Page 10 | Thank you MNHQ

Blistory · 2025-04-16T14:20:09+00:00

I don't post much on here anymore but just wanted to take a moment today to thank Mumsnet {mention:MNHQ} and Justine in particular for standing strong over a considerable number of years. I fully appreciate that not all Mumsnet members or employees held the same beliefs but in the fury of doxing, banning, and insults, MNHQ held the line to enable this space where women were able to have a discussion. I know the arguments and concerns over the years but the fact is that this was the only public space for a considerable number of years where a conversation was allowed about what came to be known as gender critical concerns. This was where women came to gather, to discuss, to learn, to be heard, to form new spaces, to support and to stand strong. It wasn't always a pleasant place to be but it was always a place that was allowed to exist. It stood against the pressure groups, the hate, the doxxing, the pressure of advertisers, Stonewall law and it did so by simply being allowed to exist. The women on here and in the wider world did the rest. It's easy to forget just how difficult it was for MNHQ to hold the line especially when being attacked by all sides. Thank you.

Signalbox · 18/04/2025 09:30

Late to the party but adding my thanks 🙏 Mumsnet and the amazing ladies here definitely had a hand in my peaking back in 2017. I wonder where I would be now and what nonsense I would still be spouting if it hadn’t been for everyone here. So well done Mumsnet and thanks for letting us have the conversations that weren’t possible anywhere else for a number of years.

🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🥀🌹🪻

IamEarthymama · 18/04/2025 09:46

Thank you @MNHQ 💐💐💐

MyNameIsSharon · 18/04/2025 10:19

Thank you MNHQ and all the posters on this board!

I never post here because I didn't think I had anything intelligent to add to the conversation, but I've lurked and soaked everything up like a sponge. I've learned so much and I'm in awe of the courage of MN for allowing this board to exist and of all the brave women who have had the courage to stand up and fight.

I was radicalised by MN and then I radicalised my teenaged dd.
She has complained to her teachers about a trans girl in her school taking part in sports day against girls, and being in the girls changing rooms.
She is very sporty and has argued very loudly in class with her teachers and her friends over trans women in sports and changing rooms.
She says to me "You've created a monster Mum" 😂

Suprisingly her school have let her have her say and listened to her concerns and she's never got in trouble for being outspoken about this. She also hasn't lost any friends over it, even the ones who disagree with her and are shocked by what she says, which I'm really thankful for.

MrsPeterHarris · 18/04/2025 10:35

That’s very unusual @MyNameIsSharon but pleasing to hear!

RoseAndGeranium · 18/04/2025 10:47

Very late to this lovely appreciation party, but thank you to @JustineMumsnet and MNHQ from me too. It was on these boards I first learned about the dangers of gender ideology, first heard the names Helen Joyce and Kathleen Stock, found a new appreciation of the wonderful JK Rowling and emerged a newly minted TERF. Threads on mumsnet gave me the information and motivation I needed to join the fight, spread awareness, and hold the line in small ways.
Mumsnet, in this battle, you made the difference.

GeorgianaM · 18/04/2025 10:52

2018

www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/mums-call-for-a-boycott-of-ocado-in-backlash-over-transphobic-billboard-ad-a3950011.html

elgreco · 18/04/2025 10:58

Thank you Mumsnet

Rockhopper1 · 18/04/2025 11:25

Thank you Justine . Proper bravery and leadership . Also to the many brilliant women on here .xxx

SusanSmithFWS · 18/04/2025 11:35

JustineMumsnet · 17/04/2025 07:51

Thanks all – I really appreciate the appreciation. It’s been severely testing at times – there were moments I genuinely thought we might never see the tide turn, or at least not in our generation. And in the meantime, Mumsnet risked being permanently labelled as bigoted, vicious, and ‘on the wrong side of history’.

A fair number of organisations pulled their advertising under pressure from activists – both internal and external. I’m sure there were many more we never heard from who simply steered clear. Commercial partnerships became noticeably harder to secure. The low point was discovering we’d been blacklisted on instruction from the top brass at Barclays – just weeks before their CEO resigned over concealing ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

When we included a call to clarify the definition of sex in the Equality Act in our 2024 Mumsnet Manifesto, Ocado – who had been excited about a partnership – abruptly pulled out, citing Mumsnet’s “hateful political views”. Despite repeated attempts to explain our position – as a platform committed to amplifying women’s voices – they’ve refused to speak to us ever since.

Nonetheless, even in the darkest moments, when I feared the site might not survive, we never considered banning discussion of this issue altogether. That would have been completely contrary to what Mumsnet is about: a space for mothers to talk about what matters to them. We’ve always believed in the power of respectful, open discussion – especially on difficult topics. And again and again, users have told us that Mumsnet has helped them change their minds, or at least understand a different point of view.

That spirit is what inspired our This Is My Child campaign back in 2013, prompted by a thread where a mother described her own child’s disruptive behaviour – and then explained he had additional needs, and what it was like to parent under constant public judgment. The discussion that followed was one of the most powerful we’ve hosted – and helped many people see things differently.

