I've done extensive diversity training in higher education. I suspect that educational institutions are among the most tolerant and accepting organizations on the planet. Color, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, whatever. You name it and we have a special training about it. In general, the ivory tower is a tolerant place, first by mandate and ultimately by familiarity. There are exceptions but they are rare. Even so, I am occassionally surprised.
I got an email today from a genetically female colleague whom I've known as "Alice" for several years. She/he wrote: "I have been working toward formally transitioning my gender for some time now. Effective this Monday, I will be living full time as a male and my new name will be "Adam". I understand using the new name and different pronouns may be difficult, however I am eager to help things go smoothly. If you have questions or would like to talk about this, please let me know. This is our workplace and I intend to maintain the same professional standards I always have."
Of course, the first thing that jumped into my mind was the headline I saw today about the pregnant man.
I know heterosexual folks who've taken to calling their spouses their "partners" to be more inclusive. I have married male friends (to each other) where I am unsure whether to ask of their husband, partner, spouse, wife (is one of them the wife?!). Is there some website that has the correct nomenclature somewhere? Yes I've had tons of training but it's a moving target.
I guess mostly this stuff leaves me befuddled. If sexuality is a continuum (I believe this), I'm at one of the ends. I'm a gal and I like guys. It would take Angelina Jolie for me to even think about experimenting. So, while I can accept it (if that is your thing), I don't feel it. I once had a more balanced female friend grope me in the communal college shower. Um, yeah, really not my thing. But if it yours, more power to you. I apologize in advance if I lack the correct vocabulary. It's not that I don't accept who you are. I do. You just may need to educate me a bit more.
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