Robert... I've been thinking quite a bit about how I feel about this comment, and how to respond to it. Please understand that I fully appreciate you carrying on this discussion in a spirit of constructive civility. However, although I feel certain that it was never your intent, I must admit to feeling patronized and condescended to.

Let's be clear... I never said that the store owner was a bigot. I said that the statement, "If you have a dick, you're not a chick," is bigoted.

Why? First, because it clings to the disproven idea that biological sex is always binary, which, if you have the scholarly credentials you claim, you must know. Having a dick or testes doesn't automatically make a person "a dude," any more than being born with a vagina automatically makes them "a chick."

Secondly, what was the store owner's actual intent by using the work "chick?" (other than that it rhymes so nicely with dick.) Was he referring to "biological sex" or to "gender identity?" You based your entire article a certain presumption about the intended meaning of that that statement. Perhaps you might think about that.

Too, calling women "chicks" is, in and of itself, misogynistic... misogyny being an undeniable example of bigotry. For the store owner to take that attitude and advertise it, they would have to be either ignorant or biased... neither of which excuse the statement "If you have a dick, you're not a chick" from my personal definition of bigoted.

Lastly, forgive me for assuming that the Trans person in the store who identified as a woman also identified female. In that regard, your insinuation that my presumption might justify accusations of bigotry directed in my direction... well, I really don't know (a) why that needed to be expressed, other than to establish your moral and intellectual superiority, or (b) how to respond. Regardless, far as this guy is concerned, what I presumed in that regard is beside the point, and doesn't mitigate the bigotry of the statement on the store owner's sign.

I haven't had time as of yet to check out your other writing on the subject. If and when I do find time, and if I have thoughts, I will certainly let you know.

Peace,

Rand Bishop