Writing workshop for women and what happens...

[TerfnTonic]

... say it with me... a man turns up! Why of course.

Was it a misunderstanding?

Sorry pressed send too soon. I have name changed for this but I am a regular MN'er. I went to a creative writing group specifically marketed at women and with "for women" in the title... and a guy turns up with dangly earrings, stubble . Proceeds to hijack the workshop, mansplaining his way through his work, refusing to take part in group activities to preserve his creativity and keep his work as a surprise for us at the end! Obviously he went unchallenged, what else could they do?

It’s so tiresome isn’t it.

Was he being nosy, goady, presumptuous or simply thoughtless? Was it a genuine mistake? I can understand why you'd want all-women workshops as that dynamic of frankness, openness, mutual respect and support changes utterly when a man turns up - a bit like a drop of oil in the egg white you're trying to whip. Men rarely understand this.

Oops sorry, replied before your second post. Oh dear.

We had this at an art session. I honestly have no idea why certain men are so desparate to be included. Anyway we utilised the "no" word and that worked. I never have the urge to gatecrash boy stuff like the Bears night at XXL.

It's not because they want to be part of it, as the man at the OP's group showed. It's because they want to prevent women from having it in the first place.

Did the group organizer not challenge the twonk? How bloody annoying.

Maybe women should start turning up at events that are intended for men who identify as transwomen? Or maybe we should start saying ‘NO’ and see what happens?

Did the group organizer not challenge the twonk. How could they? They’d be risking losing their job, being publically “outed” as a terf, possible rape and death threats and maybe actual physical harm. All have happened. And will happen again.

Grr, What a bastard. We mustn't ever do what they do (unless it gets on the telly). It won't make them see the light. NO, has to be NO. (Then duck)

Terfntonic how fucking infuriating for you. He sounds a complete fucking nightmare (and yes, this was a blatant pissing-on-the-tree exercise, not a misunderstanding over who was allowed to go to the workshop). Did the organiser feel too intimidated to tell him to leave?

You havent said if the man was told 'no'. If not why not? Unless women start standing up for themselves and being a bit more assertive nothing will change.

It is surprising how often people miss the 'for women' bit and are genuinely surprised. Male writers are used to being the lone wolf at these events. Of course I don't know if that was the case here. And he should have been firmly invited to get with the programme or take a hike - I'm surprised he wasn't.

It’s the same men who say “women abuse too” when a domestic violence poster shows a woman cowering. Or “what about all the false rape claims- it ruins men’s lives” when a newspaper reports an allleged rape of a woman.

Correction - he should have been escorted out. Anyone unwilling to take an equal share of vulnerability (unless it's a first day or a one-off) shouldn't be there unless by agreement of the group.fermat were you there? I hadn't realised.

Sorry, what's that supposed to mean, mypointofview (not following your post at all)?

I would have asked for my money back. In no uncertain terms.

If you can't follow the post you clearly know nothing about facilitating writing workshops fermat. So not in a position to know if the guy was there knowing it was a women's only event or not. I can only assume you were there, since you are so sure he had done it intentionally.

@mypointofview why are you being so chippy towards other posters?

@mypointofview why are you being so chippy towards other posters?

@mypointofview Did you not read the original post: I went to a creative writing group specifically marketed at women and with "for women" in the title?

It is surprising how often people miss the 'for women' bit and are genuinely surprised.

I would have asked for my money back. In no uncertain terms. - this. Perhaps losing money will encourage the organisers to challenge these gatecrashers next time.

yes, this was a blatant pissing-on-the-tree exercise, not a misunderstanding over who was allowed to go to the workshop You can't know this! Workshops are often advertised in various places without the full details and men regularly turn up thinking they can come because the last one was for everyone. Don't assume a conspiracy without more facts, please.