My name is Jeremiah Edward Headen, and I am writing this op/ed to explain my words in a Facebook note titled: "Calling ALL MEN." I choose the word "explain," because I have a terrible tendency to speak in a manner in which only I understand. This is a problem of mine that my mother has critiqued of me countless times. The greatest explanation that needs to be given is for the following passage from my note:
1 "I refer to those who have the AUDACITY to term themselves 'men'... 2 for the sheer sake that at their loins resides a penis... 3 FOOLS!! That!... Is no longer enough to define a man. 4 For now we have women with surgically implanted penises 5 As well as those who have been born with both genitals 6 NO! These Weaklings are not what I define as a 'man'"
Having re-read it, I apologize to ALL of whom I have offended with these words. I ask, plead and beg of you to read the following explanation with an open mind and heart to understand what I tried but failed to successfully say.
The first two lines were meant for those of the male gender who say that they are a man because they are biologically so. In my eyes, that is not what defines a man. I call these individuals "fools" in line 3 for failing to understanding that a man is not defined by what resides at their loins, but by their actions and the way in which they carry themselves. The rest of the words in the 3rd line are false for in reality, what resides at your loins have never been enough to define what a man is.
When it comes to the 4th line, I must apologize for my utter ignorance. I was uneducated, at the time, when it came to defining the correct term; that of being a "transgender male." So instead of looking it up, I stupidly decided to go with the words that appear on that line. I apologize again to anyone that I offended with what I know now to be such inconsiderate words.
The fifth line falls under the same pretenses. I knew the correct word to use in this case, but honestly, I didn't know how to spell the word "hermaphrodite." So once again, I stupidly decided to go with the words that are there. Please, forgive me for my immaturity.
Last, but surely of the most importance, is the 6th line. How I managed to overlook something that could be so easily misinterpreted is beyond me. My eyes watered because I finally realized the words that caused such hurt in the e-mails that I received about the note. It is no wonder why Queers and Allies never responded to my e-mail. I was disrespectful in my response to them because I still didn't understand the damage my words had caused. To explain what I meant to say, just remove lines 3-5 and re-read it again with just lines 1, 2, and 6. Then my message becomes clear.
I refer to those who do not know how to work hard. I refer to those who pass on their responsibility to others instead of stepping up and carrying their own weight. In this entire note, when I speak of a man I refer to what our society deems "masculine." I do not mean the machismo side, which this entire notes tone was set under. I meant that I think a "man" is defined by his actions, someone who keeps their word, who takes responsibility for their actions, which is something I am trying to do now. I apologize for my poor choice of words and I truly and humbly seek the forgiveness of the GLBT community as well as anyone else that read my note and was offended.
If you do not believe these words are enough, I ask that you speak to anyone who knows me. Talk to them and ask them of my character. I whole-heartedly believe that my actions on campus as well as how I treat those who come in contact with me will speak on my behalf. I was raised to treat others the way I wished to be treated, so I constantly put my best foot forward to be friendly and show kindness to anyone and everyone I come across, regardless of sexual orientation. I ask for your forgiveness and understanding that this was all a misunderstanding on my own account for my ineffectiveness to correctly convey my thoughts. For that I take responsibility and apologize. AU faculty, students and staff, I am sorry.
Jeremiah Headen Vice Presidential candidate
