Thanking my feminist sisters

[JeanneDeMontbaston]

Excuse the 1970s title, but I do want to say thanks.

I get the feeling FWR is a bit under a cloud at the moment, but I've had so much good advice and support here, and I don't remember to say thanks often enough. I was chatting to some RL friends today and realising that I have a lot of affection for proper, old style feminism where we do use terms like 'women's liberation' and 'patriarchy' and, yes, sisterhood. And there aren't so very much places you can talk about feminism the way we can here.

So, thank you very much, sisters.

That's OK.

I was hoping maybe people could contribute - but not if it's too much of a personal thing.

Right on sister! [Feminist fist bump]

I've never really understood the contempt for FWR. I love to come to this section and lurk/occasionally post with like minded people. Most people IRL think I'm weird for having even vaguely feminist opinions.

I agree.

I know it's just an online forum but the posters on here have helped me enormously and allowed me the confidence to apply much of what I've learned to real life situations.

Which in turn, has helped other women I engage with.

I truly appreciate it and recognise that the women behind the posts are the ones whose shoulders I stand on.

Thanks everyone for teaching me so much stuff. And sorry to regulars I've upset when I've made mistakes.

Oi!

No apologising and self-blaming here, almond.

I've made loads of mistakes, and I still do. We all do.

But, mainly, I'm just so glad I got to know about this place.

Yy Jeanne!

It's late now but just wanted to say I agreed.

Thanks.

I love your posts.

FWR is the best part of MN, no question. I'm American, and I actually discovered MN and FWR by googling a particular feminist issue for work. I lurked for about two years and then joined almost three years ago. I have been a feminist for a very long time and work for a feminist organization, and thought I knew a lot. But it is hard to express how much FRW and its posters have enriched my understanding, in addition to affording many hours of pure pleasure. For Jeanne and all of the sisters.

Definitely! Finding this section of the internet has re-energised my commitment to feminism and channelled my thoughts in an enormously positive way. Thank you, everyone.

seneca. I feel the same.

rosa.

Thank you to all the wise women who post here, I have learnt so much from you all. I lurk more than I post but this is my favourite bit of MN.

In fact, I recently name changed as a small act of solidarity in response to increasing criticism of FWR because I wanted a more feminist identity on MN.

I love your name, aradia. And thanks.

seneca - you're inspiring me to put a tag on my name, to be more obviously feminist.

(Saw on HIGNFY that emoji is the fastest rising language in the UK.)

Yes thanks to you clever, wise women! I read more than I post on FWR but I appreciate all of it and I feel like I belong!

Thank you for letting me lurk rather a lot and learn by reading and osmosis
And thank you tolerating my rather less articulate and not-well-read posts when I do pipe up from time to time.

Oh, I can add another 'language' to my achievements

I have lurked here for years since the board first started, and seen lots of intelligent, kind and supportive feminists whose posts have challenged my assumptions, opened my mind to new ways of thinking and seeing, and set me off looking for further reading of feminists past and present. Lots hasn't been easy to read, some stuff I haven't agreed with but have been able to explore why that is, much has been enlightening. So thanks all

Probably true, upto.

If I'm using emoji can I be down with the kids, even if I also use 'sisters'?

I'm also mostly a lurker, but I do love this part of MN. :) And yes, like others, I have learned a lot, even though I can't remember a time when I haven't identified as a feminist.

Slightly off topic, but something else that I find really encouraging, and gives me hope for the future, is seeing how my daughter (15) and some of her friends are developing a strong interest in feminism. We have some wonderful discussions. :)

Not off topic at all.

If you'd told me, even five years ago, that feminism would be becoming so mainstream with people in their teens/early 20s, I would have been quite surprised. I love it.

Reading and posting here has been hugely educational for me, even in the short time I've been here. It makes me really happy that there are so many smart, thoughtful, interesting and funny people talking about feminism in all its many variants. Thanks everyone!

Have been a feminist for over 40 years & soemwhat 'lapsed' in interest & felt so bloody weary with all the same old, same old battles & crap.

The FWR boards here have rejuvenated me.

Thank you.

Yes, seeing that interest in feminism from teenagers is great. And my daughter certainly doesn't hold back with her opinions! What has made a big difference for her (apart from my corrupting influence ) is being in an all girls school now. She is very outspoken even at school. If, for example, a teacher uses an even slightly sexist example (like the male pronoun as default) she, and other girls, will say something. I doubt that would have happened at a mixed school.