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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Update: identifying as non-binary for work award

999 replies

Somerville1234 · 03/04/2019 02:02

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 Smile 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. Smile
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. Smile

OP posts:
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TimeLady · 03/04/2019 06:50

Brilliant. Play them at their own game.

MsTSwift · 03/04/2019 06:52

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 · 03/04/2019 06:53

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 · 03/04/2019 06:55

Amazing.

GoGoGadgetGin · 03/04/2019 06:55

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

GerryblewuptheER · 03/04/2019 06:57

Well this has made me laugh.

Nice work op!!!

ALittleBitofVitriol · 03/04/2019 06:58

Well done!

NotAnotherFeckingMuftiDay · 03/04/2019 07:00

Glorious. You are an inspiration.

picklemepopcorn · 03/04/2019 07:00

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

Fazackerley · 03/04/2019 07:02
Grin

Is K a thing??

MediocreOne · 03/04/2019 07:03

Well done, can't wait to hear the outcome

stucknoue · 03/04/2019 07:04

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 · 03/04/2019 07:06

Well this has just made my day!

ArgyMargy · 03/04/2019 07:07

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?

Sarahjconnor · 03/04/2019 07:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Beerincomechampagnetastes · 03/04/2019 07:16

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

SeeYouLaterUserData · 03/04/2019 07:19

Love you OP.

franke · 03/04/2019 07:19

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 · 03/04/2019 07:21

Fantastic

KatvonHostileExtremist · 03/04/2019 07:21

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

Made me proper laugh this morning.

MhairiV · 03/04/2019 07:22

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. Grin

Beamur · 03/04/2019 07:24

Very funny. Love HR finding it novel.

Natsku · 03/04/2019 07:25

Oh brilliant!!
So brave and stunning.

Prawnofthepatriarchy · 03/04/2019 07:28

Superb! Grin

OVAgroundWOMBlingfree · 03/04/2019 07:28

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

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