So the feminists at my uni have opened up a women's only space...

EvanCarroll · 2013-05-28T14:45:21+00:00

"This is a safe space"

"What's so safe about it?"

"There are no men"

Thanks, feminists.

subzero_600 · 2013-05-28T14:40:16+00:00

Sounds like you need to get a few people together, go to the student union and get a men's room started. If they turn you down, then it's a matter of clear discrimination so take the fight to the facility.

If you let them win now, how do you think they will turn out when they leave the sheltered world of University and enter the job market.

asainloverfetus · 2013-05-28T15:05:39+00:00

My gym also have a large portion of the gym that only women are allowed to use

Landarchist · 2013-05-28T15:10:30+00:00

I think allocating a room based on gender or race is ridiculous and is against equality.

No, allocating a room based on gender and refusing to allocate another room for the other gender is against equality.

We must get over the idea that equality means denying differences. Equality means respecting differences.

pocketknifeMT · 2013-05-28T13:53:14+00:00

So walk in and tell them you ID as a woman.

If you can find a sympathetic transsexual to go with you and throw a hissy fit when they try to throw you out, even better.

krashmania · 2013-05-28T14:50:28+00:00

Pff.. Australian women are probably the most privileged class on the planet, but of course they'll still pretend to be victims.

Money-Penny · 2013-05-28T19:38:38+00:00

This shit makes me SO mad. Recently, at my University, I saw a poster in the gym advertising "women's only swim hours". What the fuck?! Like ok - I get that you want to go swimming without being oogled or judged if you're pudgy or whatever; but I can guarantee that there are a ton of guys that would like the same opportunity. So dumb.

mordicaii · 2013-05-28T13:20:47+00:00

Actively boycott it. Be a constant thorn in the side of the administration until they respond to you. Advertise your own "Men's Space" (but, in the fine print, allow anyone who wants to come, regardless of gender).

Connec · 2013-05-28T17:25:15+00:00

That's because Feminism doesn't really understand men beyond simple biases.

There's a story about the three Feminist Authors and their understanding of men.

The first Feminist went up to a sleeping man and named the first thing she saw. This feminist proclaimed "Man is a penis. This is how you should deal with men and think of them."

The second Feminist named the first thing she saw and said "Man is lazy, for clearly they sleep all the time."

The third Feminist saw the man thrash in his sleep and proclaimed "Man is violent, they strike out at everything. We should warn women about this."

These Feminist Authors then went on to write literature about the true nature of Men, telling men exactly what they thought they were.

The End

PierceHarlan · 2013-05-28T15:39:44+00:00

More and more, these sorts of things are jarring to most people. Gender cultists still think these are legitimate because they have an "us" versus "them" mentality that doesn't comport with modernity.

2013-05-28T19:16:01+00:00

If I were you I would go to that room every day with about 3-4 buddies. Always act politely, but all of you carry a copy of the Australian law that forbids it, and when they ask you to leave read the page outloud. If I got kicked out I would take them to court.

nonplussed_nerd · 2013-05-28T21:05:13+00:00

This is our Anti-Discrimination law. Hit them with it. Hard.

Division 2, section 22. Key points highlighted

(1) It is unlawful for a person who, whether for payment or not, provides goods or services, or makes facilities available, to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person’s sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, or breastfeeding:

(a) by refusing to provide the other person with those goods or services or to make those facilities available to the other person;

(b) in the terms or conditions on which the first‑mentioned person provides the other person with those goods or services or makes those facilities available to the other person; or

(c) in the manner in which the first‑mentioned person provides the other person with those goods or services or makes those facilities available to the other person.

2013-05-28T19:52:39+00:00

As a woman, I have always been a little bit put off by the idea that women need a "safe space" and that "safe" constitutes barring men from admittance, as if you guys are all a threat. It's ridiculous. Women aren't that fragile, and if we are then we aren't really equal to men, because men aren't that fragile. It's crazy.

Anyway, I think that you should make it your mission to promote men's issues on your campus. Don't wait for someone else to do it - you do it! I'm sure there will be lots of men who will appreciate it and get on board and support your efforts. You can also look into the legality of this "women's only space", and if it is in fact illegal you can bring that to their attention (or get a female friend to do it so they won't be all "oh noes, a man wants to shut down our space, see, the patriarchy is real!!").

