How Many Times Does Graham Linehan Have To Be Right?
A Comedy Festival Has Cancelled Him And We All Know Why
An Edinburgh comedy event with Graham Linehan, the writer of Father Ted, has been called off following complaints. Leith Arches, the venue hosting the show, explained that they decided to cancel it as they don't endorse the comedian and find his perspectives inconsistent with their core principles. Linehan has been notably vocal against transgender self-identification. He has appealed to the venue to rethink their choice and indicated that the cancellation could potentially be against the law.
Leith Arches expressed that they had not been informed about Mr. Linehan's participation in the show, which had been arranged by a third party.
In a post on social media, they extended their gratitude to the public for raising concerns about his scheduled appearance this coming Thursday.
The statement read: "We wish to clarify that we do not endorse this comedian or his perspectives, and he will not have the opportunity to perform at our establishment. Consequently, he has been removed from the lineup of Thursday's comedy event, effective immediately."
Responding on X (previously known as Twitter), Mr. Linehan challenged the venue to specify which of his viewpoints it found objectionable.
"It sure sounds like discrimination on the grounds of my legally protected beliefs”, Linehan posted.
In a recent incident, another Edinburgh venue, known as The Stand, initially cancelled SNP MP Joanna Cherry's scheduled appearance at the Fringe festival due to staff discomfort with her perspectives on transgender matters. However, the comedy club later reversed its decision and issued an apology, acknowledging that the cancellation was unjust and amounted to discriminatory behavior against Ms. Cherry. The "In Conversation With... Joanna Cherry" event proceeded as planned last week. Ms. Cherry, a prominent lawyer as well, commented that the Linehan situation seems to constitute belief-based discrimination, criticizing the trend of impulsive cancellations.
The event's booking website had originally advertised an evening of "edgy comedy," featuring four named comedians along with a "surprise famous cancelled comedian." This event was coordinated by Comedy Unleashed, an organization founded by GB News host Andrew Doyle, dedicated to supporting comedians who are unafraid to express themselves without self-imposed censorship.
Graham Linehan, renowned as the co-creator of Channel 4's comedy "Father Ted" and the writer of "Black Books" and "The IT Crowd," has been involved in controversies. In 2008, an episode of "The IT Crowd" faced backlash for its portrayal of transgender themes. Linehan subsequently engaged in heated disputes on social media with transgender activists. In 2020, he was permanently banned from Twitter for alleged violations of rules against "hateful content." In a candid BBC interview the previous year, Linehan shared the emotional toll that these controversies had taken on him, recounting how they led to work loss and the dissolution of his marriage.
Which all begs the question: how many times does Graham Linehan have to be right?
Graham Linehan's correctness regarding Mermaids and his accuracy concerning the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at Tavistock cannot be ignored. Should we persist in portraying him as an eccentric outsider, or is it time to acknowledge these uncomfortable yet significant realities?
I'd like to emphasize that Graham Linehan has contributed significantly to the advancement of gay rights, far more than those self-proclaimed representatives who paradoxically endorse the sterilization of gay teenagers. Indeed, individuals like Harvie, Nicolson, Russell-Moyle, Owen Jones, and Benjamin Cohen.
Quislings all.
This appears to be a blatant instance of discrimination rooted in a safeguarded belief. They haven't even veiled it in ambiguous terms.
Furthermore, not a single one among them will articulate Graham Linehan's views, the very ones they oppose so passionately, because they're well aware that the overwhelming majority of rational individuals in this nation share those viewpoints.
And to Graham Linehan (if he’s reading this):
Your cause, sir, is receiving assistance from an unexpected quarter. The resonance of this narrative on Twitter is significant, and it's likely to find its way into mainstream news coverage as early as tomorrow. The mounting support for your stance is a reflection of the growing weariness with such unfounded actions. Paradoxically, those activists who are striving to silence you are inadvertently contributing to your favor by amplifying the situation.
Count the misspelled words in that announcement. Wow.
"We are an 'inclusive' event"
That word always sets off my alarms.