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, OP. It’s a step in the right direction. Now all you have to do is drop it into conversation with some of your more trusted and sensible workmates, how glad you are that this is voluntary, as you feel that it would be awful if people felt they had to ‘out’ themselves, before they’re ready. Of course the rest is just waffle, but you want to let them know it’s completely voluntary, in case they think it’s compulsory too.

NRatched, that’s hilarious. 🤣

Well done OP. I too said something during a meeting with an earnest woke young woman this week. She was saying how she had run workshops on showing solidarity to trans people and how she recommends everyone put their pronouns in emails. I interrupted and said I disagreed with this as I didn't believe in the concept of gender and for others this could force people to declare something they are not comfortable with. She looked shocked - probably the first time anyone had pushed back on this. We will see what happens next, but it is thanks to this board that I had the courage to take a tiny step in this direction. I also bang on about equality impact assessments and the importance of not focusing on just one protected characteristic. ✊

Wow! Well done madeastart. You just know that you will have given other women courage. Keep us posted.

Thanks Badger. And well done, that's great news!

madeastart well done. Hopefully, you made that woman think and made the others in the meeting think too. People often spout all this gender stuff without actually thinking what it means.

Thanks all. Small steps. Will let you know if there is a reaction.