Qix213 · 2013-05-28T19:31:41+00:00

How can you have a rational discussion on the issues females deal with while excluding males completely? You can't. Because that's not the intention. The intention is to have a place for women to have a place they can spout half formed ideas and repeat bigoted and verifiably false claims/comments against men and have people agree with them. By excluding men they are saying the intent of this room is to create a safe place for women to be sexist against men. By having this room, not only are they being sexist, they are actively encouraging it among the students.

I have no issues with a female centric room. I have no issues with a room dedicated to nothing but discussion and talk about female issues. But to refuse entrance to a room because someone is male is the definition of sexism.

If you can't replace the words 'male' and 'female' with the words 'white' and 'black' and not be racist, how could this not be considered sexist?

If a man (or anyone for that matter) cannot stay on topic, or not discuss a topic rationally without being threatening or demeaning, kick them out. Or take it further and get a complaint on record with the school.

Jokingly, you could always, find the square footage of all the rooms at your Uni, subtract the rooms men are not allowed to enter. If that ends up as 1% of the Uni, insist that all men get 1% lower tuition costs. May not sound like much, but 1% of 20K/year is 2 grand. $2,000 times all the men enrolled would be a huge chunk of change to the school.

PlasticDickBag · 2013-05-28T21:46:40+00:00

you should do non-violent resistance and go in and refuse to leave. make them look violent.

TheoreticalFunk · 2013-05-28T22:01:58+00:00

There are already spaces for women only or men only. They are called toilets.

2013-05-29T00:37:21+00:00

My university had a Women's room. I always very uncomfortable in there (I am a woman).
Even the mention of a Men's room or questioning the need for a Women's room could get you in trouble with the university admin.

noodleworm · 2013-05-28T14:42:46+00:00

Just identify as a woman. Make a joke out of them.

McFeely_Smackup · 2013-05-28T17:46:06+00:00

How about a room for individuals who "identify as Caucasian".

Let me submit that if anyone finds that idea offensive, then replacing "Caucasian" with "woman" makes it just as offensive.

philosarapter · 2013-05-28T17:39:02+00:00

Start your own "No-girls-allowed" Club.

Hypersapien · 2013-05-28T19:23:51+00:00

I have no problem with women on campus setting up a "women only" area, given two conditions:

1, they are creating a new area and not taking a previously coed area and cutting off men's access to it

2, they don't actively fight against the establishment of an equivalent "men only" area (which the reverse of condition 1 would apply to).

2013-05-28T22:44:12+00:00

This is where you walk in, sit down, be nice/quiet/don't start shit. When they ask you to leave, ignore them. When they force you to leave by physical force, call 911, you're being battered. Yes, you should take it that far. Yes it puts all the risk on you, sorry, life sucks.

Woden888 · 2013-05-28T22:49:28+00:00

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Crimson_D82 · 2013-05-29T01:53:07+00:00

Open a mens only space and see how well that goes over and then point out they did the same thing for women.

lordslag · 2013-05-28T16:45:20+00:00

Start/demand a men's only space. If the powers that be refuse/object, flip the script and shout "SEXISM" then sue. Fuck em, time for consequences.

DerpaNerb · 2013-05-28T15:04:13+00:00

Like what everyone else said. Just go there with all your friends and tell them you identify as a woman. If you really wanted to fight against it instead of just personally proving a point... record everything (but be subtle... maybe a microphone in a pocket or something).

Furah · 2013-05-28T18:31:39+00:00

Wow, we have laws against this kind of thing? I'd say to start there, universities really hate legal action.

SpikeNLB · 2013-05-28T18:36:54+00:00

Wow, and all this time I thought the Women's Bathroom was enough when it comes to chicks needing a room just for them.

Wheels279 · 2013-05-28T18:57:53+00:00

So sad, a women's only room is kind of the antithesis of feminism in my opinion.

Vandredd · 2013-05-28T19:06:38+00:00

Use title 9. They have to provide a male equivalent if this uni is in the USA

KTY_ · 2013-05-28T19:35:04+00:00

Open up a men's only space right next to it. I mean, feminists are for equality, right?

insaneHoshi · 2013-05-28T22:30:41+00:00

I think that its fine that they do this as long as they do not obstruct a similar space for men. People are allowed to be exclusive and short sighted and as they wish, nothing will change this.

blueskin · 2013-05-28T23:01:46+00:00

Either:

Take it to the staff. If that fails, take it to the national news.
or
Start one for men. If this fails, see 1.

