5 ms·

Yeah, but I mean, if I took up a sudden interest in crocheting or something and the best way to get connected and start learning was to go to a crocheting conve

• jamesbritt 17y ago
  " ... I'd feel a little awkward/discouraged." Why? Seriously. Because you're a dude? Have you been to mostly-women gatherings before? I believe that if people go to an event expecting to be treated as an outsider, they will behave in a way that will discourage people from welcoming them. It's true that some number of guys have treated some women as lesser beings at tech conferences, but it's also true that some number of guys have treated other guys as lesser beings at tech conferences. Geeks are competitive and cliquish. It may be that way with people into crocheting, too; I would almost expect it. But my experience has been that most people are pretty accepting if you show some persistence and genuine interest.
  • tumult 17y ago
    I'm sure it is, and I would probably be fine. It's still intimidating stepping into unknown territory like that.
    • jamesbritt 17y ago
      Oh. I'm sure. I've felt it myself, and still do at some events where I feel like a noob. What I don't see mentioned much in the discussion of women and tech gatherings is that a whole lot of guys feel awkward and unwelcome when attending tech events. That doesn't necessarily mean there's no misogyny, but it suggests that the feeling of unease people feel is not (always) because of sex, but because some groups just are not so welcoming of outsiders until the outsider demonstrates some chops or other sign of "belonging".