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.

[LizzieSiddal]

This is worse than Rachel Dolezal because your intention is to disrupt equalities activities.

For goodness sake, listen to yourself. A woman entering an award which explicitly states includes “genderfree” people, is the same as what RD did?

We should all declare ourselves “genderfree”!

[SophoclesTheFox]

But yours didn’t have stupid typos like mine did, rufus 😘

[AlunWynsKnee]

Somerville you absolute legend! I remember your original thread and it's very brave and stunning of you to have gone for the award. Good luck in the next round.

[OVAgroundWOMBlingfree]

This is worse than Rachel Dolezal because your intention is to disrupt equalities activities.

Are you suggesting that gender free isn’t a real identity? Are you denying the existence of the gender free in our society?

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

And if you don’t win - just self ID as the winner and refuse to be told otherwise.

That’s how they works these days isn’t it? Do you get a plaque or cup? Or a sash? Crown? Day off work?

[wrathofVitriolKlop]

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD


Leprechaun
Goats, Billy
Troll
Queens
Kings
Porns

This has brightened up my morning.

[Stuffofawesome]

You are a hero / Shero / ze-ro. Or something

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

Oh well done you OP!! Well done indeed. If I worked for a company I would be marching to HR right now and insisting on having my “gender” left blank.

Btw: do kink enthusiasts face discrimination? How to gay, lesbian and bisexual people feel about sexual fetishists being included under the LGB umbrella?

[MsMcWoodle]

Absolutely stunning. I'm guessing your breastfeeding issues would have been dealt with in double quick time if you called it 'chestfeeding' too.

[IM0GEN]

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

This is wonderful . I ❤️ you Somerville.

[FermatsTheorem]

Somerville, you're a legend!

[Ereshkigal]

You can't have it both ways, you either believes people's subjective self-declared gender identities or you don't

Exactly this.

[wrathofVitriolKlop]

I might phone Mermaids for advice for my gender free kids.

OTOH maybe not.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Awesome, OP. Beautifully handled.

The woke boss should just be glad not to have had a queue of people claiming K status - I mean, would the company require proof, is there a definition?

[Minniemagoo]

Brilliant! (And kudos to your Dh too!)
Best of luck in the next round!

[Sarahandco]

What is the prize?

[Haworthia]

It’s nice to see inclusion of kink in a company award.

LOL

How on earth is it considered appropriate to bring your kinky “identity” to work?

But it was good enough for Pips Bunce I suppose...

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

So if asked to describe yourself it wouldn’t be
Woman
Irish
Tall/short
Mum/Wife
Blonde
Funny/smart
Shy

You’d go for ‘kink’ first? That’s very telling... (as an ex therapist anyway 🤔)

[BernardBlacksWineIcelolly]

This is brilliant, rooting for you Somerville

And checkwoke



Love it

[drspouse]

Perfect OP!
I have had people trying to define me as agender. They seem to think that everyone who isn't wedded to stereotypes must fit in a box of their making. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

[drspouse]

(As in, whether playing along with it is validating the idea or making it clear it's bankrupt).

[Estcarpwitch]

This is wonderful. Well done. It's a great way to fight back and I will use it on all forms which ask for gender. I will write next to the box - gender free. As I don't feel I conform to any gender stereotypes it's not even twisting the truth. Brilliant.

[Datun]

Excellent OP. And good to see you re-educating your HR department too.

It's very reassuring for people like us to finally be given a category. Very inclusive.

I mean the whole of mumsnet, all 12, million, could identify as gender free overnight. Fabulous stuff. I'm already feeling much more brave and utterly stunning.

[wrathofVitriolKlop]

Will kink turn up as a protected characteristic, like the word gender?

As seen on the government website.

[OVAgroundWOMBlingfree]

So if we are gender free (and I truly believe I am, as gender is bollocks) are we now trans?