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.

‘Mom and dad, how'd you get so rad?
When exactly did you get so hip?
Wearing teenage clothes
You're always coming to my shows
And telling me that I should mellow out

It's absurd, they're singing every word
You're not supposed to like my band
Things I like you don't understand
So please put down that rum and Coke
That's not behavior for old folk
Can’t we just hang on holidays?

Dad and mom, what planet are you from?
And what convinced you to pack up and leave?
Doing drugs and asking me for hugs
What's the matter with parents today?

Not again, when will it end?
Dad's dressing like Motley Crew
And why is mom’s hair dyed bright blue?
And stayin' out till two or three
Then having sex analy
I thought the apple fell far from the tree

Mom and dad, I think you ought
To quit smoking so much pot
And hanging with my friends
Laying round, on the couch
With my Misfits records out
Softly banging your head
Maybe its just a passing phase
What's the matter with my parents these days?’

m.youtube.com/watch?v=_qKNDMADJU8

This is beautiful.

Brilliant stuff OP.

'Genderfree' means all GC feminists can snuggle in under the Stonewall umbrella, and utterly reject cis - but keep our biological sex.

It's so perfect, and for many of us, it's totally genuine. I utterly reject gender as a concept.

It's so perfect, and for many of us, it's totally genuine. I utterly reject gender as a concept.

Me too. I embrace genderfree.

Is there a link to the Twitter outrage about this thread mentioned earlier?

The Glinner thread about this has a few choice tantrums on it from AWAs who are extremely put out in a spluttery 'but but but!' way. Most entertaining watching one who was so sure he had a killer argument to exclude our dear Somer from the trans embrace because of males entering women's sports or something. Marvellously silly.

Somerville you are an absolute genius and I applaud you roundly!

I will also take up the use of "genderfree" as I have never liked being stereotyped into my given biology expectations. I LOVE the idea that this has all the TRAs and allies frothing because of the way their own strategy has turned against them, it's poetic!

Checkwoke - also a great term.
Wokemate doesn't work quite so well, does it. But again loving the analogy of GCs playing chess against their bingo!

I'm so happy to have read all this thread and I hope you do win the award - especially as no LBG personnel have put themselves up for it.
Although I also applaud Empress for her comment, way up thread, stating that she isn't offended at all by this.

I have no interest in the K side, don't want to know, also don't understand why it's being included as surely it is no one's business at work - unless you plan to go to the Christmas party in full kink outfit? Still no one else's business though.

Having a read of the twitter stuff now.

I think it's important to note that as a genderfree identifying person, I am still a biological woman (as observed and assigned at birth) and thus it is exceptionally important to me that sex-segregated spaces should still be enshrined in law.

I cannot tell you how damaging it would be, as a genderfree person, to find that toilets, changing rooms, prisons, hospital wards etc were segregated on the basis of gender. It would be literal violence. It would erase my identity.

As the EA2010 states, biological women are a protected group, and exemptions apply, even if a biological male (as observed and assigned at birth) is protected under the 'gender reassignment' category and has a GRC.

I am genderfree, and biological sex matters.

ToeToToe, that was such a passionate piece. It caught me right in the feels, but then again, that’s understandable as I’m so woke now. sniffle

Agree with every word Toe.

Lang I shouldn’t be engaging with the twats really, it doesn’t achieve anything. Exceot personal satisfaction - especially as I’m away for work so doing it on their dime, ha!

DH is not on any block lists so can see more abuse and has had to mute #genderfree and Mumsnet and all sort of things “or I’ll leap to your defence and cramp your cool new genderfree style.” 😂😂

More and more people mentioning changing their gender status at work - listen up. Don’t endanger your livelihood unless you can afford to, alright?I’ve picked my time with this, and i’ll be ok if it blows up. There was a time when I wouldn’t have been, and I prioritised food on the table, and I reckon that’s okay.

Cometh the hour, cometh the genderfree woman.

This time last year it was the fabulous stunning and brave Man Fridays who stepped up to challenge the WokeFolk at their own game

This year it's the equally fabulous stunning and brave Somerville

Wise advice, Somer. My details at work in the section that asked for Gender ID have always been "Prefer not to say". It isn't as bold as your brilliant course, but you are a pioneer.

Let us know how you get on, can't wait.

Good luck for the award somerville Winners are grinners

Somerville and all of you are marvelous.
For awhile now I've been wanting to come out as non-binary, but haven't because I find them to be the most annoying identititarians. Genderfree is PERFECT!

Complaining that people with unusual hobbies should be under the LGBT umbrella is the most cogent example of privileged people trying to buy oppression points that I can think of.

We’ve known for a very long time that Gender is a Social Construct, therefore we have always been Gender Free.

Thank you Sommerville for allowing us to reclaim our language.

I did that quiz - it was a crime against html by the way - and I'm agender.

Or stunning and brave GENDERFREE!

It's a perfect concept because I can actually have those conversations at work with total sincerity, while inwardly thinking 'checkwoke' and sniggering.

I think I'll celebrate my new genderfree identity by name changing. I'll try to think up a good one later.

#PowerToGenderfreeBiologicalFemales

They are particularly angry because they can't argue. Genderfree is #valid

I also can hardly see anything under #genderfree owing to being an uppity woman.

They are particularly angry because they can't argue. Genderfree is #valid

Yes, it is. And living in a gendered culture is oppressive. We're striving to break free of the chains of gender stereotypes. This isn't a joke.

Some people on Twitter need their irony meter adjusting.