I am a Feminist

If you've met me, this isn't a revelation. I do feel the need to explain a little because there seems to be some confusion over what this entails.

I want to be equal in my workplace. Not because I am a woman, but because I am a human. My pay and duties should not rely on my gender in any way. I don't want my coworkers to feel the need to treat me differently than my male counterparts. I work in a "shop" atmosphere. No need to adjust your language or your topics just because I'm here. Carry on as you normally would. I'll be ok. Really. I only want to be able to do my job and not have my abilities questioned because I am a female in a male dominated field.

Personally, I'm not as militant as I am when it comes to my job. I am uncomfortable with the holding open of doors when it is specifically for me. Please don't let it slam in my face but don't go out of your way either. I can't say that I've had my chair pulled out (except in the dining room on a cruise ship) or a car door opened for me (I'm usually driving) so I don't really have opinions on those actions. The motives behind the actions are more important to me. If you are doing these things for me because you genuinely care, I'll let you get away with it sometimes. If you are doing them to be polite, I won't frown upon it either. The world needs more politeness. However, If you are doing them because you feel obligated, let me lift that obligation now.

I've read articles that guys don't know how to date or approach a feminist. Will we or won't we be offended by your approach? I can't speak for anyone else. I am comfortable with somewhat more traditional rolls in dating. That's so much different than work or casual relationships. There will be a degree of mutual respect in that situation that makes chivalrous actions not seem demeaning. I think I would like to be contacted first, to have a date planned for me, to be picked up at my door. (I am a little out of practice, that's why I quantify that with "I think.")

I've mentioned before that I wear many hats. When I have on my political activist hat or my IT guy hat, I am absolutely a feminist. I've been a victim of being deemed unable to make my own healthcare decisions and had people assume that I cannot do my job simply because I am female. I will fight against that as long as it remains an issue for any woman. But, when I step out of those rolls and get to let my hair down and be myself, maybe I'm not the feminazi people think I am.

Or maybe I'm a feminist that likes when a guy gives me flowers. That's ok, too.