Biden State Dept marks ‘Intersex Awareness Day’ amidst Middle East turmoil.
Administration still recovering from ‘pronoun glitch’ in email system that traumatized ‘misgendered’ employees
What happened: As the threat of widespread conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, the U.S. State Department on Thursday released a statement celebrating “Intersex Awareness Day.”
What they’re saying: “Today in celebration and recognition of Intersex Awareness Day, we affirm the United States’ commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of Intersex persons globally,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller wrote. “We applaud all activists, organizations and governments working to raise visibility and awareness and protect Intersex persons’ rights to bodily integrity and to ensure equal protection and recognition before the law.”
What it means: The term intersex refers to individuals who are “born with sex characteristics … that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies,” according to the United Nations.
Why it matters: The Biden administration continues to downplay the alarming incidents of anti-Semitism in the United States, often involving students at so-called prestigious colleges and universities.
- On Wednesday, pro-Hamas protesters at Cooper Union in Manhattan pounded on the doors of the school library, where several Jewish students were locked inside, shouting “Free Palestine.” The Jewish students were reportedly told they could “hide in the attic.”
- The Biden administration has a history of celebrating obscure LGBTQIA2S+ holidays in the midst of an international crisis. In October 2021, several weeks after Biden’s disastrous military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the State Department was widely mocked for a social media post on “International Pronouns Day.”
- Earlier this year, the State Department offered free counseling to individuals who felt ”triggered” or traumatized after a “pronoun glitch” in the department-wide email system resulted in a number of employees being “misgendered.”
Crucial context: According to a 2009 CNN report, there are an ”unusually high” number of intersex individuals living in Gaza, where the “socially-conservative society” does not treat them with the respect they deserve. One doctor attributed the condition’s relatively high frequency in Gaza to in-breeding.
“If you want to go to the root of the problem, this problem runs in families in the genes,” Dr. Jehad Abudaia told CNN. “They want to get married to cousins … they don’t go to another family. This is a problem.”
How is the State Department supporting affected employees’ mental health and well-being in the aftermath of the pronoun glitch incident
Y autonomy, dignity, and equality.”
The pronoun glitch: However, amidst the State Department’s efforts to support marginalized communities, a recent incident involving a pronoun glitch in their email system has caused distress among employees. Several workers reported receiving emails that addressed them with pronouns inconsistent with their gender identity, causing trauma and exacerbating their feelings of marginalization.
The impact: Being misgendered can have significant emotional and psychological consequences for individuals, especially within professional settings where individuals seek respect and acceptance. Employees affected by this pronoun glitch have expressed feelings of anxiety, depression, and a lack of trust in the administration. Consequently, their productivity and overall well-being have been compromised, exacerbating the distress already caused by the tense geopolitical climate.
Recovery efforts: The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the severity of the pronoun glitch and the distress it has caused to employees. They have swiftly taken action to address the issue and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The administration has initiated a comprehensive review of their email system, conducting a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the glitch and implement the necessary fixes. Furthermore, the State Department has committed to implementing diversity and sensitivity training programs for all staff members to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
Employee support: Recognizing the importance of supporting affected employees, the State Department has also established counseling services and support groups. These resources aim to provide a safe space for employees to express their concerns, process their emotions, and seek professional assistance if needed. By actively addressing the trauma caused by the pronoun glitch, the administration demonstrates their commitment to the well-being and mental health of their workforce.
Moving forward: While the pronoun glitch incident has undoubtedly shaken some employees’ trust and confidence in the State Department’s administration, their swift and thorough response indicates their determination to rectify the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Organizations must learn from such incidents and prioritize the implementation of robust systems that respect all individuals’ gender identities and avoid causing harm. This event serves as a reminder that inclusivity and respect should be at the forefront of any organization’s agenda, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees.
In conclusion, the pronoun glitch in the U.S. State Department’s email system has caused distress and trauma among employees already affected by the tense geopolitical climate. However, the administration’s swift response and commitment to rectify the issue demonstrate their dedication to inclusivity and employee well-being. By implementing necessary fixes, providing support resources, and fostering a more respectful work environment, the State Department aims to regain trust and move forward towards a more inclusive future.
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