"Everything that matters should be up for debate." Dr Louise Irvine MD

Is it really harmless when men identify into the female sex? Is it progressive for doctors to modify the bodies of young people in the name of changing their ‘gender’?

There has been a manufactured confusion around sex and gender. At the same time we are told that ‘there is no debate’. Dissenters are cast as ‘haters’ and cancelled. This is not only a struggle to defend women’s rights. At risk is safeguarding for children and young people, biological reality, reason and even democracy.

Adult Human Female is directed by independent film-makers Deirdre O'Neill and Mike Wayne. They say: "The film is a 92-minute explainer about the issues, how far things have already changed for the worse for women and how difficult it has been to be heard, to be listened to. We hope it makes an intervention into the struggle and contributes to understanding, provokes discussion and eventually transforms the situation we find ourselves in."

A planned public screening and discussion of the film was cancelled in November 2022 following claims (by people who had not seen the film) that the intentions of the film-makers and event organisers were to broadcast hate. Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom are proud to host a screening in Edinburgh, so that people can watch the film, discuss it, and decide for themselves.

The screening will be followed by questions and discussion. We will be joined by three of the contributors to the film: Shereen Benjamin (founder member of Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom, speaking in the film as a member of the Labour Women's Declaration working group); Lisa Mackenzie of policy analysis collective MurrayBlackburnMackenzie, and Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland.

As with all EAFAF events, we welcome robust discussion and a range of views. We ask that all attendees familiarise themselves with the University of Edinburgh's Dignity and Respect Policy and comply with it.

Adult Human Female has a BBFC rating of 15, so this is an adult-only event.

We may need to check identity at the door, so please bring with you some form of identification showing the name under which you booked. It is possible that larger bags may need to be searched, so please try to avoid bringing large items with you.