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I am not inspired today.
When I logged into Facebook today, I saw that a longtime friend posted an anti-trans link, framing the use of pronouns as patriarchal and misogynistic. A lot of my spirit deflated.
The premise that biology and gender are fixed is an outgrowth of patriarchy and misogyny. The premise that the way we express our gender identity should conform with constructs created by society is patriarchal and misognyistic. My pronouns have nothing to do with you. Common courtesy and common sense say that you should respect my pronouns if you want to have constructive contact with me. My pronouns say nothing about your identity. Your choice to respect my pronouns says everything about your humanity.
Of course I understand that we live in time fraught with heightened attacks on women, attacks grounded in patriarchy and misogyny. I have two nieces and four nephews between ages 12–17; I am terrified about what the Dobbs decision might mean for them. They are already talking about the experiences of their trans, gender nonconforming, and queer friends and classmates.
But I realize that the powerful patricharchs and misogynists need us to look up, to punch up, to follow the money and the power and the decision making. Punching down at trans and nonbinary folx is just…
