Blogs & Open Letters
Sydney’s blogs are longer pieces of writing that are designed to educate about a particular topic, often related to trans and queer issues, activism, and advocacy. The open letters are typically directed towards a particular person/organization, and/or in response to an event, anniversary, or awareness day.
Unsure about some of the terms that Sydney uses in nir writing? Check out nir GLOSSARY.
The Prevalence of Pronouns (Blog)
Between May and August 2024, I engaged in a self-study where I noted every time people used pronouns and/or gendered/gender neutral language in reference to me. This blog discusses the results of the self-study to demonstrate the frequency of pronouns.
Pride: Celebration, Community, Visibility, and Protest (Blog)
This blog will briefly discuss the history of Pride, and explore the four themes of Pride today, relating to celebration, community, visibility, and protest.
Reacting to Anti-Queer Microaggressions (Blog)
This blog will provide an in-depth view at Sydney’s response to microaggressions that ney have experienced as a queer and trans person; plus a discussion on how to counter microaggressions.
Ney/Nem Pronouns and Inclusive Language (Blog)
This blog will discuss the origins of ney/nem pronouns, provide examples of how to use inclusive language, and discuss what to do when we make mistakes.
Apologies: How, When, and Why? (Blog)
This blog will discuss the anatomy of a true apology, which includes an acknowledgement of the harm, should center the person harmed, should not include a goal of forgiveness, and should have a commitment to changed behaviour.
Ace Liberation: Advocacy, Celebration, Education, and Solidarity (Blog)
In honour of International Asexual Day (April 6), this blog will explore some of Sydney’s experience as an ace/aro person and discuss the importance of ace liberation.
An Open Letter for Easter and Trans Day of Visibility
An open letter in honour of both Trans Day of Visibility (2024) and Easter Sunday.
An Open Letter to Brianna Ghey
An open letter to 16-year old Brianna Ghey, who died from an act of transphobic violence in 2023.
An Open Letter for Cishet Folks Who “Want to be Queer”
An open letter to cisgender and heterosexual folks who “want to be queer” because they think it’s the “next cool thing”.
An Open Letter for the New Year
An open letter to those who want to learn how to make a New Year’s resolution to be an advocate, ally, and/or accomplice.
When the Holidays Aren't So “Merry and Bright” (Blog)
This blog will discuss some of the unique challenges that queer and trans folks experience during the holiday season, and some tips for caring for oneself and one another.
An Open Letter to “Allies”
An open letter to those who want to understand the importance of listening in allyship.
An Open Letter on the Trans Day of Remembrance
An open letter to acknowledge, commemorate, and reflect on the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
An Open Letter About the Gender Binary
This open letter will discuss the realities of the gender binary, how it is harmful, and how to challenge it.
The Impact of Trans-Exclusionary Radical “Feminism” (Blog)
This blog will discuss how trans-exclusionary radical feminism has been harmful to everyone (to feminists, to women, to people of colour, and to trans people) by breaking down their arguments and proposing solutions.
An Open Letter to Lovers of Harry Potter
Still a Harry Potter fan? This letter is for you.
No Space for Hate (Blog)
This blog will discuss the September 20 protests in Canada, and break down some of the common myths and arguments used by the anti-SOGI crowd.
Protect Kids from Cisnormativity and Heteronormativity (Blog)
Since right-wing bigots like to claim they are “protecting kids”, let’s take a look at what kids actually need protection from - cisnormativity and heteronormativity.
The Pride Flag: Love, Hope, and Safety (Blog)
This blog will explain the meaning behind each of the colours in the pride flag, and why pride flags are so much more than a piece of cloth.
First, They Came for Trans Youth (Blog)
This blog discusses how anti-trans movements are targeting those who are most vulnerable — trans youth — and how this will spill over into other minoritized communities, unless we stop it.