So I just discovered c/womensstuff, commented in a thread that took my interest and got a somewhat abusive “eff off” comment from a mod with added sarcasm.
I then saw it’s “women only”. This is the only community I know that bans based on a protected identity of a person, e.g. in the UK, it’s illegal to discriminate based on gender, sexuality, religion etc.
How does everyone feel about this for Lemmy communities?
Let me try to phrase my opinion:
It’s unfortunate that gender-exclusive communities exist, but it’s a consequence of deeper societal issues.
Forcing the issue on social networks like Lemmy will actually make it worse, because those groups will feel in danger and want to separate even further.
Being able to access the community in read-only mode is a very good thing, because you’ll be able to gain insight into why they feel the need for a separate space. Read, learn and understand, even if you disagree.
But read, learn, understand what? Do you really think the problem you claim women need the space is because (presumably men, the alleged oppressors) don’t “understand” women and if only they’d take time to read and understand women it would all be ok?
Why they feel the need to be separate. What exactly are they afraid of. You’re focusing too much on being “technically correct”. Human emotions don’t work like that.
Humans work generally like this:
Sometimes it leads into coping mechanisms like needing a safe space. Trying to break down that barrier by force will not work, it will only make it stronger. You can hope to be invited in, but that requires understanding.