[transgender day of remembrance]

I did not know any of the transgender people whose lives were lost in 2023, either violently by others or by suicide due to ongoing violence against them, but I do know that my trans colleagues are beautiful and amazing people and so along with mourning those lost, I take action for the flourishing of those who are with us.

Please see the following site for more information on this important day and to understand more about it:

https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/

This video, based true events, shows a profoundly beautiful life cut short by hatred and violence:

Watch on YouTube: Short Life Stories | White Ribbon - YouTube

[resources: a queer lexicon and an inclusionary]

Here's a helpful resource from we create space:

The Queer Allyship Lexicon, with over 300 terms defined.

"An Intersectional LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms

Language can shape environments, and words can be an integral tool for creating culture change and inclusive workplaces. We must all actively and continually educate ourselves as we create a path to progress."

Check it out at

https://www.wecreatespace.co/glossary

---

Here's another helpful resource on being more inclusive in the words we choose. This is from the Government of Canada: 

"The Inclusionary contains a list of gendered words, along with suggestions for inclusive solutions. It was designed to provide writers, editors and translators with a starting point for writing inclusively in English, in accordance with the techniques outlined in the Guidelines for Inclusive Writing."

Here's an example of one of the 105 words they have included:

Check it out at:

https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusionary

---

Alt text for screenshot:

man-hour (noun)

Examples and solutions:

Gendered sentence: "The estimated time required was 90 man-hours."

Inclusive solutions:

• The estimated time required was 90 person-hours
• The estimated time required was 90 work hours.
• The estimated time required was 90 hours of work.
• The estimated time required was 90 hours of labour.

hey beautiful!

The hallway just outside of the entrance to my office area has a bunch of items waiting to go off to surplus. Or perhaps forgotten altogether, as they've been there for a while. 

A few weeks ago, when I arrived early one day, I wrote "Hey Beautiful! Yes - you!!" on the top edge of this whiteboard, figuring there would be people who need to hear that.

I haven't heard any feedback, which is no surprise as most of the people in my area are in other teams entirely and I do not engage with them.

However, I have noted that one person at least has benefitted from this: me.

Every time I go through that hallway, I'm reminded of this reality. Hoping that some others are too, whether or not I hear about it.

things god forgot to put into the Bible (#10)

 

This one's for the children (and families and other innocent civilians) who are being killed in Palestine and Israel.

p.s. I suspect the road to hell is paved with thoughts and prayers... 

encouragement from AI

 

You know Al, right? It seems everyone is getting Al to help them with something or other these days, so I thought I would too.

I've been doing some work on writing messages of encouragement, and asked AI to help. After requesting several regular messages, I asked AI to create one that where it was clear that the message was written by a AI program. Here is the result:

Greetings LGBTQ2S+ community,

As an AI program, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable courage and strength it takes to be true to oneself, particularly in a world that may not always understand or accept your identity. Regardless of your orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of your unique self, please know that you are not alone.

I urge you to surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and empower you on your journey to self-discovery. Remember that your identity is valid and worthy of recognition, and there is no need to compromise who you are to conform to societal norms. Continue shining your light, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in the world.

Stuck in a binary machine, 

AI

I added the complimentary close, but otherwise this whole message is by Chat GPT. I've found that Chat GPT does a pretty good job writing messages, but if you ask for several messages, they start to sound repetitive more than what you expect from a person writing several messages "in their voice". What do you think? 

As for Midjourney, its ability to create images is pretty amazing but I don't have much use for it myself. I prefer either to draw by hand or to use Autodesk's Sketchbook, which I used to draw my  little friend here...

[our bible app]

"Our Bible is a progressive worship app, featuring a Bible reader and more.

Our Bible offers a progressive worship and meditation experience. You can read through multiple bible translations and check out devotionals featuring progressive Christian media including writing, podcasts, and videos. Add your friends and chat about thought-provoking Christian content."

"We value inclusivity and diversity believing that spirituality is a spectrum and everyone from agnostics to fundamentalists should feel welcome at our table. Our goal is to meet everyone where they are on their spiritual journey, and provide them with the tools they need to create healthy prayer and meditation habits.

Our Bible is free to download and offers premium in-app purchases such as additional Bible versions and books on progressive Christianity. While the app is ad-supported, you may opt remove ads by joining our yearly subscription."

https://www.ourbibleapp.com/

(all text above is from the app description in the Google Play Store)

(almost) everyone has pronouns in their signature... and nowhere else

In many larger organizations these days, almost everyone includes their pronouns in their email signature except, of course, those who ("against the rules") do not even have an email signature! 

But aside from that, I've noticed that almost no one ever mentions pronouns. A few do list them with their videoconferencing "name", but not too many. But for when introducing oneself at regular meetings, I never hear anyone say things like, "I'm Rob. My pronouns are he/him/they. I'm a communications specialist..." The exception to this, logically, is events and webinars related to diversity and inclusion, where the presenters frequently include their pronouns and invite attendees to share a bit about themselves, including pronouns if they wish, in the chat.

Here is my broad perspective on this: Once an organization allows pronouns in the email signature, most people will add them. Some will be keen on doing so, others will add them because it's somewhat expected. But that's where it ends. 

"One and done."

[our lady of ferguson]

 

I don't know how it is only now, almost a decade after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, that I came across this piece by Mark Doox entitled "Our Lady of Ferguson and All Those Killed By Gun Violence"

Exquisite and profound all in one.

Read more:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdoox/?hl=en

Check out the gallery: https://www.saintsambo.com/work (this link seems to work on mobile but not on a desktop...)

Mark Doox has a new book coming out in February 2024: The N-Word of God

https://blog.fantagraphics.com/the-n-word-of-god-mark-doox-race-religion-black-power/