It happened. I got an R&R back with the comment that the main issue with my paper is a "weak scientific writing style." It includes a list of sentences the reviewer thinks I should delete. But here's the thing--the critique isn't really about the writing.

The sentences I should delete are on the following topics:

My gender and its (positive) impact on building rapport with research participants

The reality that the burden of sexual violence prevention is placed on women

The possibility that two sexual partners may differ in their interpretation of whether or not a sexual event was consensual

Recognition that our cultural default to trust men over women in these disputes is "concerning"

Assertion that while not all men perpetrate sexual violence, all men benefit from it

Statement that affirmative consent trainings have not eradicated sexual violence

These statements were listed as examples of "unnecessary commentary."

Let's be clear: this isn't about my writing style. It's about the feminist argument advanced by the paper. Writing style is what sexists fall back on when they don't have an empirical basis for their critique.

And there are no empirical complaints about the paper. The only other remaining request from this reviewer is that I provide a specific section of my interview guide. The other reviewer was completely satisfied with the first round of revisions.

And to put this into context, I'm on the job market this year. This paper would have been my first sole-authored publication.

This is gatekeeping in academia.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice on what to say in my email to the editor—I’m all ears.