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RVT Statement on Queer Question Time (QQT)

The management of the RVT is aware of the controversy surrounding Julie Bindel's appearance as part of the 'Queer Question Time' event. We would like to make the following points:

Queer Question Time has been organised and produced by an independent producer who is also part of the RVT Community. While the RVT exercises some discretion over the events it hosts and which producers to work with, the management of the RVT does not choose content, artists or persons associated with independently produced shows.

The use of 'Queer' in the title has been problematic and invoked different interpretations. The intent of the organisers from my understanding was for Queer to refer to the LGBT community and beyond. This event is intended to be a forum for the expression of many different points of view and inviting many different opinions. It is also intended to be an entertaining and hopefully stimulating way to spend a Friday night. It absolutely was not intended to cause offence or to make anybody feel excluded.

The management of the RVT is proud of its historic role in the LGBT community. We are profoundly committed to providing not only a welcoming environment for all members of that community, but also a forum for artistic expression for not only the LGBT community but for the artistic community of London as a whole.

As part of this commitment, we believe in vigorous debate and the open expression of opinion; even opinions which are unpopular or provocative. We believe that overall, freedom of expression is paramount and should not be compromised, even when this sometimes leads to conflicts between different individuals or groups. Freedom of speech must be an inalienable right; otherwise majority opinion can far too easily silence that of those who are marginalised or excluded.

However, while we believe passionately in free speech, we do not condone the incitement of hatred. We are proud of our history, which has always included trans-people, and we have worked hard to create a space in which all people can feel safe to be themselves and can live by the values of personal liberty. We strongly believe that a fundamental commitment to freedom of opinion is the only way to guarantee these values in the long-term.

We are aware that the inclusion of Julie Bindel on the panel of QQT is upsetting for many people in the trans community. We only ask that people remain aware that Queer Question Time is intended to be a forum for a wide range of opinions, that Julie Bindel is only one of the people on the panel, and that there will be QQTs in the future. Unfortunately, it is not possible for every different viewpoint to be reflected on every panel selected.

Accordingly, as we are absolutely committed to maintaining the RVT as a queer- and trans-friendly space, the organisers of QQT have proposed an event entitled Sexual Identity in the 21st Century with members of the queer and trans communities on the panel. The organisers have reiterated that past and present events have been non issue specific; panel members have been selected for their ability to provide a stimulating and entertaining debate, not specifically on the basis of their community affiliations. While all the people involved with organising QQT are committed to a breadth of representation, there are many other criteria that come into play when choosing members of the panel.

As believers in the importance of freedom of expression, we absolutely support the right of those who do not want to be part of the QQT audience to demonstrate.

Regards

Paul Oxley
RVT