Author: bomp123

Categories
Private sector

As a woman in tech, I totally understand what being a minority is

As a woman in tech, I totally understand what being a minority is. I totally get what discrimination is, including plenty of subtle ways that women in tech experience. I know it sucks. I can only imagine how difficult it is for trans people, I feel for them, and I’d love them to be accommodated in any ways possible.

At the same time, I wish advocates of “Trans Women Are Women” opened their eyes to possible abuse if the laws and rights in this matter are not extremely carefully considered. It goes for so many potential issues, from bathrooms, changing rooms, prisons, shelters… I am all for freedoms, respect and rights for underrepresented groups – but these rights cannot come at the cost of rights and safety of another vulnerable group.

I am totally opposed to possibility of ever going to a gym changing room and suddenly seeing a dick and balls on someone next to me.

I am totally opposed to female athletes being beaten by someone who maybe weeks prior was competing in male’s sports. I cannot imagine the horror of a woman escaping to a shelter from abuser – and her getting abused in there by another male presenting as a woman.

I have not spoken out. I wish I had the courage – but I don’t.

 I have witnessed so much abuse going towards the much more powerful women out there, I simply do not want to bring this on myself.

I understand that many of the “trans activists” women have good intentions. I understand their desire to improve lives of other vulnerable groups. But I really, REALLY wish they admitted we live in a “real world”, and for every genuinely vulnerable trans woman, there will also be a man who will put on woman’s clothes only to abuse the situation. For this reason, amongst other things I am totally opposed for self-identification, for ability to just say one day “I’m a woman” and that’s it. It needs to be a proper process – we don’t just let people change nationality on a whim, and surely gender change is an even bigger part of identity than this.

I’m sure there are ways where we can find middle ground, protect trans people whilst ALSO protecting women’s (female!) rights. It’s making me really sad that TRA present this as a black-or-white issue, if you have any concerns then you are a terrible TERF.

I am grateful for your work, and thank you for speaking out for those of us who do not have the courage for this. Even following you sometimes feels like risky business.

L, Europe

Categories
Others

I am strongly invested in women’s rights

As a woman. feminist and mother to three daughters, I am strongly invested in women’s rights.

I’ve spoken to MPs (I’m fortunate to have access), shared information, raised the topic and amplified others’ voices on social media. I also speak with my daughters. I’ve been abused on social media.

Joanne H , Feminist, woman, mother and business owner, Australia

Categories
Others

We have fought for centuries for our freedom

I’m a woman and we have fought for centuries for our freedom. I do not want to see us destroyed from the inside out or taken over by men in any way, even by those who think they are like us.

I messaged one friend who I know will understand where I’m coming from. I’m fucking scared for women everywhere. I don’t know what to do.

I’m waiting on her reply.

S N, Australia

Categories
Lesbians

I’m a lesbian and I see the way things are affecting us

I care because not only am I woman, I’m a lesbian, and I see the way things are affecting us. Yeah, retaliation sucks, but it’s the right thing. It’s hard work but necessary work.

The biggest thing I’ve done is join online discussions (since I’m not in the means to travel right now). I’m also planning on starting underground organizations.

Oh yeah! I’ve had people threaten to doxx me, I’ve been banned from online groups, I’ve had my personal profiles screenshotted and posted to other groups I was not in. I’ve also received rape threats and murder wishes.

Peach, lesbian, 23, Georgia USA, YPJ supporter. Twitter: 7layerburrithoe, USA

Categories
Healthcare Parent

My grandson has been sucked into the idea he was born in wrong body

This matters to me because I have been personally affected because my grandson has been sucked into the idea he was born in wrong body and is really a girl since he was 6 3/4 yr old. He is now 11 and I have not been allowed to see him in 3 yrs. I am adamantly oppossed to the use of puberty blockers for children and HRT for teens!

As a Member of Kelsey Coalition, many of us from around USA, went to D.C. and spoke with several Legislative aides!

I’ve lost most of my family, many friends, and lack help from our local officials.

