Editor’s Note: Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story incorrectly described Coco Riot. Riot is a 33-year-old transgender artist of Spanish descent. The Gazette regrets the error.
from The Montreal Gazette, February 11th, 2012
I am a trans activist and artist. The Howl Arts Collective invited me to speak on a panel about Art and Activism. The Gazette covered this event, and in the article, they revealed my birth gender. This is a violent attack for any transgender person. Kevin Lo, on behalf of The Howl Arts Collective, informed The Gazette that they should not refer to me as “she” but as “they.” They refused. This is ironic, because it was exactly my point in the panel. The Gazette editor wrote a response that was insulting, prejudiced and transphobic:

“And we’re in the information/news business: if Coco is a woman, we use “she” to identify that fact to our readers.”

So I am happy that finally, after a concerted effort between myself, Kevin Lo and facebook status updates, we pursuaded the editor to make the necessary changes.
For all genderqueer, trans communities and allies, this is a great step in the recognizition of trans identities and for the respect of our chosen genders, including “they”. Hopefully we can use this a precedent with other media.
OH YEAH!!! Thank you Kevin Lo for your extraordinary support on talking to The Gazette and for your amazing ally work.