[Gimp-user] Violation of GNOME Code of Conduct - ablelist language and discrimination

[Michael Richards <michael richards me com>]

Dear Gnome and Gnu Image Manipulation Program community,

I formally request that the GIMP name be changed on the basis that it violates the GNOME Code of Conduct. 

I make this request, not to cause trouble but to stand up against unintentional - but no less harmful - 
discrimination.

I want to be able to this software but I don’t feel morally able to because of the name.

I know this is under the FAQ - and that perhaps makes it even more of a worthy conversation to revisit... 
because if you’re talking frequently asked then these concerns are not just mine.

I am a person with multiple disabilities. I, and others like me, face many barriers, structural violence, and 
overt discrimination. All this together creates great suffering for many.

The response I read in FAQ about changing this software’s name is not sufficient.

https://www.gimp.org/docs/userfaq.html#i-dont-like-the-name-gimp-will-you-change-it

I don’t think that this is intentional but it comes out of ignorance and doesn’t reflect what I see as the 
spirit of the FOSS community.

It essentially says, ‘we came up with a name we knew (or came to know) was offensive 20+ years ago and we 
refuse to change or evolve.’ Moreover, it is typical of the attitude towards people with disabilities as a 
marginalized group - it says, ‘Your pain and suffering are not important. Our branding is more important.’

This is in violation of the Gnome.org Code of Conduct. https://wiki.gnome.org/Foundation/CodeOfConduct

Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist language or otherwise exclusionary language. This includes 
deliberately referring to someone by a gender that they do not identify with, and/or questioning the 
legitimacy of an individual's gender identity. If you're unsure if a word is derogatory, don't use it. This 
also includes repeated subtle and/or indirect discrimination.
Think of how quickly this software’s name would change if the name was a derogatory term for another 
marginalized group. Terms I will not use even for example because they are generally considered so offensive. 
The name of this software is just as offensive.

So, in the spirit of inclusion and doing no harm - I formally request that the name be changed. It’s 2021, 
the world is hurting, we need to work together.

I am not asking this because I don’t want to support this software and the community that uses it and 
develops it. I requesting this because I want to support it.

Sincerely, 

Michael Richards, BSc, (he/him)
Victoria BC, Canada