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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

How to be brave AND employed - ideas?

4 replies

LonginesPrime · 08/01/2019 01:05

I do a lot of work in the LGBT space and am at a loss as to how I can call out sexism and misogyny in trans rights advancement at work without losing my professional credibility and/or losing my job.

So far, I've backed away from any potential conflicts by distancing myself from the projects I can foresee will be especially problematic (for reasons of self- and career-preservation).

Recently, though, I feel a little bit braver and think that I may be able to do some good if I get involved in these conversations, as I'm actually lucky to have any kind of a voice on this.

In speaking to colleagues, it seems that they have very little understanding of the damage that sexist stereotypes causes to women and most of them are coming from a starting point of either knowing nothing about feminism or thinking we already have sex equality. So it's a massive uphill struggle since, in order to challenge the sexism (e.g. the notion of female brains in explaining trans, etc), I first have to explain to them about the patriarchy and it turns into this huge Matrixy situation that makes them think I've been raised on a different planet from them and/or am some sort of conspiracy theorist. These are both men and women, btw.

Also, it obviously doesn't help at all if people think I'm bigoted or anti-trans (which I'm not, I just don't want women thrown under the bus).

I'll miss opportunities to protect women if I just stand by and let misogynistic material circulate unchallenged, but I don't know how to get through to people without being dismissed as an enemy.

Does anyone have any advice?

OP posts:
gcscience · 08/01/2019 01:22
Xmas Biscuit
CroneXX · 08/01/2019 01:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FWRLurker · 08/01/2019 03:16

Asking questions can work. “Hmm doesn’t that seem a little sexist?”

“I’m confused - How do I know what my gender is?”

Feigning ignorance is good (and classic female strategy in the face of misogyny) as you cant be called out as aggressive or bigoted just a for asking “naive” questions.

SignMeUp · 08/01/2019 03:30

Staying employed will go a long way towards the changes you'll be able to make. And your own survival. Be careful. I'm also walking on eggshells
I first have to explain to them about the patriarchy and it turns into this huge Matrixy situation that makes them think I've been raised on a different planet from them and/or am some sort of conspiracy theorist LOL.

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