Glinner calling women "handmaidens"

Handmaiden is surely a slightly gentler way of saying Collaborator. Which would be accurate. It's not just an insult as if you called someone a w*nker, but a description.

Remind me again who is is that gets to decide what is feminism and what it isn't?

Giving a fuck about the use of words is integral in protecting women's rights.

To be clear, the meaning of the word 'woman' and the meaning of the word 'man' are very important to me. Handmaiden, Vichy, TERF, not so much.

You know what. If giving a fuck about the use of words defines my relationship with the patriarchy then we've all lost the plot.

Call me a TERF. Water, back, duck. I ain't gonna die.

FWR was probably the first not just for mums bit of Mnet.

A lot of Glinners work highlights safeguarding failings. I don’t care how he says it. As long as he highlights the issues and people are starting to wake up to this shit.

Oh for fuck's sake give it a rest. I'm a Lesbian and freely use the term 'Vichy Gay' for TRAs.
And women who support the sterilization of children are Handmaidens.
But they can wake up and leave...

Of course, say what you like. It's not feminism, though, if you're using gendered slurs to attack other women, especially to imply that they can't think for themselves. You don't have to be feminist, though. However, to not be feminist in a patriarchy means, ironically, that you are supporting the patriarchy.

Do you feel the same about TERF?

Just because a man campaigns for women and children's safety it doesn't mean that we must stay silent when he uses sex based slurs.

This is the first time I have seen a man use "handmaiden". I assume he was angry and doesn't know its history.

If you are a member of the Word Police, you will need to show me your warrant card and explain which Act of Parliament I have broken before I stop saying whatever I feel like saying. I use words that others don't like. They use words that I don't like. Life is funny like that. Fucking get over it.

... but Glinner isn't just supporting women, he is also flagging up safeguarding and the dangers of trans ideology to children. Therefore, why shouldn't he call out the women who are party to the abuse of children (puberty blockers, sterilisation, top surgery etc.)?

The whole point of sex based slurs is to shame women. I don't understand the feminist motivation behind such slurs.

I like Glinner. I knew and worked with him once upon a time and I'm sad at what this fight has cost him. Sex based insults aren't the way to go though.

I do like and admire Graham Linehan, but that doesn't stop me saying "In this case, he's made a mistake". I think it's better to avoid terms like "handmaiden" but that's especially true when it's men doing it. A man who claims to support women shouldn't be putting down any group of women, even if he finds them frustrating. He doesn't have to hide his thoughts about whether they're supporting policies that are bad for women, but he should make it clear that he accepts that they've got free will and their own opinions, and not imply that they're acting under duress or that they're incapable of thinking rationally.

Andrea Dworkin must have dealt with this stuff in "Right wing Women", but I haven't read it.

Mumsnet is "by parents for parents". Check the FAQS for further information.

So you dislike him because he posts on a forum but want to protect the women who support the sterilisation of kids because they are women?

Make it make sense.

And funny you should mention fifth columnists. I have often thought that they use "Handmaiden" to alienate women from feminism.

For me, "handmaiden" is such a subjective concept that it has become meaningless, except in the fact that it is a sex based slur.

I cannot see a way that it benefits feminism or women.

Yes, it's pathetic of you OP. Stop it.
Glinner has suffered a lot, trying to stop the medicalization of children and drawing attention to detransitioners. He's a hero .

As a Lesbian I also appreciate his support. He and Posie Parker have always there for us from the beginning.

Well maybe I do just dislike him then because it also annoys me that he's on mumsnet - a forum for mums!!!

If you were a regular on this forum you’d know that it’s not only used by mums.

So you dislike Glinner because he sometimes posts on an internet forum that you rarely use and know nothing about. That’s completely ridiculous, and frankly you should be ashamed of yourself for disliking someone for such a stupid reason.