Colorful Pronouns
(I am a transgender man and wear a pin with my pronouns on it at work as a way to encourage their use without necessarily having to out myself. Today, I am ringing a woman out who repeatedly refers to me as “she.” After the third time, I gently correct her.)
Me: “Actually, ma’am, it’s ‘he.’”
Customer: “Huh?”
Me: *taps pin* “It’s ‘he,’ not ‘she.’”
Customer: “Oh! I thought that said, ‘she/him.’”
Me: *blinks and glances down at the pin, which very clearly reads “he/him”* “Er, no. It doesn’t.”
Customer: “Well! You can’t blame me for being confused! It’s pink!”
(The pin is indeed pink.)
Me: “Well, I have a yellow one at home. I’ll have to wear that next time. Have a wonderful day, ma’am.”
Customer: *leaving* “It’s pink!”
This story is part of the Pride Month 2023 roundup!
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Read the Pride Month 2023 roundup!
Question of the Week
Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.
