Monday, August 30, 2010

Read Your AP Stylebook, Fort Bend Herald

Our latest episode of Transphobic Reporter Gone Wild takes place just down the Southwest Freeway from me in Fort Bend County. It's the suburban county that's wedged up between Harris and Wharton County, where the Araguz trial is taking place.

It was also the political home base of one Thomas Dale Delay, so that gives you a clue which way the politics of Fort Bend county lean for the most part except for the easterb half of it bordering the Harris county line.

Now that I've finished with the Texas geography lesson, time to reveal the name of this 'journalist'.

John S. Merculief II wrote a Saturday August 28 piece with the headline 'ABC’s '20/20' to air segment on firefighter who wedded ex-man.

John, I know you people have an AP Stylebook in the office somewhere. Why don't you find it or go to it online and review the section on respectfully reporting on trans people.

transgender-Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.

If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.


But then again, I guess asking for respect for trans people in a paper based in conservafool turf is asking a bit much, huh?

No comments: