Thanks to the Amazing Women of FWR

Not preachy, and having got that great username you really have to post and show it off!

Ah shit, I might as well take the plunge onto the bandwagon ?

I've been lurking here for about a year, after learning from Twitter that Mumsnet was a hotbed of thoughtcrime feminism. Came to see what was going on, stayed for the combination of detailed, reasoned debate, righteous fury and snark that I've honestly never seen on any other platform.

I'm not a mum, and never plan to be, but I've been around here long enough to know that doesn't matter. You are all an inspiration, and I've been meaning to join in for ages. There's so many amazing posters here, but I'd particularly like to shout out to @AngryAttackKittens, @Rufustheyawningreindeer, @Datun, @RedToothBrush, and everyone on the Shon Faye thread which had me in stitches earlier this evening.

(Was that preachy? That felt preachy. Sorry!)

Thanks to everyone who is fighting. I'm a lurker really due to an anarchist child so it's hard to sit down and formulate a post and by the time I have someone else had already said it!! But I have been on MN for some years

I'm spreading the word IRL as much as I can about the GRA

Longtime lurker but long time mumsnetter here and I too am grateful. I can’t discuss any of the things I’ve learnt here at work, and my social circle think aren’t ready to listen yet, but I feel I’ve been educated so much these last few months, that I’ll be ready when they are.

As the mother of sons, I want to do right by them to ensure that they grow up with feminist principles, so that they can have healthy, equal relationships as adults.

Just this last weekend my 16 year old stepped in when his (female) friend was been harassed by a boy who had her pinned against a wall, trying to kiss her. He talked the other boy down and made sure his friend got home safe. I am so proud of him, but this came naturally to him as he respects women and girls in the same way as he respects boys and men. We have had lots of interesting chats over the last few months as my brain is in overdrive, and I want to pass on what I’m learning to my young men.

every time a lurker delurks, a feminist gets her wings

Longtime lurker, only been posting a short while. I would like to add my thanks to FWR regulars for helping me to unravel the tangle of words that were in my head. This place has given me the confidence to be an 'out' GC Feminist, I can now articulate myself in RL instead of avoiding the issue of Women's Rights to keep the peace.

I mainly lurk, mainly because by the time I've read to the end of a thread I generally find someone's already said what I want say, but much more eloquently than I could say it.
Huge thanks to those who post regularly here

Agree OP. It is intense in here but its the most intelligent internet place I have found. I thank the regular posters here for awakening my feminist soul from its too long slumber.

I've been reading since last summer and braved posting a few months ago. Everyone is so well informed and eloquent, it's quite daunting.
But I am so thankful you are here. For those of us in jobs where discussion like this is actually dangerous to voice your fears, or surrounded by people who have drunk the koolaid, it makes me feel less alone. I sat next to some MN women in the House of Commons talk, and knew that while there are women like them and all those in the room and going to talks round the country and speaking up and posting in places where we can, we then we shall overcome. And protect ourselves and our daughters.

Like everyone else, I am a long-time lurker and very occasional poster elsewhere on the site.
I read FWR every day and in a strange way it helps me deal with my fury over the self-ID issue (and other associated niggles ) and what is really beginning to feel like a war on women.
I am not quick, eloquent or educated enough to keep up with the posters here but I have learnt so much and am genuinely in awe of you all

every time a lurker delurks, a feminist gets her wings

(that can probably be improved on)

Great post and totally agree that this site has some of the most incredible women and I have learned so much 🙏

I'd also like to thank posters like Errol who keep putting up the link to the parliamentary petition for women to be consulted before any changes on Gender ID become law.
It's absolutely shameful that the Government did not consider women's concerns and a complete disgrace that we have had to do this at all to try to get our voices heard.

I signed the petition when it first went up and would ask anyone who has not yet done so to please have a look at it and consider signing.
That women be consulted on this issue -- it's not much to ask, is it?
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/214118

Me too!

It is lovely to hear from lurkers. A real shot in the arm.

FWR is great MN might need to check potential interns perspectives on no-platforming before recruiting though.

I'm another 'second chorus' type.

FWR has educated me in the best way. I've had to think, deal with challenging ideas, accept that my understanding of those ideas will put me at odds with much of my online echo chamber.

It's been exciting & fascinating, & goodness there are some brilliant voices here.

Thank you so much. & to @MNHQ for hosting the discussion.

Lovely post, thank you for posting it, wanderin

Not a lurker, but definitely "second chorus" rather than one of the brilliant posters who have done so much to increase visibility and support on these issues. And very proud to be a Mumsnet Feminist alongside you all

Also adding my thanks.

Not only have I learnt so much from the wonderful women of FWR, I've also been entertained, inspired and supported.

I've taken breaks from MN over the years, but I'm always drawn back because there is nowhere else quite like it - especially FWR.

Definitely like to add my thanks here. I cannot believe the madness of gender self-identification. No other word for it, it flies in the face of known reality. Except for the reality of male dominance and violence of course.

Ok I've never posted here but can only add my voice to those of the other lurkers. I am in awe of the brilliance, clarity and erudition of all you regular posters. You've taught me so much, and, I'm sure, countless others too. Becoming a mother (of 2 girls) has rocked me at a fundamental level - and these threads have literally articulated why. They have given me confidence in my own voice and thoughts. They have enabled me to make sense of the world from my new status- or lack of, more accurately- and, as a result, to understand myself and the world we are in better. This has been uncomfortable at times but hugely helpful in furthering my ability to navigate misogyny and sexism with much greater awareness and strength and power. You did that. Thank you.

I'm still trying to establish how much I can post and out myself (my job requires me to remain apolitical) but rest assured, that doesn't mean I don't support you all. Best bit of mumsnet, this.

I came to FWR to lurk, and stayed to chat, when AIBU frightened me away.
It is lovely here and all of you give me hope for the future.

This is about women for women, by women.

YES!

And a big huzzah to Hornets for being one of the 300.

I did something I never thought I'd do -- I spoilt my ballot paper in my postal vote. I could not, in all conscience, do anything else............

Lurkers, lurkers, come out and post. Your views are as valid as the most prolific and knowledgeable posters here. Tell us your a newbie and we'll make you welcome.

This is about women for women, by women.