Richard Madeley Apologies to Sam Smith

[Neverplayleapfrogwithmrpipes]

It has been reported today that Richard Madeley had apologised to Sam Smith for using the wrong pronouns.

The comments on this article are overwhelmingly sane. Here

Didn’t read the article but the comments all seem spot on!

‘Them is so special isn’t them’ says it all !

At least saying "Sam Smith is a bit of a douchebag" doesn't misgender anyone...

I was thinking about the whole pronouns thing yesterday.

It's back to the 'I am more special than you' or 'I am dominant in this interaction' isn't it?

I have resolved to be more forceful of my position on this and if a person tells me their preferred pronouns and they are at odds with what I see before me, I intend to tell them as much - although in reality I will probably take the coward's way out and avoid pronouns altogether!

I respect your right to define yourself as you please and use language that makes sense to you. I will use the language that makes sense to me.

Sam Smith is clearly male and therefore when I look at him I see a man and if want to attribute something to him without using his name, I will use he or his or him. Why is it only me that has to contort my thoughts and language?

No. No more. You do you, and I'll do me and to slightly mis-quote the late Magdalen ' I'd rather be (seen as) rude than a fucking liar!'

Sam Smith is clearly male and therefore when I look at him I see a man and if want to attribute something to him without using his name, I will use he or his or him.

What?!!! Even if he's wearing tarantula eyelashes and a frilly pink taffeta gown?

Say it ain't so!