Told the diversity and inclusion manager that menopause was a sex, not gender thingbased issue

[Metabigot]

Just started a new role as HR Manager - discussion with diversity and inclusion manager who is creating a menopause policy, and said it was a gender issue. No it's not! you can identify how you f'ing like but if you don't have a womb you won't get the menopause! I managed to get her to agree that it's actually a sex issue, and pushed the point that sex is still one of the 9 protected characteristics under the EA and its important we don't forget that in favour of other newer characteristics.

This is why the changing of language matters - otherwise we can't call things what they are. Anyway hopefully a small victory and I didn't excessively put my head above the parapet. I do think the backlash is beginning - one of my team spoke about how diversity issues could clash 'for example feminist rights and trans rights.' Nearly jumped up and gave him a pat on the back when he said that. They are trying to be an ultra-diversity and inclusion workplace so it's refreshing to see that this sex based rights are included in this. And very unusual to be able to say it aloud IME.

i think that menopause awareness is something that companies can get recognised for in the 'Good Employer' type schemes, so I am a bit 🙄 at all of the sudden interest in it.

Be careful, there are transwomen who insist they experience menopause.

Their fantasies shouldn’t impinge on anyone else for one second.

But I hear you, the OP may get a backlash from someone who insists their lie is a truth everyone should parrot.

Sorry, I had to post and run earlier. Yes, absolutely agree that a few TW's fantasies / TRA arguments shouldn't be acknowledged as reality. But the OP should be warned that another route into "inclusiveness" is to argue that transwomen experience menopause when they reduce their use of cross sex hormones (not HRT!) and therefore should be included in any discussion groups about menopause.

Forewarned is forearmed and all that.

I’ve just followed you on Twitter but can’t seem to DM you. Let me know how to get in touch.

Apologies, I thought I was replying directly to @LoonyQuine there. I’ve followed you on twitter but can’t seem to DM you.

Am I a WI group on FB where there’s a woman claiming TW go through the menopause 🙄

That's great OP.

One thing I'd say to women here though is be careful of assuming that anyone who uses the word 'gender' is automatically opposed to your views or is into gender ideology.

Many, many people used and still use 'gender' as a polite word for 'sex'. Their use of language is erroneous, fair enough, and sometimes it's very wise to be cautious around people in workplaces who use 'gender' instead of 'sex', but it doesn't necessarily mean they are on the opposite end of this issue.

Yes I’m @LoonyQuine on Twitter too. Please tell her to get in touch but to mention that it’s via you and this mumsnet thread.

I think we need to follow each other first! Give me a follow and I’ll follow back then we can chat by DM

Wish you were in our HR dept OP.

We have a ‘women’s group’ to discuss female-based issues arising in the workplace. Got an email about the first topic to be discussed, namely the menopause - with a reminder that ‘all women, trans women, non-binary people and allies’ are welcome to the discussion and that attendance is not limited to ‘cis’ 🤢women.

i had to stop myself replying to query what a penis-holder would be able to contribute to a discussion about the effects of the menopause but it appears this would be deemed exclusionary.

i don’t think there’s a single trans woman at the company, but that’s beside the point (in fact it makes it seem like even more of a virtue signal)…

Excellent work, op. I wish there was someone like you at my company

Well done! And because I'm a pedant I just wanted to add that you can still experience menopause without a womb if you have/had ovaries. 😊

Doesn't surprise me at all. Great name btw

I think you are right. As soon as all the men start identifying as women and wanting menopause leave or whatever it will cost these companies money.... Nothing gets the corporate attention more than spending money they don't have to.