Boxes appeared in a few high traffic areas on campus, laden with individually wrapped sanitary pads, labelled "Free samples (for ladies)." On each sign, some alert soul changed "ladies" to gender inclusive wording: "people with menstrual cycles", or "people who bleed from sensitive places." One of these, someone went a step further, adding a post-it note thanking this individual for "validating me a a person" signed "someone who menstruates but is not a lady." More post-it notes appeared, in support of the improved wording or the acknowledgement.
I applaud this person who turned questionable wording into a respectful reminder of not just tolerance, but inclusion. And the respectful conversation that followed was also touching. Well done, good people. Well done!
--he
