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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

I’m thinking of applying for an opportunity on the basis of being non-binary

268 replies

Somerville1234 · 09/10/2018 09:32

Don’t want to say too much about the reward on offer - a work thing, with real kudos, let’s leave it there.

But... it’s only open to people who self-identify as transgender or non-binary (or a lot of other words which, having Googled, are synonyms for the same).

Some people don't identify with any gender is one of the descriptors of what non-binary means. And that’s true of me. I don’t identify as female, I just happen to have a female body. I do “present in a feminine way” though. And I’m straight, married, still breastfeeding...

But, I can apply, right? I’m nervous, but fucked off with myself for cowering behind the parapet for this long.

OP posts:
SodTheBloodyLotOfThem · 09/10/2018 09:34

This reply has been deleted

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WokerThanWoke · 09/10/2018 09:37

I don't see how they would say you're not non-binary. So go for it.

doctorbarbie · 09/10/2018 09:37

I was thinking similar to this last night after reading the changes to the Equality Act. I think you should do it unless there are specific criteria which exclude you. The fuzziness of what non binary and transgenderism mean are exploited by others' so why not? Its a genuine question to anyone as I've been thinking the same.

You've inspired me to have a look for opportunities in my field.

HuckfromScandal · 09/10/2018 09:37

Go for it
Please please please go for it.
If nothing else it will make them question their own policy, and if the challenge you they are being transphobic.

NotANotMan · 09/10/2018 09:38

Definitely do it!

Singlenotsingle · 09/10/2018 09:41

Excellent! It works both ways, doesn't it? Go for it. Good luck!

Original poster
Somerville1234 · 09/10/2018 09:42

Oh god.
I was half-hoping you clever lot would come up with a sensible reason for not doing it.
I’ve got to talk to DH again first.

OP posts:
ughhhh · 09/10/2018 09:45

so when an athletic trans woman wants to participate in the olympics it's the 'end of women's sports' and they're 'invading women's spaces' but when you want to participate in something that's only for trans people you can go and there's nothing wrong with it despite you don't feel gender dysphoria or feel any dissonance with the sex you were born as Hmm

Bluntness100 · 09/10/2018 09:46

Sure you can apply, doubtful you'll get the award though. So what is your objective to applying? What is it you're hoping to achieve?

AncientLights · 09/10/2018 09:46

Absolutely go for it. It's all about the feelz now, so who can say how another person feels. I shall also be an NB today, trousers, flat shoes, not make up. Do let us know how it goes.

beenandgoneandbackagain · 09/10/2018 09:46

The clue is in the words "self-identify".

You can self-identify as whatever you want, including non-binary. It will help show the shit-show for what it is.

I suspect, however, that the role will go to a straight white male who likes wearing dresses on a Saturday.

Original poster
Somerville1234 · 09/10/2018 09:49

but when you want to participate in something that's only for trans people

It’s not only for trans people. It’s also for non-binary people, and for people who are whatever “queer+” means.

OP posts:
ScrambledSmegs · 09/10/2018 09:49

Of course! From your description you are clearly agender too.

sausagebap · 09/10/2018 09:51

ughhh, everyone is non-binary by the very definition of non-binary.

Mookatron · 09/10/2018 09:52

Quite honestly we should all be non-binary. Being binary about gender as if gender characteristics are not totally made up is what got us in this mess in the first place. If you are challenged your third paragraph is a perfectly good explanation.

OldCrone · 09/10/2018 09:52

I don't think you have to change your presentation at all to be non-binary. If you like to wear skirts and make up you can describe yourself as 'femme non-binary' or something. It's self-id, so you are whatever you say you are, and anyone who questions you is transphobic.

Original poster
Somerville1234 · 09/10/2018 09:53

Main objective is wanting the opportunity/reward, Bluntness. Grin Secondary one of drawing attention to the “self-identity” terms of this.

OP posts:
ughhhh · 09/10/2018 09:53

are you joking? non binary is trans too and if you don't even know what queer means then you don't qualify to be it

beenandgoneandbackagain · 09/10/2018 09:53

You could even get one of those temporary blue hair dye things for the interview Halo. It's the perfect disguise.

reallybadidea · 09/10/2018 09:55

if you don't even know what queer means then you don't qualify to be it

What?! How bigoted are you?

Tinty · 09/10/2018 09:55

@ughhh What does queer mean?

hackmum · 09/10/2018 09:56

Go for it. Who are they to say you're not non-binary? Could any of them even give a sensible definition of what non-binary means?

malaguena · 09/10/2018 09:56

I suppose you are under the trans umbrella if you wear trousers a few days a week, just like the brave and inspiring Pips Bunce is a woman when they wear their dress. I doubt they experience dysphoria and dissonance either Hmm. You can define your gender identity however you wish after all, so go for it! I personally identify as agender nowadays as I believe gender is nonsense, so I am also trans.

Racecardriver · 09/10/2018 09:56

@ughh but there us a difference between the abilities and sporting limits of women and transwomen. What difference is there between OP and any other gender queer (not just trans this award) person? Very few people neatly fit into the gender binary, I doubt OP does so why can't she identify as such?

@OP tgere is nothing stopping you but remover that every person who applies to token pity awards contributes to their legitimacy. I don't apply to these awards when they are aimed at women because its patronising and I don't think it is ok to under educate women and create a societal pressure for women to take on the majority of childcare and then allow work places to be hostile to working parents (disafvabtaging women disproportionately) and then placate then with a good girl award. But if you are OK with that then go for it.

OldCrone · 09/10/2018 09:56

are you joking? non binary is trans too and if you don't even know what queer means then you don't qualify to be it

I thought if you self-id as something, that's what you are. People telling you who you are are transphobes.