I thought I was a feminist until someone showed me this forum.

It doesn't.

I'm shouted at in here all the time for being 'only here to knock', being an apologist for the menz etc.

There really is no one 'type' of feminist.

I have no idea why the existence of this one topic in a parenting website would lead you to believe that it was somehow representative of a (mythical) monolith (or straitjacket?) settled ideology.

It's simply the place where MNetters can, if they choose, put some chat threads. It's like putting threads about the election, politicians, public services, the economy etc in 'Politics'. They might also turn up in AIBU or chat or In The News or a topic related to the theme of a policy, like a Education.

I like it when people use the topics rather than chat/AIBU for everything. But no one topic is some kind of special place.

You can call yourself feminist or not (but if, like me you're old enough to remember what it was like before the Equal Pay Act or when you couldn't secure a mortgage without a male guarantor, you will find it mildly incredible that anyone wouldn't be).

feminists are all just people innit.
I consider myself strongly feminist, but i dont identify with all other feminists, and the whole radfem thing i find more alienating than inclusive, but yknow, i do see a place for that sort of extremism even if i dont identify withn it personally because without that, people don't find a middle ground

If you want to start a bunfight then AIBU is the place

There are a few quite prominent posters on the feminist section and as they all tend to back each other up it can give the impression of group think & that they own feminism on Mumsnet.

However, there are also people who will post with alternative viewpoints. I seldom come on this section, as I consider myself a feminist but I don't really mesh with the dominant mindset. However, like others, I will post my views from time to time, but I always expect to be horribly patronised - I think I was called a 'young girl' one, which was droll

No a MN I recognise either. I am a proud feminist but no, I don't agree with everything I read on this board. I find many of the academic discussions on here beyond me in all honesty, but it doesn't stop me learning and thinking and getting advice.

I don't think you are describing MN.

But then goady types never are.

You are not describing a MN I recognise.
Other forums are available.