Somerville1234 Wed 03-Apr-19 02:02:30

Can't find the old thread... but anyway, there's an award/opportunity at work, only for people who are LGBT+++. I don't remember all the categories but they included genderqueer, genderfluid and genderfree. Also K, which I'm reliably informed stands for kink lifestyle. I don't understand why someone would need a special thing at work for getting off on weeing and whips (?? I don't watch porn, I don't have a clue), but maybe I'm just old fashioned. Anyway, old fashioned or not, I'm gender free because I don't believe in gender. And I wanted the professional opportunity. (Forgive me for the vagueness - being careful because of doxxing.) And you lot were encouraging...



I ended up applying - which didn't involve saying how I met the criteria, just ticking that I did. And then I was perpexedly approached by my woke boss.

(WB "Erm... so you realise that this is for LGBT+++ employees, Somer?"

S "Yes."

WB "Erm...it was my understanding you're a straight woman...?"

S "I'm genderfree and-"

WB: "Really?" <peers at my normal 40 yr old working woman attire>

S "Yes, and I think I need to remind you that the staff handbook recommends that no-one should assume anybody elses's gender."

WB: "Oh, terribly sorry about that.")



I then had a lovely meeting with HR where they were very keen to update my pronouns on the system. I told them that being gender free I require the box beside gender to be left empty, but that I can accept female pronouns because that's my biological sex. They were happy with this novel idea and to learn more about the difference between sex and gender. They young HR person didn't know they're not synonyms but he learns something new every day apparently.



And now... I've heard I'm shortlisted for the next round!

It's been announced to the whole company, and I've had a few bemused looks but no direct transphobia, I'm happy to report.

My longsuffering DH (works in same field) has been teased a bit for my gender identity but he's happy to suffer for the sake of my fight for equality.