Update: identifying as non-binary for work award

[Somerville1234]

Can't find the old thread... but anyway, there's an award/opportunity at work, only for people who are LGBT+++. I don't remember all the categories but they included genderqueer, genderfluid and genderfree. Also K, which I'm reliably informed stands for kink lifestyle. I don't understand why someone would need a special thing at work for getting off on weeing and whips (?? I don't watch porn, I don't have a clue), but maybe I'm just old fashioned. Anyway, old fashioned or not, I'm gender free because I don't believe in gender. And I wanted the professional opportunity. (Forgive me for the vagueness - being careful because of doxxing.) And you lot were encouraging...

I ended up applying - which didn't involve saying how I met the criteria, just ticking that I did. And then I was perpexedly approached by my woke boss.
(WB "Erm... so you realise that this is for LGBT+++ employees, Somer?"
S "Yes."
WB "Erm...it was my understanding you're a straight woman...?"
S "I'm genderfree and-"
WB: "Really?"
S "Yes, and I think I need to remind you that the staff handbook recommends that no-one should assume anybody elses's gender."
WB: "Oh, terribly sorry about that.")

I then had a lovely meeting with HR where they were very keen to update my pronouns on the system. I told them that being gender free I require the box beside gender to be left empty, but that I can accept female pronouns because that's my biological sex. They were happy with this novel idea and to learn more about the difference between sex and gender. They young HR person didn't know they're not synonyms but he learns something new every day apparently.

And now... I've heard I'm shortlisted for the next round!
It's been announced to the whole company, and I've had a few bemused looks but no direct transphobia, I'm happy to report.
My longsuffering DH (works in same field) has been teased a bit for my gender identity but he's happy to suffer for the sake of my fight for equality.

That tumbler list

What the actual?

LarryGreysonsdoor That was the Lisa Grant v Southwest Trains case. Taken to the European Court by none other than Cherie Booth, then wife of the prime minister, whose government at that point hadn't done much for same-sex couples. Strangely, she declined to pose for a collective portrait on the steps of the court, as is traditional.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/57355.stm

That list of micro labels - wtf. I didn't even know micro labels existed.
I think I will chose circgender as it's so magical and grand as to be indescribable.
I think schools need to go back to doing more sport.

OK, seriously that tumblr. Did someone sit down with a boggle block and just pick random letters and then use gender as a suffix for each one? It's actual, written down bonkers.

I think it was drawn up in some sixth form common room during a free afternoon in between games of snooker (they probably don't still play snooker in sixth form common rooms, do they?)

@drspouse not these days. We used to have a good poker game going when I was in 6th form until the staff got wind and shut us down.

There are things you know must exist on the internet... I just googled 'gender generator'.

https://en.shindanmaker.com/465567

Today, 'transtrender errol is a male triangle'.

Good to know.

Had a call from HR asking for a word.

Had a call from HR asking for a word.

Waiting for update. Hurry u! hurry up!

We have many words, and know how to use them correctly.
Maybe take a dictionary with you?

Carl we had a ghetto blaster with a big turntable in it.
Ah, those were the days.

I’m on mat leave and yesterday told them that when I return I will be doing so under the Stonewall umbrella as genderfree and that they were free to contact me with regards how to make this easier for me.

They left a message and I’ve just phoned them back. I explained that genderfree is a legitimate identity and asked that I not be misgendered, as I am genderfree but that I will accept being treated as the sex female, therefore “she” is fine.
I need the gender box to be left blank and an option for my sex to be recorded. I also find the term “ciswoman” incredibly distressing and under their rules regarding gender identity it would be punishable for anyone to misgender or use gender to talk about me.

Pressed send to soon. The woman on the phone sounded a bit shocked and asked if I could send her my requests via email.

I can just imagine you now being included in all the LGBT emails and groups and popping along to lunches and being applauded for being so stunning and brave.

That quiz, JFC and I can't even begin to start on that list. It's all just bollocks isn't it?

I'm Genderfluid apparently

Good luck Somerville

OVA do you have other female colleagues who would want to join you?

Bows down in awe at you gender free's

If it would make any difference at work I too would make it known. Not sure but dont think we have a hr or anyone that gives a crap what gender one is so long as job is done.

OVA I have probably missed this but do your company actually use the term ciswomen?

EweSurname

I know of a couple who would probably be up for joining me. GNC GC women.
I’ll drop them a text.

Solidarity, genderfree (or other categories under trans umbrella ) sisters talking to HR at the moment.
From my experience, for what it is worth, it’s best to let them lead the conversation, and keep answers as short and factual as possible so that there are as few possibilities for confusion as possible.
If they have a trans inclusion policy then it’s worth reading that first. It may well recommend that all staff affirm the gender identity of colleagues without question.
Finally, remember to thank your hard working HR colleague for their time, and consider putting this in writing - particularly if they have managed to respond more efficiently than with a different kind of HR issue.

I have probably missed this but do your company actually use the term ciswoman?
They are actively pushing the use of the term and my friends who work in the same trust said it was really hammered down throats during LGBT history month and training. Apparently they were told International Women’s Day is for “sisters not just cistsers”.

Ova well done.

I am always nervous of what might happen at work but I think I can do this! Thank you OP!

OVAgroundWOMBlingfree

OMG! OMG! OMG! That’s brilliant. I actually wish I was still in nursing so I could demand the same!

Do you feel liberated, now that work has to recognise your true self?

Apparently they were told International Women’s Day is for “sisters not just cistsers”

Well, that’s not a problem now, since we all fall under the trans umbrella, we’re all sisters. At this rate there’s going to be no cisters left.

Funnily enough he isn't enjoying hearing speculation at work about whether I'm a secret lesbian, bisexual, into kink, or about to get a mastectomy, and what these may mean about whether I'm faithful to him.

That's harassment.