I agree. It's a shame. TBH If I were a woman, I'd likely create a male online persona just so I could compete on a level playing field without the silly reverse

I agree. It's a shame. TBH If I were a woman, I'd likely create a male online persona just so I could compete on a level playing field without the silly reverse sexism and condescending "oh wow! You're a woman, well in that case this is even more impressive then! Well done you." The problem is, often online if a woman steps into a geeky world, their comment/post/whatever is voted up into the stratosphere, by probably well meaning men who want to prove they're not sexist. Judge stories/posts/comments on their merit. Not the identity of the author.