Finding radfem and GC groups IRL

[EoinMcLovesCakeJumper]

I really need to find a group of radical feminist women in my area that I can meet with in person, not just online, but I have no idea how to find them! I'm feeling very isolated by my views at the moment and like I'm the only one who thinks that feminism should centre women and not become more welcoming and friendly to men in order to not "scare them off". I know there are lots of feminists who feel that way but either they're too scared to speak up or they're already meeting somewhere that I don't know about...

This has come to a bit of a head recently because a group that I'm involved in has been going more and more libfem over the last few months, and they're now talking about actively trying to get men involved by inviting them specifically to the meetings. I couldn't give a shiny shit about dick-pandering and I reject the idea that feminism should make men feel comfortable. It has become clear that this group is no longer the place for me, but where can I go instead? Does anyone have any inside info? I'm in North Yorkshire but I'm within easy reach of Leeds too.

If you message Resisters United on FB they should be able to connect you.

Doing this saved my sanity. I really recommend it. There are more of us than you think.

Thank you! I knew there had to be some of us somewhere. How sad that we're being forced underground for the fairly unradical idea that feminism is supposed to be about women.

It is pretty tragic but at the same time oddly reassuring.

If you ever want to DM please do. There are a few groups organising to take action.

I'd recommend what SpartacusAutisticus said about trying to attend events and meet women face to face. That gives you some confidence that you are among like minded people and not someone trying to harvest private conversations and details and screenshots that might be sent to employers etc. Sad that we are living in times where women have to think about these sort of precautions, but here we are.

I can definitely empathise with feeling isolated. I find posting on places like FWR and Reddit helps to not feel completely alone, but I've been to a 3 events so far and have made some initial contacts that way.

Yes - I do have to be careful because of my job. If I had no such worries, I would just try to set up my own group, but I can't just come out and declare myself to be a radfem, with everything that implies these days. There tend not to be many events near me that are for women only so it's frustratingly difficult to make those connections. Do people think we've lost the battle for what feminism actually means?

Leeds Spinners might be worth a look. I'm down south, but I get the impression that the women in Leeds are very active.

This Mumsnet thread might also be useful to get in touch with MNers who are local to you.

I suppose the only alternative is to keep posting around places like here or Reddit or Facebook groups (using a fake account instead of your main one).
As you become a familiar and trusted poster and other members have an idea of your viewpoints, then you can ask if anyone lives roughly where you are. You can privately message others who you are also familiar with and meet one person at a time in a public place. Use a nickname and take it from there as you get to know them better in person.

It takes a little longer, but it's the only other way I can think of for people to meet safely after having exercised some basic caution and checks. When I used to frequent a board for apostates, it's how I eventually met some of the well-known members in person. You have to build up familiarity and credibility and then you get invited to face-to-face meetings or you can ask members yourself and people are more likely to respond because they know you to a certain extent.

Maybe you've already tried this - apologies if so!

Hmmm good point. ☹️

It's hard if you don't live near a big city or area that's easy to get to. I guess it's worth planning a trip though when you know an event is taking place.

I suppose you can never be too careful even in a face to face situation, but it's easier to work out someone's intentions in person than online. I certainly wouldn't post anything screenshot-worthy under my real name.

Travel costs can be prohibitive when so many of the events that I see on here are in London, or else they're during the week when I have to work. But I will keep an eye on ReSisters and see if they advertise anything more local to me.