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Asking people to use preferred pro-nouns is abelist and discriminatory - what affects your ability to comply?

4 replies

DJLippy · 18/06/2018 16:15

I wanted to start a thread because I am really going to struggle to stay within Mumsnet talk guidelines.

I struggle to use preferred pro-noun's with those who I genuinely don't believe are the sex they claim to be. Because I have dyspraxia pro-noun policing creates a barrier for my fluency. I have to stop and think to change the pro-noun. I can go back and edit my post for 'mistakes' to comply but I miss out on pro-nouns (again because of my disability.)

I have spoken to those with autism and they've told me similar things - that they genuinely find it difficult to lie.

I also think that it is difficult for those for whom English is a second language. Un-learning sub-conscious grammar structures is hard enough for English people - I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be for those from other countries.

I think this is a real issue when Mumsnet creates a three strike rule. I have stopped posting since the new rule change because I honestly and truly do not mean to break rules - I can't abide by this code and I don't always have the mental energy to police my sub-conscious like this.

Does anybody else have a reason (other than the fact that they don't agree) that they find it difficult to follow the new language laws? Is it right that social media platforms and public institutions create more barriers for those who are already disadvantaged?

HopeMumsnet · 20/06/2018 13:21

Hi there all,
The below is a response from KateMN, she's tied up at the moment or would post herself. Just to let you know that we have considered and read the thread (and are dealing now with those posters for whom we have had to lean heavily on the delete button). We do appreciate your thoughts.

KateMN:
"Thanks very much for this thread - we're sorry that the rules are tricky for those of you with autism and related issues.

We think the important thing is to do your best to stick within the guidelines, but we would absolutely take disability into account when making our decisions. We know our posters well and definitely don't want to be draconian on this. We need to apply the rules across the board, just as we do with other issues - but as ever we'll take context and circumstance into account, and we'd be extremely unlikely to suspend in these circumstances. There will always be an opportunity to discuss things with us - we're humans and we all want do the right thing.

On which note, please do report any 'don't use your disability as an excuse posts' - we take a dim view of that.

We hope that reassures you OP, and others who are in a similar situation.
Best wishes
MNHQ"

HopeMumsnet · 20/06/2018 15:02

@SpartacusAutisticus

Thank you Hope/Kate, that feels like a start, but without clear rules many of us are going to really struggle. The easiest thing? For me and probably many others, is to just not discuss the stuff that's important right now (ie the threats to women's safety and dignity) just in case a ban means we are then unable to use MN for support when we need to.

I know loads of posters think it's pathetic, but for some of us this place has been and is a lifeline.

We don't think that's pathetic, Spartacus, MN has been a lifeline for a lot of us.

Right now, we're reading the thread, we're taking on board the questions and points being made and will shortly update the MN trans policy to best reflect how we plan to balance everyone's needs. We hope the wait doesn't cause anyone any anxiety, truth is we're all bedding in these newer guidelines at the moment. We do our best to be an understanding bunch, and we hope you do too.

HopeMumsnet · 20/06/2018 15:03

Oops, x-posted there with a few people. Really shouldn't make myself a cup of tea and a sarnie in the middle of a post. We will take on board everyone's thoughts, many thanks.

KateMumsnet · 20/06/2018 16:43

Hello everyone - just to say that we've updated our statement on moderation of trans rights and gender critical issues to pull together all the clarifications that we've made on various threads.

This page will be stickied at the top of Feminist_Chat for the foreseeable.

Thanks all.

Watch this thread for updates

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