Courage Calls to Courage Everywhere

[Uhohmummy]

As a long time lurker I want to post a positive message of thanks to the amazing women (and men) of FWR who have opened my eyes to so many important issues. The fight for women’s rights can be exhausting and there are so many brick walls but just by talking about these issues you are making a difference. I suspect there are many like me who don’t often post on here but take on board a lot of what is discussed and use it to spread the message in our own lives, educating our children, donating where we can, etc. Please keep going. And thanks.

[FindTheTruth]

I love this thread, you lovely lurkers, Mumsnet, FWR telling us what's going on when the media don't, the visitors who stay, the scales falling off around the world and the fury on male owned sites that we can speak or lurk. ❤️

Lurking's good. It helps. It's a space to not feel alone. but if you feel you can't post because you don't have anything to contribute, I would so love it if you did, even one word or flowers.

And quieter voices from people who think about things, even in a fast moving thread, are a breath of fresh air.

[MadameKali]

Funny, my own comment on this thread, and that of many others mentions not feeling articulate or intelligent enough post on many threads.

I thought it was just me but surely that's just female socialisation in action? I doubt many men ever think "Oh I'm not going to comment on this because I'm not clever enough and don't have enough grounding in the subject matter"

Note to self: be braver.

[holyshitballs]

Been lurking on FWR since I found you 8 yrs ago after having a baby. I almost never post, but I read your posts almost every day. Thank you for helping me articulate my thoughts and for bringing so many issues to so many people's attention

[BusterBluth]

@MadameKali I noticed and thought the exact same thing! Men would never hold back for fear of not appearing eloquent or intelligent enough to take part in a debate.
I too am going to be braver from now on!
The women of FWR are superstars

[nomoreXplease]

Lurker, never posted, just wanted to say thank you too.

[libertine80]

I also rarely post but have been reading this board for daily for years. Thank you for all your amazing posts. I feel like I have learnt so much about feminism from this board

[Mulletsaremisunderstood]

Another huge thanks to everyone!! I lurked for many years, and sometimes need to take a break, but always come back to the wisdom of FWR.

In truth, this is one of the most important places for women online, and sadly one of the very few where our voices can still be heard.

I recently read Gloria Steinham's My Life On The Road, it's a memoir about her life and travels. She mentioned 'talking circles' and how powerful they were during the feminist movement of the 60's and 70's. In small towns all over America they would gather in town halls or similar and women from all different backgrounds would share their ideas, experiences, knowledge. I feel that FWR is the online equivalent.

[PotholeParadies]

Dear lurkers. You realise that the Proper Feminists with the degrees and stuff let me post?

I absolutely know that every single one of you has plenty to offer. Please don't feel compelled to post if you'd rather silently read, but if you would like to post, don't doubt yourself.

The MRAs certainly never spend a second on self doubt!

[PortHills]

Think the posters on FWR are fab. You help me to articulate and explore my own thoughts and ideas. Thank you 🙏

[Ereshkigalangcleg]

This is such a lovely thread. and/or to everyone.

[BeReet]

@OwBist

I don't post on many of the fast-moving threads, as I'm just not quick / articulate enough. I do "borrow" a lot of phrases, perfectly reasoned rebuttals etc.. for use outside of MN, tho. Thanks to those who say what I think without having ever met me!

Pretty much this tbh. Thank you all!

[BlackeyedSusan]

One angry women with six socks....of the woolly variety, I get very cold feet, delurking to say thanks for great info and explanations. I am least likely to sock puppet, once name changed for Halloween and didn't get round to changing back for a whole year and a bit... FFS!

[BlackeyedSusan]

Church halls, cafes, toddler groups,nursery, the park...MRA may have tried to take over the internet, but there are just not enough of them to be everywhere else.

[Waitwhat23]

Another lurker who has finally made an account just to say thank you to the articulate, brave posters on FWR.

I'm another one who can't be very open in RL about my views because of my job but I'm doing little acts of rebellion for the cause of women's rights, same as many posters. Donating money, writing to MP's, trying to sound out friends and family. I'm sure the people who live in my area are probably quite baffled as to why purple, green and white ribbons are appearing all over the place but if one person thinks 'I wonder what they mean' and Google it, I see it as a win.

There are women all over the country, who are doing this, buoyed by the bravery of the regular posters on FWR and able to articulate reasoned arguments because of what is said here.

So, thank you

[Edna311]

Another first time poster sticking a few hairs above the parapet to express my thanks to everyone who posts here.

I was shouted down quite aggressively when I first tried to raise my sense of disquiet in my social circle a few years back and was unprepared to do anything other than retreat muttering 'but it makes no sense' to myself. Since then, I have read, and read, and read here and elsewhere and am beginning to talk again. I still suffer from l'esprit de l'escalier but I am a little better able to back up my arguments.

Thank you all.

[WeRoarSometimes]

[6angrywomenandsocks]

Welcome lovely lurkers!

[littlbrowndog]

Hey lurkers don’t worry

I have very little education

No uni or college , left school as soon as I could

But here is the best place to get an education

My spelling had go t better

I feel I have grown as a woman and to say that wor£ which is often overused

Empowered

[TalkingtoLangClegintheDark]

Lovely, lovely thread 😊

Always a real boost to see so many lurkers delurking - we always know you’re there but it’s good to have tangible proof now and then, so thank you OP for starting this thread, and thank you newly visible lurkers!

Vive la résistance! 💜🤍💚

[Thecatonthemat]

Gives me hope to read this thread too. Good to see so many now ex lurkers!

[TherapistInATabard]

@MadameKali

Funny, my own comment on this thread, and that of many others mentions not feeling articulate or intelligent enough post on many threads.

I thought it was just me but surely that's just female socialisation in action? I doubt many men ever think "Oh I'm not going to comment on this because I'm not clever enough and don't have enough grounding in the subject matter"

Note to self: be braver.

God, you’re so right! I’m always in awe of the knowledge, passion and eloquence of the regular posters here, and seldom feel I have anything to add. That’s no reason not to speak up and show solidarity is it?

[picklemewalnuts]

I second the encouragement to speak up!

That said, some bad faith actors post in the hope of distracting our energy, engaging us and wearing us down, with the added bonus of getting some juicy screenshots if someone gets cross and speaks bluntly! The Banbury threads are a good support when that is happening.

I'd encourage you to join in discussions, but stay away from orchestrated bun fights- it's usually easy to see the difference, though sometimes people work hard to derail a sensible discussion and start a bunfight.

[highame]

nomoreXplease you'll be pleased to know that womxn is now considered transphobic. Can't remember why, but it is probably because someone is being excluded somewhere.

Join in, they let me join in. I was early feminist and degree, but nowadays I forget my own name and need lists about lists. They put me right when I go wrong.

[TheChampagneGalop]

I thought it was just me but surely that's just female socialisation in action? I doubt many men ever think "Oh I'm not going to comment on this because I'm not clever enough and don't have enough grounding in the subject matter"

Exactly!! I hope more lurkers feel encouraged to post!

[nomoreXplease]

Thanks highame... might wander off for name change if I can work out how to do that. I created it following a local women's award event with the X instead and got grumpy