On the issue of women’s rights, I know some felt we policed conversations too tightly at times. But please remember the pressure we were under. A single sentence, taken out of context and amplified by activists on social media, could result in advertisers – already jittery, particularly during Covid – disappearing overnight and without the advertising we simply cannot cover our running costs and the site would have folded. We were also aware that some activists, posing as users, were deliberately trying to bait others into saying something that could be used to damage us.

So a big well done to everyone on here who played a part in securing what I think most would agree is much-needed clarity in the Equality Act. As ever, we’re in awe of the intelligence, tenacity and resilience of Mumsnet users.

Dear @JustineMumsnet,
Thank you so very much for everything. But for Mumsnet, we would never have come together. I'm not on so much these days, but the women here gave me courage and focus in those early days. They have also been some of our fiercest supporters, morally and financially. I hope you feel vindicated and I hope you get some well deserved apologies (and more ad revenue!)
Lots of Love from all at FWS x

Conkerjar · 18/04/2025 11:36

Mumsnet turned my head to face toward reality when I had become totally mired in parenting groups battling in the intersectional olympics and telling us all we were fucking horrible people to the core for daring to think outside the party lines. My only regret now (apart for all the screen time while I breastfed) is that I left one group in particular and didn't remain as a lurker, because I would LOVE to see the cognitive dissonance playing out.

GetDressedYouMerryGentlemen · 18/04/2025 11:44

@SusanSmithFWS a massive thank you to all that has been achieved by FWS. You are mighty warriors and I want to thank you with every fibre of my being for fighting this fight. We are women, thanks to our biology; no more, no less and thanks to FWS we can define who we are which means we can secure our rights. You made me weep with relief when I heard the judgement. Boring old biology trumps all the feelz. Thank you and thanks again @JustineMumsnet for giving us a space to talk about our rights and our needs.

ArabellaScott · 18/04/2025 11:47

SusanSmithFWS · 18/04/2025 11:35

Dear @JustineMumsnet,
Thank you so very much for everything. But for Mumsnet, we would never have come together. I'm not on so much these days, but the women here gave me courage and focus in those early days. They have also been some of our fiercest supporters, morally and financially. I hope you feel vindicated and I hope you get some well deserved apologies (and more ad revenue!)
Lots of Love from all at FWS x

Show quote history

❤

Waitwhat23 · 18/04/2025 12:14

SusanSmithFWS · 18/04/2025 11:35

Dear @JustineMumsnet,
Thank you so very much for everything. But for Mumsnet, we would never have come together. I'm not on so much these days, but the women here gave me courage and focus in those early days. They have also been some of our fiercest supporters, morally and financially. I hope you feel vindicated and I hope you get some well deserved apologies (and more ad revenue!)
Lots of Love from all at FWS x

Show quote history

I don't think it's possible for us to adequately express how much you've done for us. A whole country of women (and some men) wept, punched the air, danced and did a triumphant roar at the announcement of the judgement - I'm surprised that there wasn't some sort of palpable, measurable wave of energy at that point.

It genuinely feels like we've turned a corner now. With all our gratitude x

TanteRose · 18/04/2025 12:18

Thanks @JustineMumsnet
and thanks @SusanSmithFWS

by the way, re: Ocado, Sonia Sodha just contacted them and got this reply

https://x.com/soniasodha/status/1913182381101510985?s=46&t=DYMVYhEoGD6kTaKmo-0O8Q

Justme56 · 18/04/2025 12:21

Saw it on X

GrumpyMenopausalWombWielder · 18/04/2025 12:24

Justme56 · 18/04/2025 12:21

Saw it on X

Well! The ripple effect of the UKSC continues to hit spots I never thought possible.

whodathunkit?

Ariana12 · 18/04/2025 12:25

JustineMumsnet · 17/04/2025 07:51

Thanks all – I really appreciate the appreciation. It’s been severely testing at times – there were moments I genuinely thought we might never see the tide turn, or at least not in our generation. And in the meantime, Mumsnet risked being permanently labelled as bigoted, vicious, and ‘on the wrong side of history’.

A fair number of organisations pulled their advertising under pressure from activists – both internal and external. I’m sure there were many more we never heard from who simply steered clear. Commercial partnerships became noticeably harder to secure. The low point was discovering we’d been blacklisted on instruction from the top brass at Barclays – just weeks before their CEO resigned over concealing ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

When we included a call to clarify the definition of sex in the Equality Act in our 2024 Mumsnet Manifesto, Ocado – who had been excited about a partnership – abruptly pulled out, citing Mumsnet’s “hateful political views”. Despite repeated attempts to explain our position – as a platform committed to amplifying women’s voices – they’ve refused to speak to us ever since.

Nonetheless, even in the darkest moments, when I feared the site might not survive, we never considered banning discussion of this issue altogether. That would have been completely contrary to what Mumsnet is about: a space for mothers to talk about what matters to them. We’ve always believed in the power of respectful, open discussion – especially on difficult topics. And again and again, users have told us that Mumsnet has helped them change their minds, or at least understand a different point of view.

