Respect gender change

In the May 10 Odds & Ends newsline, The Seattle Times reported on the recent announcement by Against Me! lead singer Tom Gabel to undergo gender-reassignment surgery in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. While the story is a boon for the transgender community in its acknowledgment of an issue that doesn’t always get much attention, The Times has unfortunately failed to follow the lead of Rolling Stone Magazine in respecting gender-identity politics.

The difference between The Times’ and Rolling Stone Magazine’s version of the announcement is that Rolling Stone Magazine respectfully referred to Gabel by her new female pronoun. The Times, however, continues to reference to Gabel with the male pronoun.

The difference might seem inconsequential, but Gabel identifies as a woman. She is a woman. Therefore, we as a community can demonstrate support and respect for the wishes of Gabel and thousands of others undergoing gender-reassignment surgery by referring to them by the gender of their choosing (despite outside appearances). Lead by example, and keep these details in mind during future reports on public figures undergoing reassignment.

— Rebecca Morin, Seattle