Manchester meeting on GRA just announced

[Betti935]

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-womans-place-is-under-threat-tickets-40967687456

Hi, long-time lurker here, first post. I will attend and would like to take up the offer of meeting beforehand. This is not going to be easy for me, but I don't want to say why in a public channel.

Here's an idea for arranging it safely: We can use this free and secure service pad.riseup.net/ All we have to do is for one person to create a pad which is simply a blank web page that anyone can write on. The link to the pad is very long and random, so cannot be guessed. Then they PM the link to authorised people. So it's similar to a closed FB group except you don't have to be a Facebook user to join in.

We don't really have any way of authorising people though, so if people are not comfortable sharing info with strangers who could be TAs, then they should not use real names or share autobiographical details.

It would be slightly better than discussing it all in the open, though.

I really wish I could go but it's too far for me. I'm so glad it is actually happening though!

Hi Chaotic, that could work, I suggested FB because I guess it's easier to verify people are who they say they are, I have gender-critical posts going back a few years so unless I'm playing the very long game it's pretty obvious which side of the fence I'm on with this one.

I understand if people aren't comfortable sharing their real identities though sooooo, in conclusion, I haven't got a clue what the best way of going about it is!!

Any other suggestions?

If we go with FB I'm happy to set up a group but am equally happy to go with consensus on any other ideas.

Im happy with the closed Facebook group

Sadly, I'm nowhere near Manchester.

I'd be happy to take a 14-year-old if they were interested. I think this group is doing everything it can to avoid trouble so that is unlikely to happen.

I used to go to political meetings with my parents all the time as a kid, and also feminist meetings with my mum and relatives/friends of the family. I used to enjoy all the debate and the feminist meetings in particular made me feel really grown up and that everyone trusted me to be in possession of Important Information. Being a part of women gathering together is a really special feeling.

Maybe meeting afterwards is the simpler solution? L

I would have come but am booked to be away from home (at the other end of the country!) that night. Really wish I could get though. If anyone arranges another in Leeds say, will get there!

I shall follow this thread to see if someone comes up with a way to arrange a meeting safely. :) I'm not on social media.

I’m in.

First time for this kind of meeting for me too. I would like to meet up beforehand if it’s happening. I could reserve space somewhere (unless other Mancunians also have ideas on that).

B0033 what about the riseup pad idea I suggested? It does not require any social media account. We all just share a link to a page where we can all write.

I also would like to meet beforehand so that we can go in as a group. People on their own might feel intimidated or be targeted

Please do not do a closed facebook group. It can be infiltrated.

I'm happy to go. It depends on the location though. South Manchester fine. (direct line on the trains).

I'm up for it too. I'm not too far way.

I am considering going but would love to take my 13 year old
What sort of trouble are we expecting?

chaotic we could try it out; I don't know how you'd vet people?

Can I just point out that none of you know who anyone on this thread is - it could have been started by a TRA to suck you all in and try and harvest your details.

I'm sure I'm being overly paranoid, but please remember that anyone can pretend to be anyone on the internet.

Thanks for the reminder.

I agree. Please be careful in sharing information. I will not be replying to messages on this.

I'm going. Great speakers.

I've got a lot of time for Ruth Serwotka.

I strongly suggest that you do not share information with people you do not know, or post any identifying info about what you will be wearing. Don't be worried, just be sensible.

I am sure the venue will be accessible and safe as can be. Clued up people arranging this.

I'm looking forward to it.

I hope there's one near me soon. Usually I could travel to Manchester but it's my daughter's birthday that week so I can't go :(

There was no trouble at all at the Brighton event.

Crazy that some of us need to be all cloak and dagger about this. I'm not too bothered about being outed but I know some women are and with good reason.

I shall make the effort to look out for women who are alone and look like they could use some company at the venue then

That sounded creepy!

I mean that I'll pluck up the courage to introduce myself to others if they look awkward!