I’m writing in response to the March 31 article “South Deerfield resident pleads guilty to carrying incendiary device at U.S. Capitol.”

I was struck by the editorial choice to note that the suspect is transgender, as it seemed unnecessary, and I was told that an explanation was needed for why they are known by different names.

While I do not believe malice was intended, I must speak up considering the anti-trans rhetoric that is permeating the cultural zeitgeist, particularly from some news media outlets. Frankly, I was disappointed to see something from the Recorder that I believe may perpetuate negative stereotypes and bias towards the trans community.

While changing one’s name could cause confusion, and some trans people do change their names, being trans itself is not an explanation for why someone may choose to do it. The words “transgender woman” could be removed altogether from the article and not materially impact the effectiveness of the name clarification as printed. If an additional reasoning was needed, a note commenting that they had “changed their name from,” or “is legally recorded as,” is both more effective and less harmful to trans people writ large.

If it were put forward that the suspect’s gender was a factor in their accused crimes, which I saw no indication that it was, referencing their gender identity would be better served in the context of their motivations specifically, and not as a character trait at the front of the article.

Replacing the word “transgender” in the article with “Jewish” or “Black” should make my point about potential reinforcements of harmful rhetoric or bigoted stereotypes clear.

I don’t believe that the editorial decision was nefarious, but the conclusions that readers may come to when the suspect’s gender identity is referenced in this manner can have real and harmful consequences for an already marginalized and at-risk portion of our community.

I continue to respect the work of the Recorder, and it means a lot to know that my community paper takes pains to continue the art of accurate, thorough, and appropriate reporting.

Zoe Danger

Greenfield