I was invited, and accepted, to be on a panel for a women & non-binary in tech/career panel at work in a couple of weeks. I’m out to two people there, one of whom put me forward for it. Honoured, but a little nervous - especially as I don’t like public speaking, but I do strongly like supporting and uplifting others at work, especially since I ultimately had it relatively easy (cis-presenting white male). I’ve attended a WNB thing before so it’s not out of left field but the audience is bigger this time.

Plus my imposter syndrome alarm is going off - my gender … “stuff” hasn’t really been a career issue for me. Not directly at least, but it does occupy a lot of brain cycles which could probably be more usefully used.

@guyinaskirt tbh at the moment *anything* in support of women and non-binis is good. I don't think it matters from whom the words of support are coming.

I mean yeah you and me might have it easier when it comes to job/carrer. Fitting in more with what the conservative playbook expects to the outside.

But I think what people in minorities need is empathy and support. Huminizing them as the "mainstream" (rather the right wingers) tries (and somewhat succeed) tries to demonize them and treat for examples trans as lesser-humans.

Showing them you care is great for them. Also you can maybe emphasize just a little bit to their problems.

I do also hope you are not the only speaker. Get those different voices heard!

I did have the same kind of brainworms recently. You know my employer (working for a state in germany) send an email around a few months back where the minister told us that the office will officially take part in the CSD in Stuttgart. I was so happy when I read that. I always thought of my employer as rather conservative and there to be no place for that. But seemingly I might have been mistaken. I do hope they go through with it though as the political climate shifted after the elections.

I also thought about if I really "belong" to a CSD or not. I do like me some skirts, tights and dresses. But will present male in professional context. So I don't struggle there really.

Mulling about stuff I did come to the conclusion that it should not matter. CSD celebrates diversity and gives minorities a plattform to call out stupid shit. The more we are the better. Though I am kinda concerned in the rise of far right idiots getting more and more "brave", open and ready to use violence...

That said I think you will do a good job. Have a huggie