I care because of the threat to sex based rights and the damage that may be inflicted on young people by medication and or surgery.
Carmen M
Category: Others
I care about the harm being done to children and young people especially girls – physical and mental damage as well as misinformation. I care as a woman losing what used to be single sex spaces.
I have complained to the body administering a post graduate student survey when gender id was a required answer. I complained after visiting the Hayward Gallery that the female toilet had been made unisex.
D ATTAR , Second wave feminist
I care because I am unwilling to give away my rights and those of my daughter, granddaughter, other family, friends, in fact every female of any age. Women (and some men) fought hard to get the rights we have, the least I can do is protect them, and even strengthen and improve them, for the future.
I was a typical tomboy as a child; I dread to think what would become of me now. I remain utterly baffled as to how anyone can think medicalising children because of their personality can ever be right, and how can anyone truly believe a man becomes a woman just because they say so?
I found other women who felt the same way I do, via Mumsnet, via social media, by talking to people in real life.With their help and support I was able to develop my views and become more confident in talking about them. I joined a political party, I started a petition, I attended events.
I continue to strive to spread awareness of what is going on via my social media presence and by speaking out whenever I can, writing letters (good old fashioned pen and paper ones!), sending emails, responding to campaigns and crowdfunders, constantly aiming to amplify other women’s voices, and those of our allies. I boycott companies (like M&S) who show no respect for their female customers and I tell them why. Lots of tiny things, but if enough of us do them, they have a massive effect eventually.
My views have been called a bigoted and transphobic by women who I thought knew me and respected me. I have been ostracised from an online social group I actually started. I have received dreadful online abuse from strangers, but it is the condemnation from people who I thought were friends that hurts the most. Many friends supported me during this, but did so privately, they were not willing to publicly support me within the group which was hard to deal with.
On the positive side, it has strengthened some friendships; shown me who truly ‘has my back’, and I have made a group of new female friends and acquaintances who fill me with hope and enthusiasm to keep fighting this grim ideology.
Karen, Adult Human Female with a vote, CUPWomensPledge
Sex based protection of women is so important to me.
Biological facts are important to me. I’m from a relatively poor country (India). Girl children are killed at birth. Ultrasound sex determination is illegal. Life is often misery for girls and women since they are born. Only the privileged can afford to lose the definition of “woman” diluting it to something as offensive, arbitrary, and irrational as a “feeling” or “emotions” or “assertion” (“if someone says they’re a woman she’s a woman”).
I’m tired of it. I’m exhausted. I’m losing hope for the future of left-wing and liberal thought in India.
I approached the discussion with two of my closest friends, both very liberal. One refused to reply at all. Saying my fears are “cis paranoia” (does she not see waving away my doubts as misogyny?) and transwomen are literally dying because of cis women’s paranoia. After gaslighting me for my worry about losing laws, reservations, protections under the definition of the word “woman”, she stopped replying. I doubt we have a friendship any longer. Other friend told me she’s shocked and uncomfortable with the discussion. I asked her to define the word woman and she said she didn’t know how to define it. An educated woman unable to define the word woman out of fear.
Doubt either will want to be my friend any longer. I spoke to my family about it. They agree. They live in the real world not on twitter so to them it is obvious women are women, and transwomen are transwomen. One of my friends accepted my position and understands deeper that gender stereotypes are a human creation to maintain the patriarchy.
Tired of men, tired of feminine socialization, tired of fear, India
Categories
I have been utterly ignored by all editors
This matters to me because single-sex spaces are a human right.
I have discussed the topic in private, and written polite, fact-based letters to the editor.
I have been utterly ignored by all editors. Apparently, the press isn’t interested in readers thinking for themselves and asking critical questions. (Unless they are celebrities, of course.)
Anonymous, Survivor, fed up with misogyny, Germany
Categories
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
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
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
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
Categories
I’ve delivered a talk to a local group
I care because women’s rights, protections, safe spaces, sports and the right to discuss and campaign regarding our physical issues – ie menstruation, pregnancy, Abortion, contraception etc. All are being undermined by trans demands. All are suffering from self ID.
I’ve spoken up on social media. I’ve had an exchange of emails with my MP. I’ve delivered a talk to a local group. I’ve connected with other local gender critical feminists to discuss issues. I’ve attended WPUK meetings and conference. I’ve tried to discuss multiple times within the Women’s Equality Party – with leaders, Elected officers, staff and members. I’ve spoken up at an equalities training session – I also discussed with the trainer privately. I’ve written an article for a local magazine on the difference between sex and gender. I’ve had people contact me privately and I’ve supported them with information including individuals trying to deal with a teenage daughter who’s trans and an adult son.
I have been attacked on social media – often by strangers but also by people I know. These attacks have been vicious including telling me I’m transphobic, a bigot, hateful, a nazi, denying the existence of trans people. I’ve been blocked on Twitter and I’m on block lists. Other women involved in the magazine asked me to avoid discussing trans ideology or implications of self ID on women’s rights – They were concerned about the reaction from TRA’s.
Fodo, Feminist, singer, musician and mother, fodohpf
The Gender Dissidents Survey 