To ‘out’ or not to ‘out’ re GC position

[IAmSproutycus]

Simply that. I’m at the point where I’m debating whether I’m more use staying publicly reasonably schtum (I’ve already tackled this a bit with my very large public sector employer and been roundly silenced at HR level) or whether it’s more use for me to talk out more openly, e.g on Twitter/push the issue at work. I am aware that there is the possibility (probability) that due to my job the TRAs might find me interesting to try to take down (that sounded really grandiose and knobby - I mean they might feel that they can argue I shouldn’t be in a position where I might ‘wrongly’ influence vulnerable people. I’m sure that in the grand scheme they may not give a turkey’s butthole about little old me and my opinions). Anyway, how can I/we be of most use? Yes, it’s feeling horribly risky, and I’m very aware that many people don’t have the emotional, mental, or physical resources to be able to speak out right now. I’m not sure that I do, either tbh. Sorry for the confused and rambly thoughts. In essence, do I go the route of supporting the inestimable stickerwoman etc (which I will continue to do) or do I
/(we?) add my name to the people who will speak openly about this. God, I’m beginning to sound a bit TRA meself (what about meme me meme me me me 😳😀)

I do know of someone who works with the public (mostly women.) and is making it their mission to talk about all this with everyone they see- they are saying the same thing.

Sprout
I am not convinced that the issue is that of being articulate but more about feeling confident that your views are nothing to be ashamed of/are not transphobic. I expect they are not but you have been led to believe that people will see them this way. This is where the current TRA power lies.

If you want to share your views, take your time. You don't have to nail it in a few sentences. If people misinterpret/twist your words, put them straight. Maybe have a few 'default scripts' up your sleeve such as 'no, that's not what I am saying' or 'you are misunderstanding the issues are am raising'. IRL and in social situation, people can't block you or shout bigot. If the talk over you, deliberately twist your words etc. this is very transparent and will not win arguments.

It's a bit like coming out as a UKIP voter or a Daily Mail journalist. People will realise you are not very nice. Depends whether you care.

I will raise comments with close friends around safeguarding and high-profile news reports. They are mainly unaware of TRAs and do not know about the trans definition umbrella. I had first conversation about GRA consultation with my aged parents this week. I will not raise in my public sector role ...unless it gets to the point I feel it would be a dereliction of my duty ...then I might change my gender to northern aggressive

I'm out, but not going OTT about it as that can be boring and put people off if you only have 1 topic of conversation. I don't make a secret of it and don't lie about my opinions but am not evangelically zealous to friends and colleagues either

Totally disagree Jasminemaya. As my friends and colleagues contain a lot of people who work in science based areas they'd think I was stupid if I believed men could magically turn in to women. It's not nice v nasty but logical and intelligent v brainless mantra chanting lemming

I'm out socially and have liked and retweeted GC content. But I am way more careful and anxious about anything I say / share in this arena than I am with any other views I hold or campaigns I support. This Crucible / Big Brother thought control is what makes it so worrying. I don't like the 'right side of history' label, but I think it is the fear of being seen as reactionary or regressive among people who are anything but that has enabled the divisive and extreme views of what started as a small minority to gain traction.

I have queried the use of 'gender' when I think what is meant is 'sex' and I have talked about feminism, trans issues and more with friends and colleagues. The conversations I've had have been interesting and civil, even when we've come from different viewpoints.
I am open with my views, I am GC, don't consider myself 'anti-trans' but I won't subscribe to TWAW.
Equally, I'm not out to marginalise or hurt anyone and would use preferred pro-nouns etc.

I think preferred pronouns get silly when people want bonkers invented pronouns or to pretend "they" can refer to just one person.
I might give someone the opposite sex pronoun as a courtesy if I liked them but have more respect for a man who could behave and dress in a feminine way but be comfortable with "he" rather than wanting to be indulged in "let's pretend" games