I don’t know who needs to hear this, but research topics aren’t gendered. Just because I am a female doesn’t mean I can’t study mass shootings, and just because you’re male doesn’t mean you get to mansplain me about an area I am a national expert on. (A thread) 1/10

This has been bothering me for a few days. I posted a research article the other day that made a false claim on mass shootings’ frequency based on the context it was presented in. I had not one but multiple males tell me I was wrong. 2/10

I provided statistical support by way of crime statistics to show why my assessment was not wrong. It was met with responses that made absolutely no sense (including references to Egg McMuffins). When I didn’t back down, the other side ended the conversation. 3/10

At first I shrugged it off, but it bothered me. I was talking with a male colleague, another researcher on the issue of guns, who happened to be part of the broader conversation about this post. He was actually the one who brought up how sexist the exchanges were. 4/10

This colleague even went so far as to observe that while he had made similar points that I had during the exchanges, these males came at me and said nothing to him. That is what got me thinking, and why I am posting this. 5/10

We don’t pick a lane in research based on our sex or gender – we pick an interest. For me, that was mass shootings, which happens to be a male-dominated (95%) crime. It involves a weapon (firearm) more commonly used by males than females during a crime. 6/10

Yet just because I am female, I am constantly challenged as if I don’t know what I am talking about or can’t possibly understand this violent crime. Like it is “taboo” to do so, as my male colleague noted. 7/10

I chose to dispel an incorrect yet popular narrative because, as I said then, context matters. As a national expert on mass shootings, it is not only my right to do so, it is my responsibility. I’ve also been studying this topic longer than most. 8/10

Researchers should study what they are passionate about. Males can study issues that profoundly impact females, like sexual assault. Females can also study issues that impact males. What matters is that we conduct good, solid research and we base our statements on evidence. 9/10

I could go on, but I think the point is made. When research conversations are on the table, please check your biases at the door. Comment based on the evidence that is provided, not the sex or gender of who is providing it. Facts matter. Context matters. Credentials matter. 10/10