I'm scared

[WantonSoup]

Hi all,

I am a lurker and it is only in the past year or so I have learnt about trans rights and women's rights issues.

It scares me. It feels like we have to defend the use of the word woman and if we are gender critical we are seen as outcasts.

My anxiety is at an all time high because of this. I have my own opinions on the subject and when I have voiced them I am met with disdain and made to feel I am wrong.

Being on this board has both scared and reassured me. I feel very unsettled to see how people with gender critical views are treated and I also see that people are starting to push back. I am not brave enough to put me head above the parapet and I thank all here who do.

Thank you.

I suppose what I am asking is, how do I stop feeling scared about this issue? How do those who are brave enough to speak out cope with any anxiety if at all?

I just don't know how to deal with it.

I was the same 2-3 years ago when I first became aware via the Mumsnet Feminism Board of what had been happening while I was sleepwalking. I think it was finding out about so many incidents in such a short space of time that was so scary, like overload. The fear just subsided gradually as I processed it all, then its just new information being added daily which is easier to cope with. Now it makes me angry rather than scared.

I usually just lurk on these boards as other posters generally express my views so much more eloquently. But I am absolutely convinced that there are many many many people just like me who read these boards but don't post. You're definitely not alone.

As pps have said it's a good idea to take a break when it gets too much.

Sign petitions, write to your MP, complain to the BBC about their biased reporting etc - it all helps counteract the madness, and also makes you feel stronger because you're taking action.