Support the Library of Congress' Proposal to Reject the Term TERF
Deadline 12/17/24
Below is a message from Democrats For An Informed Approach To Gender.
Let’s encourage positive signs of change! Librarians have notified DIAG of a proposed classification standard for the Library of Congress to be finalized at the end of 2024. Believe it or not, currently, the Library of Congress classifies gender-realist writings using the offensive slur "trans-exclusionary radical feminism" (aka TERF). A new standard proposes to replace “TERF" with the term ‘gender-critical feminism.’ DIAG applauds this effort and hopes it takes effect in 2025. Please email the Library of Congress to support the change. A quick note emphasizing the importance of using respectful and accurate terminology could make a real difference. Please send your comments to listcomments@loc.gov by Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Suggested text:
I am writing in support of the Library of Congress’ proposed change to eliminate the offensive and inaccurate category “trans-exclusionary radical feminism” (aka “TERF”) to describe writing that critiques gender ideology and substitute “gender-critical feminism.” It’s important that libraries use neutral, descriptive terms to help people find information, rather than assign labels based on critics’ viewpoints. Because libraries across the nation and around the world use these descriptions, the terminology has a far-reaching impact. Using the term “TERF” is not only inaccurate, but it also frames books and other writings in a hostile light, stifling discourse. Thank you for proposing this change. Know that many Democrats, myself included, support it.
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Here is another sample letter from a reader:
I am writing in support of the proposed change to the Library of Congress' terminology to stop using the controversial, provocative and largely inaccurate acronym "TERF" (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist). It is important for resources like the Library of Congress to use the most descriptive terms to help people find materials, rather than eschew neutrality by assigning labels based on critics' viewpoints, telling people what to believe about the materials before they even read them. This is a subject with a great deal more depth and breadth than the use of such an incendiary word implies. I appreciate that this change has been proposed and hope it will be appropriately considered.
Done. Though I am sort of fond of TERF, many of us reclaiming it, others often mean it to be a disrespectful slur. And shame on the Library of Congress for actually using TERF. Shows their capture. In reconsidering its use this hopefully indicates a turning of the misogynist tide.