On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 2:45 PM, rachael spiewak <rachael@sopobikes.org> wrote:

This may also be a case where falling back on organizational policy or program that resolves to a mission statement can come in handy. Then you can depersonalize the issue for you and the other party...
"awesome community bike shop's mission is to maximize accessibility to cycling by providing affordable bike maintenance services and education. to achieve this mission, we provide a number of programs, including open shop hours and other specialized programs that support traditionally marginalized members of our community, including women and transpeople." The end, unless you want to encourage this person to come to organizational meetings if they really care that much. And then you can follow it up with agreeing that they should check in with ACLU if they need more information.

And then there are people who have nothing better to do than to harass community organizations. Along the lines of what Lars is saying, I don't think these folks are really up for being engaged about an issue. For your own sake and the sake of the organization, save your energy for what will make the biggest impact and keep your spirits up... helping the tons and tons people who do come to your shop and use it appropriately.

-rachael

On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 4:28 PM, Lars Peterson <lars@cpete.com> wrote:

Victor,

Plan B really is making a determination solely on the basis of gender on Tuesday nights. Is that sexual discrimination?

I am a man, and if I showed up on Tuesday night I'd be turned away. (Isn't that correct?) Probably I'd be asked to come back on Thursday, Saturday, or Monday-- but for all of Tuesday I am not welcome. Not because it's Hot as Hell or because there's no more room or because the folks running the shop are too busy to help me, but solely based on my gender. In this scenario, Plan B has made a determination about whether or not they will serve me based on gender alone. Thomas Taylor thinks that's sexual discrimination.

As for me, I am not interested in determining whether or not this is "discrimination." I'm not judge or jury trying the case of Thomas Taylor vs. Plan B, which is the only place the definition of "discrimination" really means anything. Out here in the world where we talk to one another and try to get things done, no one can really say what "discrimination" is. Tom Taylor says you're discriminating against him. Is that an argument you think you can win? Or win friends by pursuing?

So probably the best thing to do is offer Mr. Taylor a good explanation for why you reserve Tuesday night for women and transgendered people. It can't hurt.

Lars Peterson
Baltimore, MD

On Jun 17, 2009, at 3:19 PM, Plan B wrote:

Hey y'all,

This is Victor at Plan B down in Hot as Hell New Orleans (the new official name for the city). I just got this email, and it's almost laughable, but I wanna deal with it in by using an accountable and knowledgeable (and perhaps vicious) response. I'd love some ideas. Here's the email, in it's entirety.

/While viewing your website, I have noted that tuesday nights are exclusive to women and transexuals- I hope that you are aware that as a non-profit this constitutes sexual discrimination. If you do not cancel this event, I may refer the situation to the ACLU.
Thank You,
Thomas Taylor

/My gut instinct is to be a jerk. My original response started with the line, " Dear Big Dummy...."

I'm not the best at responding to jerks, so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks y'all!

Overheated hugs and sweaty kisses,

Victor

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