That spirit is what inspired our This Is My Child campaign back in 2013, prompted by a thread where a mother described her own child’s disruptive behaviour – and then explained he had additional needs, and what it was like to parent under constant public judgment. The discussion that followed was one of the most powerful we’ve hosted – and helped many people see things differently.

On the issue of women’s rights, I know some felt we policed conversations too tightly at times. But please remember the pressure we were under. A single sentence, taken out of context and amplified by activists on social media, could result in advertisers – already jittery, particularly during Covid – disappearing overnight and without the advertising we simply cannot cover our running costs and the site would have folded. We were also aware that some activists, posing as users, were deliberately trying to bait others into saying something that could be used to damage us.

So a big well done to everyone on here who played a part in securing what I think most would agree is much-needed clarity in the Equality Act. As ever, we’re in awe of the intelligence, tenacity and resilience of Mumsnet users.

I am so grateful that Justine and Munsnet have stood up for women and girls. This has been such a surreal time to live through. 21 years ago we were told that the Gender Recognition Act would just allow a tiny number of dysphoric men quietly to live undetected as "women" and it was all about how they would be so invisible that it would be cruel to out them. Then we got the Equality Act 15 years ago that gave protection from discrimination and harassment to this " very tiny minority" of mostly men as they were undergoing their gender reassignment process and becoming invisible women. And we were told repeatedly that we shouldn't question any of this because it wouldn't affect anyone else. Yes it was a legal fiction but it would only affect this invisible tiny minority. And then the implications became clearer and clearer. Every aspect of all our lives - down to everytime we fill out a form asking for our gender, or the pronoun game, or data collection, or single-sex spaces: hospital wards, cha ging rooms, toilets, prisons, hostels; or sports opportunities for women and girls, or other opportunities specially for women and girls like gettimg equality on Boards. or access to training. And and and.. Worse than anything, those of us who just wanted to ask questions and express doubts being silenced and vilified. After all less than 5 years ago Maya Forstater was told by a tribunal judge that her view that sex is immutable and that sometimes matter - was " unworthy of respect in a civilised society". We're puling ourselves through. But a lot of people, especially women, have been very hurt very damaged in the process. And you can also argue that for "trans" people rights based on lies and coercion are not rights at all.

So thank you Justine!

Datun · 18/04/2025 12:33

TanteRose · 18/04/2025 12:18

Thanks @JustineMumsnet
and thanks @SusanSmithFWS

by the way, re: Ocado, Sonia Sodha just contacted them and got this reply

https://x.com/soniasodha/status/1913182381101510985?s=46&t=DYMVYhEoGD6kTaKmo-0O8Q

Ha!

I'd like to see their actual apology, directly to Justine.

she's gonna have to charge tickets for the right side of history, she'll make millions

SidewaysOtter · 18/04/2025 12:40

They have indeed apologised. It’s all a bit weaselly and begrudging (and I don’t buy the “a rogue contractor did it”) but it’s an apology nonetheless:

x.com/ocado/status/1913185791271903512?s=46

DontStopMe · 18/04/2025 12:45

SidewaysOtter · 18/04/2025 12:40

They have indeed apologised. It’s all a bit weaselly and begrudging (and I don’t buy the “a rogue contractor did it”) but it’s an apology nonetheless:

x.com/ocado/status/1913185791271903512?s=46

"A big boy did it and ran away"

JulesJules · 18/04/2025 12:51

I'm extremely doubtful that a "temporary contractor" had the power to withdraw Ocado from a collaboration with Mumsnet and then ensure that they refused to speak to them ever since 🤔

Datun · 18/04/2025 12:52

SidewaysOtter · 18/04/2025 12:40

They have indeed apologised. It’s all a bit weaselly and begrudging (and I don’t buy the “a rogue contractor did it”) but it’s an apology nonetheless:

x.com/ocado/status/1913185791271903512?s=46

But Justine said they have repeatedly ignored all her phone calls.

I'd like her to confirm that they've picked up the damn phone and said sorry in person. Not hidden behind a post on Twitter. And blaming the mythical intern, sorry...temporary contractor.

mrshoho · 18/04/2025 12:55

And does this mean Ocado will indeed be partnering with Mumsnet? I think some serious grovelling and improved terms for MN is in order!

yetanotherusernameAgain · 18/04/2025 12:56

"Temporary contractor" doesn't necessarily mean a junior member of staff. Some of ours cost £1k per day.

onlytherain · 18/04/2025 12:57

Thank you @JustineMumsnet. I have learned so much from these boards and they have made me braver. I work in a captured industry, but I am trying to speak up as much as a I can. Yesterday's judgement makes that feel a little easier.

Mumsnet played a big part in bringing that judgement about and will go down in history as one of the key organisations that bravely stood up for women's rights, for the rights of children with additional needs, for the rights of those who suffered trauma, for free speech and for science. That wasn't easy.

Thank you for being brave!