Mocobizscene- Prepare to be amazed by this incredible story of a California senior citizen who was let go from her volunteer role at the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society for struggling to understand the modern usage of pronouns. If you’re someone who scoffs at discussions about identity politics, this tale will surely make you do a double take.
The Story of Fran Itkoff
In a recent episode of the Libs of TikTok show, Chaya Raichik interviewed Fran Itkoff, a 90-year-old woman from California. Fran had been volunteering with the National MS Society for an impressive 60 years until she was let go due to her inability to adhere to modern pronoun standards. For decades, Fran had been leading a support group for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the Long Beach / Lakewood area, taking over the role from her late husband who passed away two decades ago.
The image above showcases a screenshot from a YouTube channel called “Libs of TikTok”.
A Short Version of a Long Story
The complete interview on Libs of TikTok is definitely worth watching (scroll down for the interview link below). In a nutshell, Fran was let go because she struggled to comprehend the guidelines on pronoun Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that were given to her by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. And as you listen to her account, it becomes clear that Fran wasn’t unwilling to make an effort to understand the request. She simply admitted that she didn’t know what pronoun Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion meant when she was asked to include pronouns in her email signature.
Fran Wasn’t Understanding the Pronoun Standards
Fran was confused when she noticed the use of female pronouns in signatures. She didn’t fully understand the concept, so she approached a representative for clarification. The representative explained that the use of female pronouns was a way to show inclusivity. However, Fran couldn’t comprehend how using only female pronouns could be inclusive when it excluded male pronouns. She was genuinely trying to understand the situation, but unfortunately, her questioning led to her dismissal after 60 years of dedicated service to the organization.
Dismissal Letter from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Fran received a letter from the National MS Society informing her of her dismissal. The letter stated that Fran had not complied with the diversity and inclusion guidelines and as a result, she was required to step down from her position immediately. While the Lakewood/Long Beach Self-Help Group would no longer have an official affiliation with the organization, Fran was encouraged to continue her work independently and participate in the Society’s events and programs.
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