Thursday, October 2, 2014

Validation and respect

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

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