I just came out as GC at work, to the big boss and I feel a bit sick

[JustcameoutGC]

I have NCed for this. I have just outed myself as GC in work to the big boss (and some others cced in).

I was asked to sign off on something that I just couldn't and I said so, and explained why.

I literally feel sick. Like I have put a big fat GC target on my back. My org is totally woke. I wonder how many times my response has been forwarded already.

[Biscuitsanddoombar]

Handhold - you’ve done the right thing but I completely understand your fear xx

I hope you get a reply soon - the waiting is hardest

[TheTamingOfTheresa]

Good for you

[HeeeeeyBogie]

Thank you on behalf of bottom rung employees for speaking up. I hope it goes well.

[Leafstamp]

Well done OP, I’m sure whatever it was, many of us here would have done the same.

I hope you are treated with respect and understanding following this.

[Chrysanthemum5]

I have spoken up at work, even though I know it risks my job, because every time I do I get women coming up to me afterwards and thanking me. I'm more senior and they just don't feel able to openly talk about these issues.

[FidgetWonkham]

Why does that stop you signing something off?

[FidgetWonkham]

And what does GC mean?
Sorry for my ignorance!

[malloo]

You've done the right thing, guaranteed there are others who agree with you who might now have the confidence to speak up.

[sanluca]

What is it with companies nowadays that they feel compelled to control their employees? You get a service from me and in return you pay me a salary. You do not own me

Good on you, OP! I came out GC years ago, everyone knows and never heard anyone disagree to date.

[aliasundercover]

Well done. I hope I’d be as brave.

Please keep us updated on what happens.

[JustcameoutGC]

Response from big boss, Thanks good points (I suspect he may not totally understand that there is a Pandoras box lurking here)
Another colleague who in think understands the context totally supportive.

Silence from the ones I suspect will be in the other camp. One of them is a friend.

[MsFogi]

Well done OP, and thank you.

[Shizuku]

When you say "GC", was it based on criticism of gender stereotypes? Or was it something to do with trans people? If it's the former, I'm sure you'll be fine. If it's the latter, you may lose your job.

[Immunetypegoblin]

Well done OP - others might speak up now too.

[HermioneWeasley]

Well done, that takes courage. Sounds like it’s gone well

[MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously]

Well done. You really have been very brave because it's not easy to stand out and not toe the party line. But it's important - we all have our own line in the sand and our self respect matters x

[transbadger]

Well done OP

[Wineat5isfine]

Apologies for my ignorance, but what is GC?

[HavelockVetinari]

Well done. I did similar last year, thought it would go down horribly but turns out the director and the rest of the team agree that biology is not bigotry.

[Leafstamp]

@FidgetWonkham

GC = gender critical

I’m guessing OP couldn’t sign off on something that was conflating sex and gender. In these instances there is often a contravention of the Equalities Act, so therefore should not be signed off on by anyone who wants to keep their job.

Of course, this is just my guess and if I was OP I’d be careful about giving out further details due to protecting my identity and confidentiality at work.

[OhHolyJesus]

This is very brave and I hope as time goes on you are ok at work.

This is so very divisive and I really hope you are ok. No one should be compelled to do something they are uncomfortable with for the sake of keeping their job.

Take heart, you are not alone. Best to do it before more requests follow as well.

[JustcameoutGC]

It wasn't even a personal line in the sand, it for me is about the lack of assessment and management of risk (actual and reputational) around use of language in materials that would have our logo on them.

I let my personal line in the sand get trampled over long ago.

[transbadger]

@HavelockVetinari
@JustcameoutGC

Badass Badger award for you both 🏆🏆

🦡🌈🤍

[DelectableDetriment]

That's hard, especially if you're going against friends. Well done though. Who would have thought speaking up for women's rights would require courage in this day.