Stephenson. In fact, Fleming’s first choice actor to play James Bond was David Niven. It is documented that Fleming was less than impressed by Sean Connery playing what he called a glorified stunt man who used to drive a lorry. What the character was certainly not was trans, gender-neutral or a woman. 

We do not need to rewrite the classics to force inclusion. Instead, we need to positively and proactively introduce strong gay characters into new films, television series and cartoons.

Boarding school

True, in “Skyfall,” Daniel Craig’s Bond hints that he may have tried sleeping with a man (it was almost cut). Let’s face it, while the character may be fictional, he did go to boarding school, so it is a plausible possibility. Craig is considered the closest actor to Fleming’s original description of Bond in the first novel. Casino Royale was published in 1953, with a further 11 novels making up the series.  

According to the book, Bond was a womaniser, a man’s man. Rather the antithesis of a gay or gender-neutral person. He embodied, for the most part, what heterosexual men aspire to be, next to being a footballer or sports star. If the woke mob were sensible, they would leave well alone and leave this classic macho character to be just that.

There is, for sure, room for LGBTQ+ superheroes or villains on mainstream television or in films. It is important that everyone is given roles to give exposure to all communities. But this needs to be positive exposure, done with tact and not at the expense of “the other side”. 

Lesbian Snow White

I do not want a lesbian Snow White. Nor do I want a socially challenged Queen with narcissism issues carrying a fair-trade organic apple. Or Cinderella, who obviously lost the shoe because she was drunk, being transformed into Buttons, who lost his shoe while getting ready for Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Or Indiana Jones and the Last Top on Old Compton Street. Leave them alone!

Sure, many of us in the LGBTQ+ community did not have role models growing up and those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s can thank God for Bowie and T-Rex, Boy George and Quentin Crisp!

We do not need to rewrite the classics to force inclusion. Instead, we need to positively and proactively introduce strong gay characters into new films, television series and cartoons. Netflix recently released “Single All The Way,” which was a brave attempt at exposing general audiences to gay characters with a sense of normality – just a typical rom-com where the main characters just happened to be gay (it’s a shame though that Jennifer Coolidge could not save that turkey!). But, as my sister says, heterosexuals have to endure Hallmark. It is only fair we have a bad movie too.

Joan Collins

The last thing we need is to start to attack something that is seen as masculine or feminine and try to turn what is seen as a heterosexual character into an LGBTQ+ character. If the heterosexual community thinks we are attacking them, we are in trouble as fear has caused more wars in history – that is what will happen if we attack their foundation.

Why do we need to do this when so many of our community are such heroes? 

Joan Collins has so eloquently expressed that cancel culture is a problem, but so are extremists in the LGBTQ+ community. Trust me: we have a huge backlash approaching as extremism in any group is not a good thing. All the incredible work so many in the community have dedicated themselves to accomplishing to fight for our community rights can quickly be undone. We are already seeing this unravelling –  homophobic hate crimes have trebled in the UK this year…and that’s just crime that is reported. 

Mermaids

Talking, not arguing, is the way forward. Recently, I had the pleasure of having drinks with two friends. The topic of trans children came up. I know many trans activists who think children should wait until they are 18 years old to start treatment but are frightened to say so in case they are cancelled or abused on social media. I was wondering what the author’s perspectives were, and the conversation quickly went quiet.

So, we moved on. Later in a very entertaining hour or so, the subject of Mermaids, the charity for trans children and their parents. It turned out that one of the groups had been involved with the charity. I asked if they had gone quiet before as the subject had offended them. They said no: they just said they didn’t want an argument. The statement “I do not argue, I merely correct” sprung to mind as they said this, and it made me realise that different perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community may not be heard.

We need to calmly listen to one another, as we still have a lot to learn. Thanks to the conversations I have had, I have learned a different point of view and, that night, I started to look into Mermaids and find out about how they help trans kids who need support through what, for many, is a difficult and often traumatic experience.

The LGBTQ+ community is still under attack every day. Like all wars, a good strategy is a key factor in survival. Education in schools is essential – using positive role models and making kids feel safe who do not fit the masculine or feminine stereotypes. This is still going to take time, understanding, and some amazing people to give a strong voice to this community. This is NOT going to be achieved by trying to rewrite classic characters, as this will only antagonise those not affiliated with the community.  

If we do not box clever, one day, we could wake up to someone ruling the world that will make Trump look like a fairytale character. Just think back to 1933 when a failed artist persuaded an entire nation to turn against minorities. Let’s not be naive and think it could not happen again.

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

Contact Steven Smith on 07969106222