I have been rabbitting on and on about myself, good heavens; I think it is high time for a change of pace.

First, I would like to address my siblings on the subject of pronouns. Second, we will move on to an update on the future of this æther journal.

Pronouns are a swarm of horrid wasp stings for anyone of my persuasion, and can—if you let them—become quite an effective insult. The key here is that you have to let them. I know that most people do not see it this way—the pronoun is The Thing, you know, and the Only Way one can be Recognised. Well, I do not know about you, dear readers, but I was raised with something pounded into my head and heart every moment of every day:

Do not rely on someone else to validate you.

O yes, I know that the general reaction to such a simple mantra is usually that being trans is Not the Same as being anything else, but I would like to point out that it is still a human condition. It is a very small facet of you, just a medical hiccough, really. If you let people have power over your feelings, then you open yourself up to be used most grievously. Why would you do that?

Yes, it is important—but is it more important than living your life? Is it more important than good manners and politeness? Heavens, readers, you know how us fops feel about conduct. Remember that you are a Gentleman (or a Lady), not just a Man (or Woman), and Gentlefolk are not so crass as to constantly correct others. Mention it in private, and choose those you confront—is it really necessary that all your co-workers call you the correct pronoun, even though you are not friends with all of them, and only see them while working? Is it necessary that the shopboy from the mall whom you are never seeing again use the correct pronoun? Pick your battles, and you’ll be happier. Maintain good manners, and everyone else will be more likely to have them as well.

I have of late become lost in terms of direction for this æther journal; I think I should like to become like The Lady of the Manners in her Gothic Charm School. My advice, of course, would be specifically for my siblings-of-spirit, rather than those of one of my subcultures.

Put your quandaries and questions regarding trans-ness in comments, and I will begin advising as best I can. I may even have a guest advisor especially for androgynes, later on!