Update: Statement from Jon Boutcher on the standoff at Garvaghy Road. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I’m unbelievably proud of my officers who, supported by mutual aid colleagues, are managing an exceptionally challenging situation. “The policing operation thus far has helped ensure there has been no violence or disorder. “We have an evidence gathering operation in place to detect any offences and will continue to do this throughout today. “I appeal to everyone to remain calm and peaceful. I am immensely grateful for all those voices who have already called for calm. “I would urge those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law and work with the police to keep everyone safe. “Police are engaging and working with all parties and will continue to do so. “It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.”

I say this as a non-conforming effeminate man who actually knows her: Amy is kinder than most people in this fight and still more serious than the ones doing face-reading from muted clips. You didn’t refute her argument. You tone-policed her cheekbones, then called it cruelty. Demanding she perform palatable womanhood while men rewrite the category she’s defending is the same move as telling victims to testify nicer. You don’t get to curate how she shows up just because her face bothers you. 🤡🤡

What makes someone English?

We've gone from 106 diagnoses in the DSM in 1952 to nearly 300 today. Did humans suddenly develop 200 new ways to be mentally ill? Or did the psychiatric industrial complex develop 200 new ways to profit from convincing you your personality is a disease?

OK. Unlike many people I've read Arday's work. Not all of it, but enough to form an evidenced opinion. It's terrible, simply awful. I've chaired or been a member of panels appointing Oxbridge sociologists at all levels from junior research fellow to full professor. There is no