I'm Jack Monroe. Ask me anything.

[MxJackMonroe]

Hi Mumsnet.

It seems every time I am in the news, a MN thread about all things transgender crops up. I didn't see the last one (yesterday?) as I don't come on here very often these days - people who eavesdrop etc etc. I was cooking in a tent in a muddy field all day, having a ball, not googling myself on the internet!

The thread was deleted - which was nothing to do with me, nor my lawyer. The day I call him about a MN thread is the day I pack everything in for good. So far only the Mail and Hopkins have had legal action taken against them, and both for quite serious statements. I'm not rich enough nor quite bothered enough to call him every time someone says mean words on the internets.

ANYWAY. Threads about me tend to get deleted. So here's a new one. Because there are clearly some questions that keep coming up, criticisms that I could answer, speculation I could clarify and untruths that could do with correction.

So I'm taking questions. I'm an adult and I take an awful lot of criticism and unkindness online, on the chin. I am pretty mentally stable right now, and feel this could be a constructive discussion.

In order to stop this descending into pandemonium, using general 'chair' rules, to start with I'll take one question from each user - if it's quiet and everything gets answered, feel free to add follow up questions.

It doesn't have to be about boobs, dresses, hormones. Literally ask me anything.

MN - please don't delete this thread. I think people have valid things to say and I'm here with my big girl/boy pants on to hear them.

Over to you.

[hardheadedwoman]

Hello - no question but I thought you looked fabulous in the Observer yesterday!

[Haggisfish]

I'm presuming someone from mn is actually checking you're the real I'm?!

[MxJackMonroe]

Well I've logged in through my Facebook account, so, it's me. Not sure how I can prove it...

[MollyRedskirts]

I think you're fantastic and you don't owe anyone anything.

[MxJackMonroe]

mollyredskirts and hardheadedwoman, thankyou. This is a nice gentle start!

[stareatthetvscreen]

what molly said.good on yer.

[Fairylea]

What Molly said.

I wish you and your son all the best.

[yoink]

Fair play

[MrsBruceBogtrotter]

Why do you think that not wanting to adhere to the trappings of femininity makes you non-binary, rather than one of the millions of women who don't perform femininity?

[NeedACleverNN]

I have never read any of your articles or even heard of you before mn (sorry) but can I ask, what is it that has made you feel the way you do regarding gender? (If that makes sense)

[KoalaDownUnder]

Well, however this thread goes - hats off to you for stepping up!

[NeedACleverNN]

Cross post Bruce

[YouSay]

I saw that thread and felt for you.

[2nds]

Ooh I did see the thread about you, not sure if I commented or not cos basically I comment on everything on here lately.

My question is do you have any advice for people who are starting up a blog or website? Myself and my OH are in a different field of work to what you do, however we are blog and website newbies.

Thanks.

[Overthinker2016]

Why do you want to be referred to as non binary?

I'm concerned having a third 'gender' so to speak means those who identify as one of the binary genders are pigeon holed as super girly pink princesses or macho big men.

[ElsaAintAsColdAsMe]

You are fantastic, the fact you are willing to stand up and talk about how you feel helps people like my child who don't have a voice because they get shouted down and dismissed constantly.

[justjuanmorebeer]

Hi Jack. I just wanted to wave and say I have been following your blog from the early days. I bought your first book as soon as I could. Whilst I can't follow recipes as I don't like being told what to do, I enjoy flicking through it.
I am also a single parent of one dd, 5. I think you are fab I really do and you take so much shit for no reason. People really can be bastards.

Keep fighting the good fight I am right with you.

Fist bump.

[RiverTam]

You've been very honest about your mental health struggles in the past. Would you agree that gender dysphoria, however it presents itself, is also a mental health issue? That the mind saying that a healthy body is somehow wrong, is a mental health issue?

Thanks x

[abitwrong123]

Hi Jack,

do you get fed up with there being more comment about how you identify yourself rather than your cooking?

I wanted to ask as I remember when you first became more widely known through your blog and the discussion was generally about your recipes etc but now I seem to hear only about speculation on your personal life.
Sorry if the question seems blunt, I wasn't too sure about how to word it so just waded in.

[YouSay]

Also bloggers often get ripped to bits on Mumsnet. I think it is horrible but some posters seem to think it is fair game 'as they put themselves out there'.

[Pawprintz]

How do you feel inside? Are you happy?

I came out as bisexual recently and feel happier now.

[Andsenditsoaring]

Hi Jack,

What is your favourite meal to cook?

[heehaaw]

Not a question but I just wanted to say I think you're doing really great things, increasing awareness trans people & veganism. I love your blog & your recipes

[MadameOvary]

I'm sorry you've taken so much flak. I think you play a very very important role in society and have really helped further the discussion on gender fluidity/perception. My DD's older sister identifies as gender fluid and confuses the hell out of people. But that says more about them than her!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I'm also favourably impressed that you have come on here to speak to people, rather than sending in lawyers :)

OK a question:

You said in the (I think guardian) interview that you wanted to be seen as a person rather than as a woman (or man), hence why you were trans.

I believe that being seen as a woman or man with all the stereotypical expectations that entails is a problem with society, not with my sex. People should see women as people, women shouldn't have to "transition" for this to happen.

I am interested to know why you felt coming out as non-binary trans was "right" as opposed to "just" being a woman with short hair and trousers?

Thank you :)