Lack of Female Representation

Well if anonymity is such a concern, perhaps we should all use our actual names. 

Did you ever consider that some of the of the problems experienced by these female enthusiasts were issues with perception and not reality? To assume that these members speak for all women and that their shared experiences are universal is very dangerous. The kinder and gentler among use readily accept this as fact because it fits very neatly into the narrative and world view.

If you really want issues of race and gender to disappear, then quit calling attention to it and expect no special accommodation when you start to participate in a staid hobby like audio. The best way to affect change is to get over the feelings of discomfort and show these old farts that you have something to offer. Yes I did suggest that some of us step out of our comfort zones for just a moment. Some things in life arent easy as much as current trends would like to suggest that they should be.

jjss49 I love the way you equate social and political opinions with notions of worth.  

This has always puzzled me as well; it's not like women can't tell the difference in sound quality of various gear, and I'd think most of those would prefer something that sounds better than something else. So I don't know why this seems to approach 100% male audiophiles; I wish more women were into it.

'Half the 'Goners are women'? Maybe so, but I'd like to see how that statistic was arrived at. Half the people at audio shows and in hi-fi shops sure are not women; more like 5% from my observations. And explaining is explaining, I don't care if it's a man or a woman - never could understand this 'mansplaining' stuff... 

I tend to listen to sounds. My wife tends to listen to lyrics. Together we make a pretty good team.

Kindest Regards,
Mike

I think this thread is a good example of why most people (regardless of gender, ethnicity or age) think twice before posting. I bet there's a damn sight more knowledge, experience and wisdom among the lurkers than there is among the sum of contributors. It's just unfortunate that so many threads get dominated by the blowhards or descend into a war between two factions.
A bit of humility would go a long way for all of us... and then maybe the membership might be a little more diverse and we might all learn a little bit more... not holding my breath.

Please don't encourage them into the hobby. My time listening to music is first the thorough enjoyment of the music and the very close second is not having to be in the room with my wife. My wife could not tell the difference between am radio and my reference system. Same way she cant tell the difference between 4k, 1080p, or analog tube tv. Some have and some will tell me she can but she doesn't care. I will challenge you on that maybe, as soon as i find something she does care about other than bitching every second.