The T word and Me
kate bornstein
http://katebornstein.typepad.com/kate_bornsteins_blog/2010/11/the-t-word-and-me.htmlThe T word I've been using the word ->-bleeped-<- for years. I'm going to stop using it. It's hurting too many members of my own family, and I have no right to use a word that I know hurts any people. I'm sorry.
I didn't really get how it could be painful to so many people until I read an open letter written to me by Quinnae Moongazer on her blog, Nuclear Unicorn. In her open letter, Ms. Moongazer makes a few points that I could correct but they're not worth quibbling about. Ms. Moongazer is someone I'd like to have dinner with some day, and if that happens, I'll quibble then.
I have many friends and tribe who see the T word as a term of endearment and cultural unification, as I do. So, I'll continue to use the word with those folks. But because so many others are hurt by the word, I promise I'll do my best not to use it in public.
