Cats and Considerations

It was an ordinary day at the library, at least I thought it was. I was walking to the circulation desk from the back room when I saw a patron dressed as a cat. He had ears and whiskers with his regular clothes. I was a little unsettled as I knew Halloween was a few months back.

He must have noticed the puzzled expression on my face. He smiled and said, "I'm a cat." Several thoughts rushed through my mind at that moment. Was it some sort of role-playing scenario? Does he genuinely believe he's a cat? Regardless, I didn't question his cat-ness. I didn't judge him for it or attempt to convince him otherwise. I didn't know his story. Perhaps identifying as a cat is his way of coping with the world. Maybe he chooses a different animal each day. Maybe he was conducting a psychological experiment. Who knows.

So when he said, "I'm a cat."

I replied, "I am usually very allergic to cats but we can still be friends. How can I help you today?". He laughed.

Don't get me wrong. If I felt threatened by Mr. Cat. If he had whipped out some claws and said he was going to scratch my eyes out; it would have been a different story. In the end, as we walked to the fax machine, I noticed that he had a tail that matched his ears and I complimented him.

And that was that with that cat.

Now, most people I meet, do not identify as cats. However, a significant number of people identify in a specific way and request to be addressed accordingly. There is a great deal of controversy regarding pronoun usage and identity statements, and whether or not they should exist or even be used. Erasing them will not erase the people that request them; it will only give them another reason to question if anyone cares. In my world, if using a pronoun builds a bridge and makes someone feel safe, so be it. If some question my faith because of it, so be it.

I have witnessed too much malice first hand in the library, on social media and even among church members. Insults in the name of Jesus; bashing people over the head with scripture. As G.K. Chesterton once said “the best argument against Christianity is Christians.”  Weaponizing faith is not only hurtful; it ruins any chance of a relationship.

For me, these pronouns tell stories. When I look at an email signature or social media or wherever someone lists their pronouns, I have an understanding of what their preference is without them ever having to tell me. I know that they are a member of what is often a very vulnerable population.

The truth is the world is not always kind or safe. Some people spend more time trying to fix and to change other people than they do actually trying to help them. Rather than keep my distance and draw a line, I choose to create a safe space when I can. Consider that it's possible to show love and grace to someone, even if you don't agree with them.

To be honest, because I don't always know how people identify, I address everyone as "friend" at the library until I learn their name or they tell me otherwise. So, whether you're a cat, transgender, straight, grumpy, higher than a kite, drunk as a skunk, happy to see me, or anything else, my aim is to assist you, make you smile and do whatever I can to help you. My efforts may not change the world, however, for 15 hours a week, there will be a safe space at the library for anyone who crosses my path. The world needs more safe spaces. I hope this blog is one too.

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