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.

[TimeLady]

Brilliant. Play them at their own game.

[MsTSwift]

Well done op. If everyone did it can you imagine? The stunning and brave oppressed minority would include all of us tedious lumpen female 40 somethings. Disaster!

[Nagsnovalballs]

If you make it to a final/are awarded and get to make a speech, please - I beg you - thank them profusely for their swift HR action on meeting you and updating your notes on the system, as you were terribly afraid that they would be slow to react after your awful experience with breast (chest?!) feeding your baby and work trip issues. And that you are very glad that they act more swiftly on LGBT rights than they do for women’s rights and that you hope that their work on LGBT issues will provide an essential model for how the respond to all minorities, including BME and women

[WipeYourFeetOnTheRhythmRug]

Amazing.

[GoGoGadgetGin]

You are my new [] (blank checkbox superhero!!

[GerryblewuptheER]

Well this has made me laugh.

Nice work op!!!

[ALittleBitofVitriol]

Well done!

[NotAnotherFeckingMuftiDay]

Glorious. You are an inspiration.

[picklemepopcorn]

'Agender' would work as gender free, wouldn't it?

[Fazackerley]

Is K a thing??

[MediocreOne]

Well done, can't wait to hear the outcome

[stucknoue]

It's about time gender pronouns where removed from documentation anyway, not just because of trans/fluid/non binary but divorce, living in a relationship etc all affects them and it's awkward. I prefer to just use my name!

[tenbob]

Well this has just made my day!

[ArgyMargy]

I'm a mixture of massively impressed and slightly horrified. The (large, multinational) company I work for has never mentioned LGBTetc and I'm not convinced we would even have a policy let alone awards or pronouns. Are you in central London OP? Or is this a wind-up?

[Beerincomechampagnetastes]

I am very proud of you op. Blazing a trail.
Proud and stunning indeed

[SeeYouLaterUserData]

Love you OP.

[franke]

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

It's coming full circle isn't it? While we stand back and watch them tie themselves up in all kinds of wokey knots.

I have to say op, you played a blinder 👏👏👏

[JudithButlerNot]

Fantastic

[KatvonHostileExtremist]

We must chant in your honour
Brave and stunning
Brave and stunning
👏✊👏✊👏✊👏

Made me proper laugh this morning.

[MhairiV]

Ha! Glorious! After reading that horrific Caro thread this cheered me right up. You are fighting the good fight, Somer. Keep us updated. Would love to hear more about this brave and stunning journey.

[Beamur]

Very funny. Love HR finding it novel.

[Natsku]

Oh brilliant!!
So brave and stunning.

[Prawnofthepatriarchy]

Superb!

[OVAgroundWOMBlingfree]

Is anyone else thinking of doing this? Not necessarily for awards but going to HR and asking to be noted as Agender/gender free?