I don't know if this is the most frequently asked question but between the most challenging and most consistent, it certainly rises to the top.
Here is the challenge of language, it is profoundly contextual and subjective. Because of who Pauli Murray was and when Pauli Murray was the language Pauli had access to was based on the limits and boundaries of Pauli's own context. Now, however, Pauli Murray has returned to the infinite, has transcended the limits of, not only embodiment but also time, space and language. Our limited perspectives based on our own personalities, access (aka privilege), experiences, trauma, etc. make us all feel some kinda way about the language that we feel "should" be used to talk about this transcendent and epic being, this exemplary individual called Pauli Murray.
Our pronoun practice in the Portal?
We want it to be a safe space for everyone. Some of us may be aggravated by using (and not using) pronouns in familiar ways. However, others of us face very violent and harsh repercussions for our gender identities. Because of that, pronouns can be quite triggering and harmful. Therefore, in the portal we use Pauli's name and neutral pronouns.
However, to be able to create this space at the scale we imagine we have a range of collaborators. Some of our team are still learning to expand how they use (and refrain from using) pronouns. We are growing together.
This is in alignment with the standard set by Sangodare for peace and safety in this community educational (and therefore intimate + sacred) space.
Sangodare's answer?
Be respectful and use whatever loving and poetic language feels good in the space and with the people you are with in said space.
