BUT, I was EXTREMELY OFFENDED when I saw this meme in my Facebook and Instagram feeds yesterday:
Then, someone showed me this today:
*sighs in disgust*
After the red cleared out of my eyes and smoke stopped coming out of my ears, this blog was born and I felt compelled to say TWO (2) things to those who found those memes (and similar comments) funny and/or agree with the sentiment expressed; PLEASE:
1.) sop up your bigotry and ignorance with a biscuit (and throw it in the NEAREST trash can)...
I understand that not everyone agrees with or understands or even knows someone who is transgender. I know that it’s unrealistic for me to believe that I can convince every human in the world of the acute self-awareness, intense personal development and incredible courage it takes to transition. While I hope to change as many hearts and minds as I can, I will always remember that my torts professor in law school taught me that “reasonable minds may differ” on something (unfortunately, that also includes what is or is not bigotry and ignorance).
BUT, even if you don’t think that someone is a bigot and/or ignorant for referring to Caitlyn as Bruce or joking about “Grandpa Caitlyn”:
2.) for the Golden Rule’s sake, call her Caitlyn!!!
Someone (your parents, pastor, teacher, or friend [real or imaginary]) in your life has taught you or told you the “Golden Rule”: you should treat others the way you would want to be treated.
At work this afternoon, I had displeasure of hearing a radio personality on WHUR ask listeners in the DC Metro Area to weigh in on whether Caitlyn should be considered a man or woman (in light of an issue with the country club to which she’s a member).
First of all, morally, no one EXCEPT I Am that I Am (*baits biblical scholars*) can/will judge this (or any) situation.
Second, biologically speaking, the answer is clear.
Third, legally speaking, deciding to change the name and gender on identity documents is a decision for Caitlyn (or any transgender individual) to make personally with their attorneys as well as doctors to follow California (or their state's) law through the judicial system.
Finally, socially speaking, how Caitlyn wants to be addressed should be a non-issue.
*sighs (again) in disgust*
Q: WHY IS THIS EVEN UP FOR PUBLIC DEBATE!?!?!?
#PetPeeve I hate it when people try to tell others what their individual truth is and/or how to honor their individual truth.
- As a black person, it infuriates me when people of other races try to tell me how I should be black and/or what I should think/feel about my black experience in America.
- As a woman, it infuriates me when those who do not identify as a female tell me how I should be a woman and/or what I should think/feel as a woman.
- As an ally-ish to the LGBTQ community, it infuriates me when someone who doesn't identify as LGBTQIA (or isn’t otherwise in/around the fam) tries to tell a transgender woman how she should be identified and treated.
I am willing to bet one VERY crisp $20 bill with Harriet Tubman's face on it that many of the people weighing in on how Caitlyn should be addressed/received would not hesitate to buy underwear drenched with gasoline and a first class ticket to visit Lucifer for a person who provided unwarranted and unsolicited advice/judgments/commentary.
So, let me send up this truth on this Tuesday, June 2, 2015:
If you want other people to honor your wishes, honor Caitlyn’s wishes.
Your karma will thank you.
*in my Randy Watson voice* SEXUAL CHOCOLATE!!! *drops mic and leaves stage*
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