Dear Claire from HR, I'm writing to inform you that I am resigning with immediate effect from your NGO, Women's Rights are Human Rights. Here are the reasons why I have taken this decision:
* I had joined WRHR so that everyone could see and hear how liberal I was without having to actually do anything about it. But I was horrified to find out that the Director actually kept asking me to do work. Right in between my World of Warcraft sessions. I found this totally unacceptable and despite my trying to make Laura the intern do it all, I found that she kept taking credit for her own work. I was disgusted and frankly, quite apalled.
* When I do make an effort, no one tells me how well I've completed my task list and how efficiently I'm performing. Instead, the Director thanks me, smiles and moves on. I've never felt so undervalued.
* At team meetings, none of the women let me explain to them how they're supposed to be working. The Director kept telling me, (in a patronizingly calm voice,) that everyone had a turn to talk and it wasn't mine just yet. When I was given a turn, no one agreed to my suggestions. Once, I was even told to "listen more," something I've never needed to do in my life! I'm not used to workplace aggression of this level and must ask that WRHR pay for my future therapy sessions.
* As the first male in the company, I expected to be cared for more. Instead, I was treated just the same as any other new employer! I was even introduced to the team at the same meeting as Jenny- Jenny who's worked for women's rights all of her life when it was my first time! This was unacceptable.
* I'm embarrassed to even bring this up, but there have been no urinals installed in any part of the building since my first day here. My masculinity and sense of identity feel threatened, especially when I think of all the bars in the city that have nothing but urinals. This oversight goes against the promise you made to me in my interview of "an inclusive work space".
* Though I make sincere efforts to integrate with the team, lunches are endless discussions about men, children and sexism in day to day life. People get upset when I jokingly refer to the team as 'guys' and discuss feminist representation in anime shows and manga.
For these reasons, I find myself unable to continue at WRHR. I hope someday, you'll see the error of your ways and future men who come to work here (if there are any,) will feel more included and respected.
Best, John Becky
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