Stickering

[SarahPickles]

I bought some of those Woman = AHF stickers and put some around in places that I see other campaign groups have already stickered (lamp posts etc).

At first I felt silly because I didn't think the general population has any clue what the stickers mean.

However, I noticed today that each and every one has been angrily scratched off, leaving residue and backing paper.

So, it seems I have indeed "rattled" someone.

Today my partner tells me that it's illegal to stick things on street furniture and I could end up getting fined. I honestly never thought of that because there are little stickers all over town relating to various different campaigns or pressure groups.

I know there are lawyers on here. What could I be fined if I am caught? Are there specific structures that it's safer to sticker than others or is it all illegal and I should stop?

Why are feminists selling stickers if it is illegal to post them anywhere?

Apololgies for my newbie ignorance.

A Facebook group I was in posted a photo of an adult human female sticker.

Cue outraged pink haired kiddies screaming burn the T*rf etc
But it did lead to an interesting discussion about sex being a protected characteristic and the fact that there is a movement to undermine sex as a binary and therefore sex based rights.

Also the pink ones shrieking "you are all cisexist bioessentialist HETERONORMATIVE monsters etc" probably made a lot of normal people go WTF is going on. They don't translate well in the real world.

Given the behaviour of "scientists" like Alice Roberts and institutions such as the NHM we have got a fight on our hands.

I would never, in a million years, thought this would be a fight.

Out of context "women = adult human female", or "women don't have penises", just seem mean, as why would you say something that everyone knows is true but some people find upsetting, unless to just be mean?

Because it's important to be able to say it. The fact we aren't allowed to say it, not just out of context but in any context makes it all the more important.

The message is partly one of solidarity, so one GC person might see the sticker somewhere / hoodie on someone else whatever, and then get more confidence that they can say "no, actually W=AHF" out loud. Because right now we can't ever say that even when we need to.

Saying W=AHF or WDHP is not "being mean" it's absolutely fundamental to preserving women's rights. The fact you think it's "just being mean" is evidence of your female socialisation working against you.

I find the slogan very liberating.

Thanks ever so for all the responses. I confess I opened MN today with trepidation, half expecting the thread to have been pulled and half expecting an avalanche of scolding me for breaking the law.

So it's a relief to find that nobody thinks it's that big of a deal, just a bit naughty and I might get fined £80. But of course they would have to provide CCTV evidence and I could deny that the blurry figure is me.

The replies made me wonder who I am doing it for and helped me crystallize my reasons.

1. As an act of defiance, and an assertion that we won't be silenced.

1. As a message to other GC women that there is another who agrees with them in our town.

1. To piss off the local TRA. They are clearly annoyed because my stickers are ripped to shreds whereas similar ones about other campaigns remain untouched. Please God don't let any of them catch me!

I intend to so some more and my boyfriend has agreed to stick a few up discreetly.

If anyone ends up with a fine for littering or fly posting, set up a crowd fund to pay the fine (or to repaint your spare room if the rules forbid it).

What's the statistic on sexual assault in mixed sex changing rooms - something like two thirds happen in mixed sex compared to single sex.
That statistic should be made into a sticker to be put in the changing cubicles of swimming pools etc.

I am not advocating this at all, but if you are worried about being spotted, you could always put it on somewhere behind your back and then sneak/ sidle off.

one should keep an eye out on the inside of the swimming pool lockers, the inside of nappy changing tables, backs of toilet doors. sadly I have been disappointed so far.

Out of context "women = adult human female", or "women don't have penises", just seem mean, as why would you say something that everyone knows is true but some people find upsetting, unless to just be mean?

If someone finds the definition of a woman or the simple truth that said woman has never and will never, have a penis, upsetting, I’m old enough and mean enough to say, “crack on you numpty”.

If biology hurts your feelings, you may need to reconsider your grip on reality.

Out of context "women = adult human female", or "women don't have penises", just seem mean

Are you having a laugh?

If I saw a sticker saying Woman=AHF and was not aware of its purpose I would in all likelihood look it up on google, and raising awareness has got to be a good thing.

Not sure how stating biological reality is 'mean'.
Would 'Men don't have Vaginas' be mean? Why (not)?

Oh women, don’t be mean. Just sit there with your sewing and smile at everyone...