CyberToyger · 2013-05-28T23:06:50+00:00

If it's a publicly/tax-funded uni, then I would see about starting a Men's-only space so that guys who've put up with girlfriends who've abused them mentally and physically, and guys who've just generally had a less-than-stellar life can talk things out without feeling embarrassed. If you get turned down, then I'd start raising hell about it and point out the blatant sexism to as many people as possible.

As an MRA and a Voluntaryist, my main problem isn't that Women-only spaces exist, it's that Men-only spaces do not alongside them, and that Feminists will crusade so hard against them. This is especially true for tax-funded schools; it's flat-out wrong to use tax dollars to only support one gender when taxes are being collected from BOTH.

WordsNotToLiveBy · 2013-05-28T23:52:01+00:00

This will piss off a lot of people and go against the grain here, but I'm all for separate spaces. There should definitely be unisex in general areas, but why shouldn't there be spaces for just men or just women?

I find problems with them only if they are the only types of accommodations around or if there is gross disparities between the two.

However, sometimes men just want to be away from the opposite sex as women want to be with just their sisteren. Why not provide that space? If everyone would like to be more communal, then the people will decide that, but if there are some who would rather be on their own, then what's so wrong with that?

Brintyboo · 2013-05-29T04:26:28+00:00

There is a 'women's space' at my university too, however, I am under the impression that it does not ban men, it's just that men wouldn't have a whole lot of use for the services it provides. Like breastfeeding rooms, tampon dispensers, and pamphlets with information on women's health (ie; pap smears). Although there is a lack of similar services for men available, which is depressing.

HugoWeaver · 2013-05-29T04:34:31+00:00

Most uni's where I am (Australia) have womens areas. They aren't really "Social" rooms but places you can go to for confidential advice, DV, etc.

I tried to petition my university for a mens room but was denied twice in 2 years and gave up. I don't see a problem with a womens space, it's perfectly fine and I'm 100% in support of it. Women do encounter many social issues and do need that support and a place to turn to.

That said, I would like to see a mens space where they can turn to for their own issues (Anger management, counselling, assistance for those with kids, etc). It just doesn't exist which is a shame.

meeeow · 2013-05-29T09:36:49+00:00

My university has one, I haven't been there personally but I'd find it incredibly useful if something like being sexually assaulted happened to me. I live with 4 guys so I imagine if I wanted some time with other women it might be nice to attend to and generally speaking I think is a good space for female students in campus.

I'm not aware of a male-room, but I'm also pretty 100% sure if there was an attempt to create such space the Union would probably go for it. Or rather there'd probably be a lot of debate within the university and would bring the issue of equality to the front-page of the newspaper which would be really great.

Just because people are for women-safe space doesn't mean we hate men or think they don't need them either, but by the same tolken why should the FemSoc (example at my uni) be responsible for setting that up when they already have their plates absolutely full.

2013-05-28T14:25:05+00:00

I don't really have experience with colleges but you could look at the number of female students and graduates and tell them how that makes men privileged.

Men are falling behind in education across most western societies.

GregorPike · 2013-05-28T17:33:55+00:00

You should put a women's restroom sign on the door.

rightsbot · 2013-05-28T13:18:17+00:00

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CrossHook · 2013-05-28T16:23:35+00:00

Why don't you open one up for men only then? It'd be a good opportunity and would surely get a lot of support from the people criticizing the women only space, and could provide the guys in the college with a great area to get together and discuss the issues that are unique to us.

sommelier · 2013-05-28T19:21:18+00:00

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CrossHook · 2013-05-28T15:06:15+00:00

I'd chain myself in front of the door with a couple friends and a cooler full of beer.

2013-05-28T17:24:51+00:00

Is there any way you can get pictures of this room and then post em up here?

Blemish · 2013-05-28T17:27:31+00:00

Do you have the poster to share ?

Students comments ??

pics ??

... any kind of evidence

noodleworm · 2013-05-28T17:51:11+00:00

I do actually kind of like they clarified individuals who "identify as women".

He have segregation all all over the place, restrooms, private schools. etc etc. Does this Australian law forbid mens only restrooms?

I can agree with the issue at hand if you were starting a movement for a mens only room and were being denied.

