Does Gender Self-Identification Threaten Women’s Rights and Child Safety?

The European Union has set out to embed gender policies into a host of legal and social frameworks – which showed the urgent need to review the escalating situation. One major area is the concept of gender self-identification: the idea that people should be able to define and declare their own “gender identity” without requiring medical, legal, or external validation. In other words, that trans individuals should be able to change official documents on the basis of their own self-declaration. But a growing body of critics insist that these policies are eroding fundamental protections for women and children.

John O’Brien, Head of Communications at MCC Brussels, opening and chairing the session criticized the sidelining of women’s issues by so called women’s organizations generously funded to protect them. These groups have turned their backs on gender critical women. He emphasized that the rights of women and children should be a universal concern, transcending political divides.

Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and Executive Director of Genspect, recounted her initial encounter with the concept of “trans kids” in 2017. She explained how gender ideology appeals to children who feel different or struggle with gender norms. O’Malley warned that puberty blockers turn children into “guinea pigs,” halting their sexual development with no clear remedy later in life. She also highlighted the risks of “social transitioning,” where children assume a different gender identity in school settings, arguing that this can distort their self-perception in unhealthy ways. Drawing from her work with detransitioners, she urged adults to take responsibility in guiding children through their formative years.

Faika El-Nagashi, former Austrian MP and human rights advocate, outlined the rapid erosion of women’s rights due to the widespread acceptance of gender self-identification. She noted that women’s spaces are now accessible to men, while raising concerns about these policies often leads to accusations of bigotry. Many women’s organizations, she argued, remain silent out of fear of losing funding. She also warned that inclusive language makes discussions about women’s rights increasingly difficult. Regarding children, she pointed to Germany, where gender self-identification is now possible without age restrictions, as an alarming precedent.

Dr. Ashley Frawley, sociologist and visiting research fellow at MCC Brussels, presented findings from her recent report on EU funding for gender ideology activism. She described how these policies, under the guise of supporting women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community, ultimately prioritize gender identity over biological sex. Her research uncovered that the EU has allocated over €220 million to NGOs promoting radical gender ideologies, influencing legislation and backing research projects such as Beyond Gender, which she described as pseudo-scientific. Frawley warned of the threats to free speech and stressed that true diversity requires respect for differing viewpoints, cultures, and national sovereignty.

Q&A Highlights

• Stella O’Malley discussed how early exposure to violent pornography can cause children to dissociate from their own bodies.
• Frank Füredi, Executive Director of MCC Brussels, argued that identity politics seeks to colonize personal lives and alienate children from their parents. He noted that the trans debate is now deeply embedded in society and unlikely to disappear soon.
• Jacob Reynolds, Head of Policy at MCC Brussels, questioned whether defunding organizations promoting gender ideology is justified, given their broader activities. The panelists agreed that a profitable industry has emerged around the gender agenda, benefiting pharmaceutical companies and NGO employees alike.

The discussion concluded on a hopeful note. O’Malley and El-Nagashi observed that as gender-related controversies—such as those in women’s sports—gain attention, public skepticism grows. Frawley noted a shift in global discourse, pointing out that topics once deemed untouchable are now appearing in major outlets like The Guardian and The Times. O’Brien revealed that anti-democratic activists had attempted to shut down the panel but failed, demonstrating the necessity of fighting for open debate across Europe. The panelists agreed that continued discussion is crucial in challenging the prevailing narratives and shaping future policies.