Mermaids Training...

[OttilieStonelady]

Firstly, apologies for my username I've literally just joined and I have no option to change it (android!). So, AIBU to refuse to go to this training? I'm feeling utterly exhausted by everything. I feel completely silenced at work and scared to speak out about my views for fear of being accused of transphobia etc. I was shut down by a friend re the Laurel Hubbard case, trans women are women apparently. I'm scared that if I refuse to go on this training, I'll be accused of something that just isn't true. I just find mermaids problematic and don't think they have any place in giving training for me and my colleagues. Please help me Mumsnet! I'm educating myself slowly and feel like I'm swimming against the tide sometimes.

Why do you need to go on this training?

Apparently it's relevant to everyone as we may have trans or non binary colleagues...

You are legally entitled to refuse as it’s against your beliefs.

I don’t think there is any harm on going on the training and not sure why you would refuse to go. Attend with an open mind and if it doesn’t change your views - fine.

It’s a bit bigoted and close minded to say that they have nothing to teach you. We can all learn from each other’s experiences and thoughts, even if that learning is to compound the views we already have.

Ask them what the intended learning outcome is.

If your workplace has a problem with trans colleagues being bullied, what are management doing to keep them safe?

Ah ok.

In that case, I'd go, listen, and formulate a list of questions based on what the training includes.

I'd want to discuss things like female/Male toilets etc and would feel I can make an stronger case if I knew exactly what was discussed in the training.

Even though attending would pain me greatly.

I'm so tired. I'm actually on the verge of tears some days since the Laurel Hubbard issue and trans rights overriding women's rights. I feel like I suddenly can't comprehend what's going on.

Personally I'd refuse the training from this particular organisation and ask them to find a different provider.

Have they supplied training to cover all staff eventualities? Working with colleagues with disabilities, additional learning needs, or characteristics of other marginalised groups,m

@Whysolong7

I don’t think there is any harm on going on the training and not sure why you would refuse to go. Attend with an open mind and if it doesn’t change your views - fine.

It’s a bit bigoted and close minded to say that they have nothing to teach you. We can all learn from each other’s experiences and thoughts, even if that learning is to compound the views we already have.

I am no bigot. I am a black woman and it pains me that the training around inclusivity re ethnic minorities was not compulsory but this appears to be. I just don't really want to go.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Have they supplied training to cover all staff eventualities? Working with colleagues with disabilities, additional learning needs, or characteristics of other marginalised groups,m

Cross posted there!

I am so disappointed, I thought this thread was going to be about the swim/underwater mermaid tail training you can get.

@Namechangedlady

I am so disappointed, I thought this thread was going to be about the swim/underwater mermaid tail training you can get.

I would definitely sign up to that!

@SoddingWeddings

Personally I'd refuse the training from this particular organisation and ask them to find a different provider.

This is a good point. Training - fine. Training provided by a company who are, frankly, into brainwashing kids - not fine.

This thread will be moved by the way. There’s a ‘special’ waste paper bin that sex and gender threads get filed into.

Personally if I liked my job I’d go and listen to it. I listen to all sorts of things I don’t agree with, that’s what makes me a critical thinking adult.

OttilieStonelady oh me too! I might have a look for one hahaha

@justanotherneighinparadise

This thread will be moved by the way. There’s a ‘special’ waste paper bin that sex and gender threads get filed into.

Personally if I liked my job I’d go and listen to it. I listen to all sorts of things I don’t agree with, that’s what makes me a critical thinking adult.

For every person who goes I think mermaids get £100...

Clearly you don't think you're being unreasonable, you seem very informed on issues and have your own very strong opinions, so I'm not sure why you've just joined specifically to post this thread really.

@DifficultPifcultLemonDifficult

Clearly you don't think you're being unreasonable, you seem very informed on issues and have your own very strong opinions, so I'm not sure why you've just joined specifically to post this thread really.

Because I can't seem to talk to anyone in real life about my opinions without being told I'm transphobic, and I'm exhausted by it.

Indoctrination ! I'd probably go to the training for an easy life but question things or just not really listen. Like you say, there's nothing of the sort for other groups. I had to complete unconscious bias training recently or I wouldn't get a good performance review - which I was so angry about.

Yes I'd get a bullet point list of why you dont think this organisation is a good fit as well as recent media coverage and links to stonewall which is now sinking and suggest others which are more suitable.

I'd also raise the fact that ethnic minorities training wasn't mandatory and this is despite trans employees being rare and ethnic minorities not!

Because I can't seem to talk to anyone in real life about my opinions without being told I'm transphobic, and I'm exhausted by it.

So you though AIBU on MN was the place to go?

Post in the relevant section, I'm sure you'll get all the pats on the back and advice you're looking for.

You should go, and ask a lot of questions. Since the Forstater case I feel a lot more comfortable questioning stuff at work. You can question the credentials of Mermaids and why they are using organisations with a political agenda that could impact on sex as a protected characteristic. You can raise the issue of ethnic diversity training and why it wasn't compulsory. In most places social class is also a big thing that affects more people than trans but no one does anything about it.

It sounds like it is making you very emotional - see if you can step back and detach a bit. I know this isn't easy, but I think in some ways it's better to go to the training and then you can see the people behind the ideas. You'll see they're just people with ideas you don't agree with, that's it's not personal. It might be that it's more harmless than you're anticipating, but if there is stuff you disagree with, speak up!

Op to answer your question, I would go for sure! These people are going into schools too, I would like to know what they are teaching.
I think you are well read up on the subject but think of yourself as going undercover.
But also, I agree with your point about your company not making race inclusivity (sorry for terrible phrasing) compulsory.
At my company we have to do twice yearly modules for this. Everyone from cleaner to vp has to do them and rightly so!