Why Mumsnet? I lurked without making an account for ages before a plucked up the courage. There was then another wait before I started posting. I'm here for a few reasons. The breadth and knowledge here is amazing across an amazing cornucopia.
I've spilled my guts about my childhood on here. Why here? Child abuse. I abhor men and do not trust them. You could argue I'm overreacting but being conditioned until you're 17 has a lasting impact. Then there's women. Narc mother. So I'm screwed all ways. As a female doesn't have a penis I feel safer, and can open up more. When I started posting my mental health was in the gutter. No self-esteem, self-respect or self-worth and self-harming multiple times a week. As a direct result of my time here my mental health has seen improvement. I still have the same issues but self-harm far less.
Even the thought of going onto a predominately male board makes me shudder. I also have no desire to be told who's "been asking for it", I don't need to detail them but it's very, very prevalent.
I feel comfortable here. Safe. I also post on a number of topics from chat to sex (yes, I posted on the thread mentioned in the second post), if I think I can add value or think it'd be useful. I even like reading (and occasionally posting) on the feminism topics. I abhor the treatment women get.
There have been times I've namechanged because of my sex, it is true that sometimes I feel posting on this username would receive bias because I'm male. That said, 99% of the time I have no issue with clearly displaying my sex in my username. Being identified is the main reason. I have had an internet stalker from here, that was most fun. Similar medical issue, PMs then email. Then I get told they know where I live and other goodies.
Took a break after that and wasn't sure if I'd come back. Why did I? You guys. This community fucking rocks.