Dear anonymous,
Your letter makes valid points. It’s always helpful (to the world at large) to let someone know when they are being oppressive, or perpetuating oppression, whether through language or action.
I worry, though, that the way you make these points is counter-productive. Miranda’s editorial was a flawed attempt to express anger at oppression. Mocking someone for not caring correctly is needless and impedes necessary dialogue. That was an opportunity for teaching how to better cover trans issues, but instead you suggested that she stop trying to cover them at all. Discouraging anyone, especially the media, from discussing oppression helps no one.
The truth is, getting used to someone’s change in pronouns is challenging for most people to get accustomed to. It shouldn’t be, but very few people are adequately prepared to understand gender issues. Miranda said it pretty well: “Personal pronouns, at times, can be hard to get used to. However, it is something I have learned to do over the time I have spent at Trent University, and I truly encourage you to do so as well.” It takes time to unlearn preconceptions about gender, and we should all take every opportunity to help people do that.
Wes C-T
