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Original poster

What is the correct response to TERF?

110 replies

flashpaper · 14/04/2022 08:23

I was called a TERF at work the other day. Someone made a comment about JKR and I just said "JKR said nothing wrong". There was an audible gasp from the others around but the conversation stopped immediately when someone else walked in and asked what was going on. The person who made the comment about JKR in the first place said "we have some trans exclusionary radical feminism going on over here" and pointed at me. I just said "I'm not a trans exclusionary radical feminist". I honestly didn't expect it and didn't have an response prepared.
DP has said I shouldn't make comments like that again as he's worried about me losing my job, so it probably won't happen again, but what should I have said back? What's the correct response to it?

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 14/04/2022 08:49

In my case it's probably an accurate description so I wouldn't say anything much. I don't mind the term and I wish it had been reclaimed rather than rejected.

Riapia · 14/04/2022 08:48

Correct response?
Just say “fuck off.”
You had spoken the truth about JKR.

LittleWhingingWoman · 14/04/2022 08:48

I'd rather be a TERF than a WART.
(Woman Averse Radical Transactivist)

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 14/04/2022 08:46

@lemongreentea

What is a TERF?
I'm continually amazed by the number of MNetters who haven't heard of Google.
Wavingnotdrown1ng · 14/04/2022 08:45

A biological realist.

SpringHasSprungYay · 14/04/2022 08:33

@lemongreentea

What is a TERF?
Read the op.
NotTerfNorCis · 14/04/2022 08:30

That situation you describe is creepy as hell! Was the 'terf' accusor male or female?

BenCooperisaGod · 14/04/2022 08:30

I would hold fire until the judgement is oit on Maya Forstaters employment tribunal. Expected next month (although i wouldn't be surprised if it took longer).

That will hopefully make it crystal clear to employers that GC views are valid and if gender ideology is given space in the workspace, then there must be room for gender critical views to be expressed.

The days of #nodebate are over.

I am waiting for the judgement and will be taking this to our gender equality network, asking the question how can those with GC views be supported to express those views in the workplace.

lemongreentea · 14/04/2022 08:28

What is a TERF?

tabbycatstripy · 14/04/2022 08:27

I wouldn’t advise talking about this at work because of the fall-out, but there’s no way your opinion as expressed there would (legally) be a cause to fire you. The other person brought it up anyway.

But if you wanted to challenge it, you could say, “Terf is a slur. That was unprofessional. I would appreciate an apology.”