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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

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Original poster

Who's up for a self-ID day of activism?

246 replies

YesItsADebate · 23/02/2018 15:06

Following on from my swimming thread, I'd like to guage interest to see who would be interested in taking part in a day where we all self-ID as men and take part in various forms of activism.

Some ideas from the other thread:

  • a mass swim in the men's pond in Hampstead;
  • manspreading on public transport;
  • sunbathing/sauntering around in shorts and flip-flops;
  • using the men's loos;
  • using men's changing rooms;
  • applying for membership of men-only golf clubs, gentlemen's clubs, the Freemasons' men's lodges etc.
  • going to men-and-toddler play sessions (with bacon butties!);
  • mansplaining, interrupting other participants in meetings and generally acting with a chauvinistic sense of superiority.

I'm sure you can come up with more. Vaguely planning for the summer when it's a bit warmer! Anyone up for it?

Disclaimer: while the law on Exposure (formerly indecent exposure) only applies to genitals, exposing breasts in public may amount to a public nuisance if it's done with the intent to shock, upset or annoy. I'll have a look a bit later for better guidance.

OP posts:
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SpartacusReality · 23/02/2018 21:25

I don't know if there's any way to avoid this with Facebook, but even though it's a closed group I can see the members photos and Facebook names - and as their profiles are not private I can view their timelines (I didn't check everyone's I was just having a nose at the group tbh but was alarmed to see that even in a closed group the members names are listed).

Elletorro · 23/02/2018 21:26

Hi

I wonder whether a Katherine Hamnet type of style would work? I don’t think she has any trademark on that.

And consider the back explaining that “self id violates dignity and makes a mockery of consent” not snappy I know but it’s about keeping control of the message. This isn’t a benny hill stunt

CanIBuffalo · 23/02/2018 21:28

I agree with what Knob said.

averylongtimeago · 23/02/2018 21:32

I have accidentally joined a fb group for an odd job person.... have now checked the spelling....

CanIBuffalo · 23/02/2018 21:33

😂😂😂😂😂

Sittinonthefloor · 23/02/2018 21:33

Day of action sounds great! My worry is that 'I'm a man' or similar on t shirts could be interpreted as being against TIFs, which I think would be unkind and a mistake. What about just 'protect women's spaces' or something like that? Any photos want to show the key message. Definitely think tshirts + logo better than boobies though!

CanIBuffalo · 23/02/2018 21:38

Thanks Sofie
I could lose my job if there was so much as a sniff of not following the spirit and letter of the Equalities Act 2010 so I guess I'm going to have to get my poker face on.

DaisyDrip · 23/02/2018 21:50

I don't use FB. Could we not have a forum instead?

WiggyPig · 23/02/2018 21:53

Asked to join the FB group. My profile is closed though, I'm not even sure I'm message-able.

Jux · 23/02/2018 21:55

Ooh, I need a haircut but have put it off for yonks because Idon't have the £30 it'll cost. I'll self-id and go to the barber.

Original poster
YesItsADebate · 23/02/2018 22:01

Good point OfficerGrant. How's this?

Who's up for a self-ID day of activism?
OP posts:
WiggyPig · 23/02/2018 22:05

Jux I always go to the barber, you don't need to self ID as a man to do so, you just need to be wanting a man's haircut.

It's in the Codes of Practice to the Equality Act and everything - they can obviously refuse to cut your hair into a women's style as that's not the service they offer, but they can't refuse to cut a men's style on a woman's head.

Having said that I've been refused in barbers before (excuses ranging from "it's illegal for me to cut a woman's hair" Hmm to "I'm too busy" in a totally empty shop) and I've never challenged it, i've just apologised awkwardly and shuffled off to a different one.

mamaryllis · 23/02/2018 22:07

You guys know that group is searchable by anyone right? So any TRA can see exactly who you are?

Can I suggest strongly that you change the group type to Secret?

There is no point doing profile checks and messaging people to let them in if every TRA / MRA can see who is in the group and do their own profile check....

Who's up for a self-ID day of activism?
WiggyPig · 23/02/2018 22:12

I'd agree with changing the group to secret.

OfficerGrant · 23/02/2018 22:12

Please change the group to secret

imablackstarnotapopstar · 23/02/2018 22:13

I'm definitely manspreading and scratching my man-fanny on a permanent basis from now on

mamaryllis · 23/02/2018 22:13

Apologies if you aren’t bothered 😁 That’s cool too. I just want everyone to be completely aware (after the last fb debacle we know that there will be a few people who want to infiltrate and splash names around anyway - a closed group makes that much easier as there is no infiltrating to be done - member’s names are listed for anyone to read.

AHedgehogCanNeverBeBuggered · 23/02/2018 22:15

I am SO up for this. Tell me where and when, I'll be there. DH is also up for self-IDing as a woman.

StandingOvulation · 23/02/2018 22:27

@YesItsADebate, I'm loving your work, chap.

This is eye opening.

TerfWarz · 23/02/2018 22:31

I would like to join - but please make the group secret.

JellySlice · 23/02/2018 22:33

I've created a Facebook account in order to join this group.

RaininSummer · 23/02/2018 22:37

I think you are right and it it should be secret as the TRAs can be kind of crazy and violent.

TheRattleBag · 23/02/2018 22:40

I've asked for membership of the fb group too (have been reading the threads on and off all day). Profile pic is me being unusually smiley with a black and white jumper on :-)