Homophobia vs Transphobia - the case of Wolverhampton Conservative Councillor Jonathan Yardley

7.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Apr 2009

I didn't think I would be blogging again about Wolverhampton Conservative Councillor Jonathan Yardley but the story went nationally with lots of 'political correctness gone mad' hysteria. There is also another story the local paper is running on Councillor Jonathan Yardley but I'll post that when I get a chance - this is a quick blog before the England vs Ukraine match.

Basically Wolverhampton Conservative Councillor for Tettenhall Regis Jonathan Yardley made some comments at a Police Liaison meeting suggesting that Transgendered could pick both male and female in an electronic questionnaire, for this he was accused of homophobia.

What hasn't been picked up on in the media is it is not homophobic, it may be a number of things - stupid and transphobic spring to mind. Most transgendered people actually heterosexual and Councillor Jonathan Yardley did and said nothing aimed at homosexuals.

It really annoys me when Transgendered people and lumped in a community with Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals it is bad enough those three groups are lumped together. Lesbians have different issues and concerns to Gays and Bisexuals have a whole load of other issues - including Biphobia from Lesbians and Gays at times so why add Transgender people in too?

Rant over, football now...