What is the correct response to TERF?

I'd just say thanks - I don't see what's so derogatory about the term really (although I know obviously those that use the term are using it in a derogatory way). I do want penises excluded from women's spaces so I'm happy to be called a TERF (It should be PERF really - I have no issue with TM) It only has power as an insult if you let it - I'd be more offended being called 'cis'.

Don't take criticism from someone whom you wouldn't take advice is a sound motto to have I think. Maybe get it printed on a mug for work

This judge made this ruling.

"What's trans exclusionary radical feminism? What do they exclude trans people from?"

if he does it again, say, I am going to REPORT you to HR.
And smile at him.

I'm not quite in that position but the person I work most closely with (gay man) has casually mentioned terfs twice in the last few months. Once when talking about Harry Potter and once when there was fundraising for Refuge.
Each time, I've just ignored it and deflected but I am considering saying something because it really irks me.
I'm thinking something of the lines of "I agree with JKR. The trans movement has a staggering misogyny problem and I'm fed up with women being called terfs for calling it out".
And possibly, if he keeps on with it, point out that he's not a woman, and doesn't get to dictate what a woman is to me.
It's tricky because he is otherwise a decent guy (I know!). I think he's just swallowed the Kool Aid and is just parroting what he's heard.
I don't think he suspects I'm on the terfy side at all. I just don't fit their stereotype of one.
But then, it is work and its a huge can of worms to open.

@Narcoanonymoose

Like it ever happened Most of the women I work with aren't interested abd don't e en kniw what TERF means.

On the other hand, I am literally having these conversations every day now. And I make a point of never bringing it up myself.

So I guess lots of people are interested, do realise there is something going on, maybe are parroting what they have heard in passing around JKR in particular and are gasp asking questions.

The thing is, I'm not trans exclusionary as I include those who believe they are transmen in my feminism.

I am trans woman exclusionary yes, and that's ok.

So I'm half ok with being a terf and certainly all the fellow TERFS I know irl and online are calm, rational, kind and intelligent people so am in good company.

"I don't subscribe to that religion."

It is true for me, and it throws a wee curve-ball into the proceedings.

If anyone calls me a terf I just say in a very cheerful, upbeat way 'Yes, I am! You seem quite bright, why aren't you one too?'

But then I'm a lesbian and for the last 40 years I've had random people shout 'lesbian' and 'dyke' at me in the street and have responded 'That's me!'

With a bit of luck when Maya's verdict comes in you can go to your manager and make it clear that you expect your views to be respected in the workplace and if they aren't, you can take them to a tribunal.

My response to being called a TERF… tinkly laugh, head tilt and ‘you ok hon.’

Can't wait for the point where it would take longer to complete a disciplinary investigation than I have to work till I retire. I'm going to go completely rogue in the last few months of my career. I'll almost be disappointed if this has all been sorted out by then. I did once manage to have a discussion with one of the LGBT committee reps where they basically gave up trying to answer my questions and said they weren't really an expert and I should speak to someone else. Very woke workplace.

made for an interesting family zoom call, but frankly I don;'t give a fuck.

I tend to say "What exactly is radical about wanting to keep convicted rapists out of womens prisons?"

Or quote Mary Bourke 'If you call me a TERF, I'll call you a SMURF - a Sexist Misogynist Undermining Real Feminism

I’d have so much fun stirring if I worked with people like that. Everyone here in the back of beyond is full on TERF, even if they don’t know it.

were pleased, not was!

I've had a situation like this recently with someone saying JKR was 'up to her usual tricks' again. I played dumb and mildly interested, saying
"oh, what did she say?"
Response was "more of the usual shit, like last time"
I replied, "what did she say last time?"
They then started getting flustered - "all the transphobic stuff she wrote in her essay" but couldn't be more specific when I tried to drill down further. She just said JKR had 'upset a lot of people'.
When I said I'd read the essay and was interested to know which bit they found offensive they started with the personal insults saying that they couldn't believe I was a TERF and how I should be ashamed of myself. Then they stormed off.
Afterwards a couple of people told me privately that they agreed with me and was pleased I'd held my ground.

I now how my head up high and explain that 'indeed yes, I'm extremely pro-women.'

You could responds with:
"I didn't know that JKR was a radical feminist"

What makes you say I'm a feminist? - being the first one I'd ask in that situation.

Genius. I'd love to see the answer.

Some strategies:

1. Wide eyed innocence, "oh what did she say?" Either they'll reply with something true, e.g. that spaces for women should be legally protected and you then say, smiling but with a slight note of surprise in your voice, "oh, what's wrong with saying that?" And let them dig a hole. Eventually you can say something about we can see where she's coming from given her history. Or they say something false e.g. "JKR said trans women are rapists" and you say, again surprised, "oh where did you read that? She didn't say that, all she said was..."

1. Approach it from a discrimination perspective. "It really makes me uncomfortable how women, especially women who historically have been marginalised and silenced, like lesbian women or survivers of abuse, are being targeted for attack for voicing their opinions on controversial topics."

1. The TERF word. Don't say it's a slur, it isn't. Say: "I don't identify as a TERF because I don't think that protecting women's spaces is a feminist issue, let alone a radical feminist issue. It's a problem for everyone." If you're feeling ballsy "Also I don't exclude trans people from anything, I just don't think they are biological women, and am interested in protecting spaces for biological women "

1. General freedom of speech stuff

I avoid a lot of topics because these days you aren’t allowed to think for yourself and have an opinion. You will be accused of being homophonic, transphobic, racist, the list is endless. You can still be respectful and not believe exactly the same thing about everything.