Addressing a communication to somebody as "Dear Sir or Madam" is perfectly
legitimate when all you know about them is "J Priestley". However the
context of your reply was one of knowing specifically the situation of the
individual, ie. that they had undergone gender reassignment. In that context
I fail to see how your comment could be regarded as anything other than
flippant (at best) or insensitive and insulting (at worst).
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Priestley, Janice [PER] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 14 November 2002 15:15
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Sex change
People have a right to hold views and to express them.
I'm sorry, but the term 'Dear Sir or Madam' is a commonly used term. It you
perceive it as 'flippant' then you have put your own spin on it.
I wonder how many people stop to consider just how offensive the term 'Dear
Madam' can be to a female in who's mind a 'madam' runs a brothel.
Janice Priestley
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