I'm sorry that was your experience. The way you talked about your mother seemed aspirational, not abusive, so I misunderstood. Your situation is not the norm, but it has obviously shaped your view of the world.

I do believe that all people are deserving of equal rights and respect. Not, as you say, to be 'handed' things. I mean the right to try. You think people just need to 'work' harder, but some people don't even get the opportunity. That's not a lack of grit or will or whatever.

I don't believe in biological determinism. You say you grew up without gender roles: that just proves my point that gender roles are social, not inherent.

Oddly, we have a lot in common. I'm also autistic, with an audio processing disorder. I was identified as a Gifted child. I've been sexually harassed, particularly as a young girl and teenager, because of the way I look. But unlike you, I don't believe my genetic advantages makes me superior to other people. We are all handed our lot in life and we do with that what we can. I try to use my talents to reduce the suffering of others and advocate for the kind of world I want to see. Feminism is a belief system and also a tool I use to do that.

I don't think we'll be able to agree even if we continue this conversation across the many threads you've started on all my stories. I keep replying to your comments--I hope kindly, although we disagree--but I don't think I can continue to defend what I think is an essential value. Either you believe people are equal, or you don't. And you don't, so there really isn't much else to say.