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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

This is why we can’t have nice things

55 replies

Ritascornershop · 11/10/2021 17:40

I’m in Canada where (for the most part) people are either blissfully unaware of what’s going on and/or are at pains to make sure no men have hurt feelings ever.

I got an email at work last week inviting the women on staff to a meeting once a week to discuss female biology as it relates to work (being pregnant, breastfeeding, menopausal etc at work). Next day comes a correction “all female-identifying staff”, a few hours later “and men, though we will be discussing women’s biology, so just if you’re comfortable with that!”

I email the sender for clarification (not that I needed it, I just wanted to say I wouldn’t attend a “women’s group” that had men in it). Email comes back saying all staff are welcome if they have “something to contribute”.

I mentioned this to my sister and she said “but women have fought to be included in things so we can’t now exclude men.” I said I wouldn’t presume to push into a men’s meeting about prostate cancer or beard care or erectile dysfunction or whatever, but she was firm that it would be unfair. I despair (& salute the strong British feminists and their common sense and sense of humour and outrage).

OP posts:
EyesOpening · 11/10/2021 18:01

I would ask your sister if she would be ok if it was a practical breastfeeding session, if she would be comfortable getting her breasts out in front of men (not that I’d be getting them out in front of any colleagues but you’ve got to be consistent!)?

KittenKong · 11/10/2021 17:50

Something to contribute? Such as? If they had said - well they can learn something and maybe ask questions (so they can support the women and girls in their lives - say maybe a single dad to girls...). But really - if it’s for women, then why should I have to sit next to some bloke and squirm/not feel comfortable talking about period shits and farts, and bleeding like a stuck pig? Or then - let ‘em have it...

Lordamighty · 11/10/2021 17:50

Ask your sister if she would exclude men from women’s prisons, or would that be unfair. How about the women’s hockey team or the women’s changing room. The idea that men have to be allowed everywhere or else it’s unfair is how we have ended up in this mess.

WildWombat · 11/10/2021 17:49

What on earth are they going to discuss in these meetings? Confused One meeting, to discuss policy going forward, maybe. But a regular meeting? Sounds like they haven't got a clue, or they'd have decided upon what genitalia the guest list should have before sending the first email.

GrandmaMazur · 11/10/2021 17:44

That’s where Be Kind ends up I guess!