Lynn Conway, who died Sunday at 85, was a leader in the development of personal computers and microprocessor technology, and a symbol for generations of transgender individuals.

I have mixed feelings on the pronoun use, but having read some of her autobiographical writing I don’t think she would have taken much issue with it. This piece is more focused on her work in computer engineering, so I felt it was appropriate to post here.

  • @JacktheladEnglish
    -14•5 months ago

    What they “felt on the inside” is not the same as what they actually were at the time though. Referring to them as he or she is just a statement of fact at the time.

    We had this same thing when Ellen Page became Elliot Page. Then there was an attempt to retroactively change all references and make them Elliot Page, even though the work he did before was as Ellen Page.

    It’s not transphobic to acknowledge the person they were before transition.

    • Tywèle [she|her]English
      19•5 months ago

      How about letting transgender people decide that?

      I for one want to be referred to by my chosen pronouns even in the past pre-transition.

      • @gaylord_fartmasterEnglish
        3•5 months ago

        Exactly, why didn’t they just ask Lynn Conway for her preference when writing the article?

        • LogiEnglish
          0•5 months ago

          Well played