feeling scared

[BadgerVersa]

Hi. Writing this feels bloody pathetic when there are women out there facing actual physical threats for putting their heads above the parapet, but I've just questioned my company's introduction of pronouns in email signatures, and I'm feeling scared. I couldn't not say something - I'm not having them disadvantage women in the workplace like this. Just awaiting all my colleagues hating on me now though.

Well done, you! Have you had any response yet?

screw it. It honestly isn't that bad. Not everyone will hate you, they really won't. You are allowed to say something.

not that it isn't bad, I don't mean that. I just mean bullies are no loss at all. You find out who is a decent person, and there are plenty of decent people out there. Courage xxx

Thank you! I'm actually crying because your support means so much. [why is there not a heart emoji!]

no response yet. will keep you posted!

Good on you for doing this. It takes courage to speak up about any 'workplace issue' - but especially this one. Have you got some sensible colleagues who are likely to agree with you? I hope you find some solidarity. Do let us know what response you get!

Well done

Well done! Agree with others that people probably won't hate you.

But also, I wouldn't play down the bravery involved. I once read a piece by some Israeli draft resisters who said that in previous army tours they'd had gun battles, fought terrorists, been in real physical danger on many occasions. But they said that none of it was nearly as scary as standing up and disagreeing with their own side, because facing rejection from your family, friends & colleagues is the most scary thing there is.

Please do! I would be very interested to know if they hear you.

Thank you all! . I do have some sensible colleagues thank feck - lets hope I have more than I think!

Well done! It is hard to stand up to this stuff - well done x

ChaChaCha2012 - I can't tell if that's supportive sarcasm, or if you think sex-based discrimination is a non-issue

Well done @BadgerVersa - it's not "just" a little thing - it's these acts of everyday resistance which are significant and important - they all add up!

[post edited by MNHQ for op's privacy]

Thank you all!!!!!

Well done OP.

Depending on what they respond to you with, the great women of FWR will come up with excellent replies, if you want any support.

Oh you star PearPickingPorky! What I hope happens is that they realise this isn't as simple as they thought, and they quietly shelve this idea and we all pretend it never happened. If anyone does come back to me on it, I may well shout for help with resources - thank you!

@AnotherLass

Well done! Agree with others that people probably won't hate you.

But also, I wouldn't play down the bravery involved. I once read a piece by some Israeli draft resisters who said that in previous army tours they'd had gun battles, fought terrorists, been in real physical danger on many occasions. But they said that none of it was nearly as scary as standing up and disagreeing with their own side, because facing rejection from your family, friends & colleagues is the most scary thing there is.

Or as someone with a way with words put it: 'It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.'

Well done op. The pronoun pushers haven't thought through (if they're even aware) of the sex bias issue.

Thanks. The irony is that just as this disadvantages women, it also disadvantages transwomen, so it's not even useful for trans people!

Well done OP.

It isn't easy being the person to raise such issues but the fact is that the more of us that do the better we are heard.

I'm mystified why, in the name of inclusion there is this determination to label everyone to ever reduced levels of identity.

Well done

Its a difficult thing to do.

They Might just not realise what a ridiculous idea it is (And how outing for trans people who aren't out at work).

I can't even remember names....

Good for you op

Another supporter here.

There was a thread on something similar a while ago; it spoke about nobody ever dreaming to ask people to declare their religion, colour or sexuality on an email, so why would they be expected to declare this?

Thanks!!