Thread by @saltyfemst

I've been receiving msgs from women expressing feelings of being unable to speak out against transgender ideology at their universities for fear of retaliation. I've decided to share their words here (w/permission). DM me w/your own testimonial & I will post it here anonymously💕

#1 "Just wanted to send my support and let you know that I appreciate your unapologetic speaking out on issues like gender identity, men's violence against women, and women's health. I worry that if I made the same critiques publicly I would lose my job, ... 1/2

I am a Gender Studies student at ###### and my dad is an alum of UCSB. I'm also a survivor of men's violence and I really appreciate women in feminist studies standing up for women's rights...something that's becoming all to rare." 2/2

#2 "I am a PhD candidate in ####. I saw the shameful attacks you are receiving from students at your university for your ideas. I really hope that you are receiving support from your department and that they shut down this horrible witch hunt. 1/2

Now that it's called progressive to harass women and call them obnoxious names, there are few academic women who dare to speak the truth. You are one of them and I extend to you all the solidarity possible.." 2/2

#3 "I just wanted to send a message of support. I am also a GC feminist in hiding in a PhD program, and this climate terrifies me. I wish these kids were self-reflective enough to realize that as female grad students/junior faculty we occupy an incredibly precarious position."

If you're wondering what this is about see bit.ly/2Xdr8kT

#4 "I’m appalled at the violent & misogynistic hounding to which Laura has been subjected, ironically by students who claim they stand for inclusivity & “safe spaces.” 1/3

I’m also scared. As a PhD student myself - at a campus incredibly hostile to gender critical views - I fear for my career and safety were I to “go public”. The clamp down on freedom of thought in universities, and the refusal to engage in debate, 2/3

is almost as offensive to me as the idea that I am privileged for having a female body, and that woman is something you can identify in to/out of. I wish I had half the courage of Laura. She has my solidarity all the way from the UK." 3/3

#5 “My daughter is a PhD student. Despite being 30, and normally a confident, intelligent woman she is afraid to speak up about gender, just as she was afraid to speak up about sexual harassment by certain tutors at uni. It’s just another spoke in the VAWG wheel IMO.”

#6 “Following you in solidarity as I just saw the 4th Wave post about your travails. I'm a non-tenure-track prof at a large state university in the Midwest.. Quiet-ish on Twitter on radfem stuff because 1/2

I’m already under a microscope for advocacy on sexual assault - I’m honestly surprised I’m still employed. I want you to know you’ve got my moral support. We cannot analyze and fight sexism if we cannot see and name sex!" 2/2

#7 "I am an academic, a scientist. I have spoken up against gender identity ideology at work and in my union and have co-organized a meeting on women's sex based rights recently at the university. The backlash has been pretty tough and is still ongoing. 1/3

I am anonymous on Twitter because I wouldn't be able to express myself freely on the subject without massive consequences for me if I was posting under my name. No, male born ppl cannot be women, and certainly not by simply declaring to be one. That anybody could find this 2/3

idea acceptable is beyond me and only shows how superficial women's social gains and apparent liberation over the last few decades have been. It is heart breaking." 3/3

#8 "I worked at a university press in the Pacific Northwest. I spoke to one of the editors there about Bruce Jenner when he transitioned. Since she was a lesbian, I was curious to hear her thoughts 1/2

about men in women's spaces. Her reaction was stunning; she was put out that I even broached the subject, and didn't want to talk about it. That topic was off limits -- from a gender ideology editor!" 2/2

#9 "Hello! I just wanted to say that I think there are a growing number of women who feel silenced in this way, and frightened of losing their jobs etc. I have often wishes for some sort of anonymous support service! Thanks for posting about it"