Since the Ocado boycott I have been mulling over this. There are clearly many, many people concerned about self-id and the way that public debate about an issue with huge ramifications for women's and children's rights being stifled. To date there has been a sense of fear about speaking out in our own names but many have stuck their head above their parapet with Ocado and, generally, the issues are getting a bit more coverage in some areas of the press. We are still at the point where some groups may label discussion as "hate speech" but this is not yet enshrined in law. "Yet" is the operative word here and it is not inconceivable that at some point in the foreseeable future it will become very difficult to discuss the issue for fear of being open to prosecution. So now is the time for action.
I spend a lot of money each year and from today I am going to spend a short amount of time every evening emailing companies I use (I am going to work through my old credit card statements to identify them). Those who have taken a stand (such as Ocado) I will boycott and will let them know why. Those who need to have a view on the issues I will email to ask their stance and then boycott if I am not comfortable with their response (e.g. I am still awaiting a response from my gym). Those who I spend money with/donate to I will email to let them know that I feel strongly about the issue and that I hope they take into account the potential concerns of women when/if they take a company view on the issues or if they are ever approached by TRAs to influence the debate through their contracts (e.g. Ocado and Primesight).
I have absolutely no problem doing this in my own name, I am a customer of these companies and have every right to ensure that I only spend my money with companies who are not complicit in the erosion of women's rights.
I sincerely hope that other MNers will consider doing the same - having seen Ocado I think that if companies start hearing from their customers they may be forced to think about the issues and realise that there is not just one side to the issue. They may also think twice before using their economic clout to undermine or pressure companies that are supporting women. Even if they do not, at the very least, the person reading the email may have their eyes opened and, on an individual basis, become interested in the issue.
I genuinely think this is one of the most powerful tools we have as a (very large) group. The trans movement is relying on us spending most of our time talking to each other which whilst annoying (and being "literal violence") will not stop the juggernaut.
Whenever I find the time I will post the wording of some emails here in case it is of assistance to others in doing theirs (and feel free to do so too) in all these emails I will be suggesting that the company takes a look at the Fair Play for Women website.
I will also start to try to list companies that already seem to have taken a stance so that anyone joining me can factor this in to our communications and buying decisions (again feel free to add to the list on this thread). It is of course of fundamental importance that every time we take a decision not to use a company because of their stance we let them know.
Got to work now to earn the money that gives me some clout in this world despite my sex but in the meanwhile anyone who wants to join my Gender Critical Economic Revolution - welcome capitalist comrades!