Letter #1
Dear _______,
I'm a long-time member and I'm
genderqueer.
I believe in the work that you do and
applaud your international efforts. I think direct action by citizens
plays a critical role in changing the world for the better. I hope to
remain a member and a part of your online activism for many more
years.
However, I cannot currently participate
in your online campaigns. Addressing government officials requires a
certain level of respect. One way that we show that respect is by
adding a prefix such as "Mr." or Ms." before our
names. As a genderqueer person, I use the prefix "Mx.",
which was recently added to the Oxford Dictionary. Until such a time
as I will not be forced to misgender myself, I will be taking a
hiatus from participating with you.
Therefore, I urge you to add "Mx."
to the list of titles a person can choose from in your organization.
Sincerely,
Mx. Melissa ra Karit
Letter #2
Dear ______,
My girlfriend first brought me to your
women-centric space early this year. Since then, I've been back
multiple times as a guest and enjoyed myself a great deal. I find it
very relaxing.
I want to ask a clarifying question
about your gender policy. Since this space is a silent retreat, I
will obviously not be asking anyone about their gender, nor will
anyone be asking me about mine. I am female-bodied and genderqueer.
How would you like me to interact with this space? For example, would
it be appropriate for me to have my own membership, typically only
given to women? I know that this space is for woman only after 9pm.
Would I be welcome during that time? And, for the sake of other
non-binary, intersex, and transgender people who might be wondering,
would the answer to those questions change if I were male-bodied?
Thanks for providing this space and for
your consideration of these questions.
-Mx. Melissa