Morally, yeah, we shouldn't be segregating, both genders should be comfortable with the others company. It doesn't always work out =(. I did an assignment in university on gender segregated schools and during my research did find that weirdly theres all these academic and social benefits to girls being in single sex schools. yet the reverse was not true for boys, They were found to perform better in mixed schools.

2013-05-28T19:06:54+00:00

I would start promoting their safe space as "separate but equal, just like we used to have"

Young_Zaphod · 2013-05-28T20:23:22+00:00

Michigan State University has had a woman's reading room in our Union for a long long time. It's come under fire, but was protected by the university (I can't remember the full story). There is nothing like that for men here, though.

raginglion · 2013-05-28T20:37:17+00:00

Nothing shows being oppressed like segregating yourself, am I right?

crazyex · 2013-05-28T20:45:09+00:00

You should buy a vagina necklace off etsy and when questioned, point to it and say "I am a woman and this is my vagina"

2013-05-28T21:55:58+00:00

I remember my uni had a prayer room...we got kicked out of it for studying.

Yeah, I don't really understand why a female only room is needed. I'm sure it provides a different environment for those women who are genuinely frightened of men, but it's almost like saying "I'm scared of black people, so I'm making a white person only room."

timo103 · 2013-05-28T22:12:51+00:00

Enter as an individual who identifies as a woman.

brettins · 2013-05-28T22:29:21+00:00

I'd say the question is - is there a demand for this? If there are women who feel they are safe when away from men, this seems OK to me. The discriminatory nature of making the space is a little rough and points to bad thing in terms of administration.

But are we making some people's lives better by having this room? That's important. It's also important that we don't foster discrimination.

I guess I'm just very torn about this one.

Nomenimion · 2013-05-29T03:12:30+00:00

Give all feminists their own exclusive space -- then teleport it to the Klingon homeworld.

timdesuyo · 2013-05-29T05:03:47+00:00

Throw some meat at the vegetarians, and then have George Clinton come to your party. From my research, this indicates that all problems will be solved.

SDcowboy82 · 2013-05-28T15:47:04+00:00

Let them have their space. Just keep asking them if all women are really that weak, or if it's just feminists.

danamos · 2013-05-28T16:25:20+00:00

QUT?

Ma99ie · 2013-05-28T20:20:03+00:00

Unless you post a picture of the sign, and tell us what university, I don't think it's even worth discussing based only upon your statements.

jeepdave · 2013-05-28T21:20:32+00:00

Have a stove and dish washer installed.

nonplussed_nerd · 2013-05-28T16:04:41+00:00

[permanently deleted]

2013-05-28T18:54:36+00:00

I really don't see any problem in a women's only space. Just chill and let them jerk their thoughts off eternally.

Godspiral · 2013-05-28T19:52:09+00:00

I identify as a woman. I believe I should have all the rights that they do.

This also works at "ladies nights" promotions, but people will generally not take up your offer of fingering you for proof, and if they do, you can scream sexual harassment and attempted rape.

2013-05-29T13:06:23+00:00

What uni is this?

2013-05-29T13:11:28+00:00

It's unfair to have a men's only room, but not a women's only room. That's promoting inequality. What bullshit. I care about gender equality, not single-gender superiority. It's unfair to guilt all men, like some sort of inherited 'original sin'. I never oppressed women, i care about equality. Inherited guilt is bullshit. Most men promote gender inequality, but shit like this just makes it worse.

thegoldenbikini89 · 2013-05-28T15:17:02+00:00

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MSILE · 2013-05-28T19:47:31+00:00

Aren't the girls toilet and boys toiley only for one gender too? Maybe they should change that too.

Gaggamaggot · 2013-05-28T18:18:28+00:00

Fuck women. I do.

vitaminsandmineral · 2013-05-28T17:26:52+00:00

Who gives a fuck? There are millions of square miles of shared space on the planet. So there's a couple square feet that are women only? the males on this thread whine like 13-year old girls. Get over the person who hurt you and donate your time to something useful...

Title	So the feminists at my uni have opened up a women's only space...
Author	sfacets
Upvotes	467
Comments	325
Date	May 28, 2013 1:16 PM UTC (13 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1f73ta/so_the_feminists_at_my_uni_have_opened_up_a/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/so-the-feminists-at-my-uni-have-opened-up-a-womens.1172717 https://theredarchive.com/post/1172717

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