Dearest Keeper of the Book.

How about a tuba only HearMe session? Or one for horses?

My agreement is not important or required. To be clear I have no problem with themes, sessions devoted to single instruments or any other obvious division musical divisions.

An all-female grouping appears to have been accepted as a good idea. It is the reasons why this grouping is generally thought to be acceptable, when an all male-grouping probably would have never even been requested on The Mudcat, that interests me?

It is a little difficult for me to compromise, as the issue IS one of equality.

Well…You should demand equality……….You would probably request accommodation?

If I am being asked to accept that women have RIGHT to exclude men then I have to accept that men have the RIGHT to exclude women. The whole struggle for equal rights has then been a nonsense.

If I am being asked to accommodate the exclusion of men for the reasons given, I would point out that very similar reasons to these have been given in the defence of all-male groupings. These clubs, churches and organisations have been accused of being the last bastions of male chauvinism. I believe they are.

There are very good reasons, sometimes for loading women's views and input, as sophocleese demonstrates and Kevin mentions but you must always recognise when you do this that it IS sexist and a step both to equality and at the same time a step away from it…. It should be done rarely, with care, for as temporary period as possible, the reasons being carefully thought through and clearly sign posted.

It is an accommodation not a RIGHT.

Eyes should always be kept on the prize of eventual equality, a time when no one needs, requires or wants to further their gender or race at the expense of another's.

If we are confused, how do our children feel, trying to live and understand this double standard?

Tubby The Tuba (Mrs).