Episode 5

full
Published on:

20th Dec 2024

Connie Shaw: ‘I’ve been penalised for expressing my freedom of speech’ (S1, Ep 5) Lessons from being ‘cancelled’ for holding gender critical views

Universities are the home of free speech, critical thinking & robust debate, right? 

Not for student Connie Shaw who was recently suspended from Leeds University Student Radio because of her personal views. 

While the reasons for her suspension have not yet been made clear, she believes it’s because of her gender critical views i.e. she believes there are two sexes - male and female - and that the notion of ‘gender identity’ does not exist. And she’s passionate about protecting women’s sex-based rights to safe spaces, fairness in sport (and all aspects of life) … along with sex-based language. 

While twenty-year-old Connie does not have a business (yet) she is a courageous leader. Because she’s willing to stand up for what she believes in - even if it makes her unpopular. Which means there is much to learn from this conversation - both for business and life. 

And here’s the thing. 


It shouldn’t feel courageous for me to share this conversation between two women - twenty years apart - who share a passion for protecting women’s sex-based rights - and the language used to describe them. 


And yet it does. 


And regardless of whether you agree/disagree with what you hear in this discussion - the right to freedom of expression is the most valuable thing we have. And something I believe we must protect - at all costs. 


Key Moments

00:03:04 Why Connie was suspended from the position of daytime editor on Leeds Student Radio

00:13:19 The erosion of women’s sex-based rights - and why not enough people are taking about it 

00:25:44 A gender-critical stance: Connie’s unfiltered beliefs 

00:34:34 Erasing ‘woman’ - the controversy around women’s sex-based language 

00:41:22 Why Connie believes biological men should not compete in women’s sporting categories and awards 

00:51:41 Why being called bigoted doesn’t hurt Connie 


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About the Podcast

Courageous
Honest conversations and smart strategy for building a bold life, brand or business. Hosted by Janet Murray.
Courageous is a podcast for people who want to build boldly - whether that’s a business, a personal brand - or simply a life that feels like their own.

Hosted by marketing strategist and former journalist Janet Murray, this is a show about what it really takes to show up, speak out, and keep going - especially when doing so comes at a cost.

You’ll find episodes on:

- Messaging, marketing and audience growth
- Rebuilding after burnout or cancellation
- Creative courage, values-led work and using your voice (even when it shakes)
- Interviews with creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders who’ve dared to do things differently

If you’re looking for honest insights, strategic thinking, - along with women’s rights, free speech and navigating online culture - you'll love the Courageous podcast.

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Janet Murray

I’m Janet Murray - I’m a business strategist and copywriter who helps consultants, coaches, freelancers and small business owners generate consistent income and/or recurring revenue.

I’m also the creator of the Courageous CEO Business Strategy Planner - which contains tried and tested strategy & resources to grow your business.