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Original poster

I spoke up! I actually did it!!!

66 replies

WineAndHobnobs · 01/07/2020 04:39

Sorry for the self-indlugent post, but I did something today that I have wanted to do for ages. I spoke up about my concerns regarding Self-ID. I was met with a barrage of 'TERF' but I stood my ground, presented reasoned arguments and did not allow the abuse to shut me down.

I am scared but I am so glad I did it. I am an older lady. I used to buy Spare Rib, which tells you how old I am. I thought we had won years ago, we didn't need Feminism anymore. I was wrong, we need it now more than ever.

Thank you FWR for being here, for educating us and for looking out for all of us.

OP posts:
Thinkingabout1t · 01/07/2020 09:05

Well done, WineAndHobnobs!

I’ve realised one of the good things about getting older is that we don’t have to worry about trans-trolls blighting our long-term future career, or social media turning antisocial on us.

Raising my glass to you and all Mumsnet feminists Wine Wine

SameOldBS · 01/07/2020 08:55

Bloody well done! I so admire you. I like to think if it wasn't for my contract I'd do that same, but I might be kidding myself.

CherrySphinx · 01/07/2020 08:51

Well done! I've recently joined this forum, asked work about EIAs and erasure of single sex spaces, written to a paper about 'woman' being replaced with 'menstruator ' and asked a question about the same on a webinar recently. I've seen some stickers mentioned on another thread which look good so I plan to start stickering too :) I struggle with coherency at times especially if stressed but there's so much helpful information on here, lots of other people have spoken out and if all else fails I reference JKRs tweets. If it makes just 1 person think 'wait, what?' and do some research then it's worth it.

teawamutu · 01/07/2020 08:17

Oh well done! I'm dipping a toe here and there - can't be too strident because of work. So far largely supportive and often unaware...

BaronessBrighterThanYou · 01/07/2020 08:14

Thank you, OP.

ChattyLion · 01/07/2020 07:47

Thank you OP! And Smellbellina.

OhHolyJesus · 01/07/2020 07:44

Well done OP, you'll find it easier from now on and I suspect you'll also find the the arguments you're met with are easier to deconstruct than once thought.

If you get stuck do come back to MN and you'll likely find resources and text that will help. It's all built on sand and it's easier to wash away when you have a bucket of water.

foxychox · 01/07/2020 07:05

Thank you, from me and my DDs. I wasn't old enough to buy Spare Rib but I used to read my sister's copy and think we need that strength and those priniciples more than ever now.....

sashh · 01/07/2020 06:40

Well done, make yourself a chufty badge. And thank you.

EmpressLangClegSpartacus · 01/07/2020 06:19

Good for you OP! And Smellbellina too!

PurpleCrowbarWhereIsLangCleg · 01/07/2020 06:16

Nice work OP! Thanks

Smellbellina · 01/07/2020 06:15

I spoke out and was met with lots of anger and odd arguments too. I focused on the freedom for women to be able to discuss their concerns, of course I was told it is transphobic and ‘literally kills’ people Confused
I was asked to highlight these concerns and when I spoke about women being sexually assaulted in prisons I was told ‘biased reporting, trans people are more likely to be sexually assaulted in prison’ oh well that’s ok then! Just tell the female victim ‘but if she wasn’t here sexually assaulting you she might have been being sexually assaulted herself!’ The makes it fine.
This was from an intelligent person too! Not one thing I mentioned about women’s concerns was addressed, not one. So weird. Glad I spoke up though.

And well done OP!

Modwolvesrock · 01/07/2020 06:08

Thank you Flowers

It shouldn't take bravery to speak the truth, but we know it takes a lot when faced with the TRA toxicity Sad

forsucksfake · 01/07/2020 05:13

I admire your courage. Thanks for speaking up.

wellbehavedwomen · 01/07/2020 05:09

Thank you. Not just for speaking out here, but for being one of the generation who, through activism (and Spare Rib!) secured so many rights, and so much change, for us. I promise that not all of us are intent on pissing it away.

It's awful that it takes such courage to speak up for women in 2020, but it does. Thank you. Flowers

TehBewilderness · 01/07/2020 05:03

Thank you for speaking up and standing firm. Flowers Cake Brew