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Original poster

Pronouns

38 replies

Sexnotgender · 29/07/2020 12:40

As many workplaces move towards ‘voluntarily’ adding pronouns to email signatures.

I think we should all use he/him. Regardless of our sex. You don’t need to be a man but studies have shown women are disadvantaged in the workplace when people are reminded that they are women.

Would HR challenge you?

OP posts:
WorkingItOutAsIGo · 29/07/2020 14:05

Thing is, people keep suggesting we all pretend to be male but that just erases and denies our womanhood. I am a woman and am proud to be one. I am not going to pretend to be male just because the world values men more. I am proud of all the things I have done - my education, my career, and making three human beings with my female body. I refuse to erase that.

Siameasy · 29/07/2020 14:03

I haven’t heard anything yet in my organisation (it’s mainly working class males I cant see them going for it). I will also die on this hill. I’m not putting he as I don’t want to be seen as a bloke!

HotPenguin · 29/07/2020 13:53

Can you post a link to any research proving that this disadvantages women? It'd be really helpful.

For my signature I'm thinking of putting:
"After decades fighting sexism, I'm not about to state preferred pronouns in this space"

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 29/07/2020 13:46

@twoHopes

Putting "he/him" wouldn't work for me as everyone would just assume it was a mistake or I'd gotten confused. If I was to put anything I'd put "There are no pronouns in my email signature due to institutionalised sexism in this industry" and leave it at that.

God that's actually really tempting.

That’s definitely better. How long until you’re managed out for not conforming though🙁
OP posts:
twoHopes · 29/07/2020 13:45

Putting "he/him" wouldn't work for me as everyone would just assume it was a mistake or I'd gotten confused. If I was to put anything I'd put "There are no pronouns in my email signature due to institutionalised sexism in this industry" and leave it at that.

God that's actually really tempting.

twoHopes · 29/07/2020 13:40

Pronouns in the email signature is the hill I'm willing to die on. It sounds petty but it's really not. I work in one of the most sexist, male dominated industries out there and the idea that I would be forced to sign off every email declaring my "gender" would push me over the edge.

Please can we just start saying no to this? Surely we shouldn't be forced to disclose our "gender" if we don't want to?

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 29/07/2020 13:36

@YetAnotherSpartacus

I am so inclined to put 'Fuck, Off, and Die'.
Well quite. Or sex based, like my oppression.

But I kind of need my job so need to be vaguely professional I suppose.

OP posts:
YetAnotherSpartacus · 29/07/2020 13:33

I am so inclined to put 'Fuck, Off, and Die'.

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 29/07/2020 13:29

If required to state my pronouns in work emails my current thinking is that I will use an ambiguous name and he/him at work...

My name is fairly unisex already so could definitely get away with it.

And with regard to the rest of your points, no, we never win. Whether we play or not🙁

OP posts:
DaisiesandButtercups · 29/07/2020 13:25

Given what we know about discrimination against women this appears the only sensible position to take. If required to state my pronouns in work emails my current thinking is that I will use an ambiguous name and he/him at work...

However my concern is that this might be shooting our selves in the foot. Doesn't that then play into the Queer theory that inner feelings, public declaration, behaviour and presentation dictate gender? So working outside the home becomes cemented as a male activity. People in paid employment are men (regardless of biology) then becomes the norm. Additionally it further obfuscates data and makes it impossible for us to make a case for sexist discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace. I am not sure we can beat them at their own game. If we play at all does that mean they win???

GoshHashana · 29/07/2020 12:56

If I'm forced to do it, I'll probably put he/him just to be contrary. Or maybe it/it!

Original poster
Sexnotgender · 29/07/2020 12:52

I like your style your/majesty. Or just Maj?

OP posts:
fatblackcatspaw · 29/07/2020 12:52

I'm looking Your Imperial Majesty myself... I think we should aim highter

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