NoPubertyBlockersForChildren, Puberty is not a disease!, Muttmere1, USA

Categories
Others

I have no intent to harm anyone else

This matters to me because women have fought so hard for separate spaces where we can flourish. I have no intent to harm anyone else, and want people to live their lives as we see fit however I cannot, in good conscience, let this alone.

I have spoken personally with people when I feel safe. I’ve found the majority of people I’ve spoken with, including very progressive friends, are uncomfortable with the current dialogue but feel pressured to stay quiet due to fears of losing their jobs.

No negative consequences at this time…. unless you account for the guilt I feel in not vocally defending women’s rights in this forum. I feel as if I’m letting down my daughter by not speaking more fervently, however I will be letting her down should I become unemployed and unable to put food on my table.

Sarah, M’s mom, USA

Categories
Lesbians

I’ve already been labelled a terf for daring to say that I won’t date a TIM

As a lesbian, I’ve already been labelled a terf for daring to say that I won’t date a TIM {trans identifying male), let alone sleep with one, because I am not attracted to male genitalia or masculine posturing.

I have started to have discussions with close friends and speak up a little more on Facebook.

I’ve been defriended by a friend, and labelled transphobic.

Stephanie, Historian, writer, USA

Categories
Lesbians

I have called this racist sexist rhetoric out at work (it got me fired)

I am a Black Lesbian woman. Aside from being told I’m a bigot because I don’t date males, I’m being told that my womanhood is only valid because men can be women too. TRAs are using racist rhetoric that kept Black women from accessing the same facilities as white women.

I have called this racist sexist rhetoric out at work (it got me fired). I have talked person to person with other women about this. I have raised my voice in disagreement when a law was being considered in my small city (I’m in the United States).

Fired from my job. Subject to sexist and racist harassment.

T, Black Lesbian Woman, adulthumanfemale11, USA

Categories
Self employed / entrepreneurs

I’ve seen male people with money using claims about “gender identity” and “transphobia” to weaponize those sentiments

I’ve understood since I was twelve or so that women and girls are treated unfairly, and been involved in efforts to ameliorate some of that in sport. I’ve similarly understood how the poor, racial and sexual minorities are often discriminated against, and worked to ameliorate that. Although cloaked in the language of “equal rights,” I’ve seen male people with money using claims about “gender identity” and “transphobia” to weaponize those sentiments in ways which cause observable harm to others in sport, social social services, etcetera.

I owe a great moral debt to women and GLB people who have stood up for civil rights, and so see my activism as returning a favor AND ALSO just the right thing to do.

I’m active on social media and have brought it up in a variety of groups I am part of.

I’ve been ejected from local political and online groups for defending female-only spaces, and drummed out of two non-profits which were important to me over these issues.

I write my legislators about issues such as male colonization of female sports, and do such things as letters to the editor which note that sexism and homophobia was the key issue in a local killing, not “transphobia.” A man who hoped to get a woman drunk and rape her freaked out when they discovered “she” was really a man, and what that might mean about the attacker.

I’ve been kicked out of SEVERAL groups for my alleged “transphobia,” although I’ve known and worked with scores of trans people of many ages and both sexes over 20+ years. It has cost me many casual friends, and I’m sure it has cost me business as people avoid or gossip and ostracize me. This is nothing compared to the violence women and Blacks receive, or that I saw against gays and lesbians from the 1980’s forward, so I take it in stride. As a self-employed white man I have a lot of privilege, and can afford to take these hits for many years. I have little fear of male violence, and am not easily intimidated.

Rory Bowman, feels a strong moral debt to feminists and earlier GLBT activists, USA

Categories
Healthcare Others

My housemate is trans

I care because women’s voices are being silenced and children and young people who may be confused about their sexuality and gender identity are being encouraged to undergo potentially dangerous treatments in the name of conforming to rigid gender roles.

I have spoken out on my own political blogs and on social media.

I’ve been “TERFed” more than once. To be clear, I do not hate transgender people. I’ve always been very much a “live and let live” kind of person. My housemate is trans. But I couldn’t stand by while violent rhetoric is being spouted against women who are critical of the regressive left and the trans cult.

cheesy1, An old bat who would love to change the world but she doesn’t know what to do, therealcie, USA