Name management

Neighbours across the street prefer that our kids to refer to them as 'Mr & Mrs X'. As this is diferent than the pattern of others in the neighborhood (where first names are just fine), my kids occasionally ask about it. I always respond that everybody has the right to choose what name they want other people to use for them.

Kaliya wants to be known as 'Identity Woman'.

Kaliya sees a bias against such titles

I find it interesting there is such a focus on that positional title to have legitimacy in this industry. I really think it is a disservice all around there are people who contribute a lot without positional ‘titles’ who deserve to be on stage some times perhaps more then those on stage who have ‘titles’.

This to me reflects the distinction between self and 3rd-party asserted identity. It's easy to make claims about yourself - but sometimes relying parties want 3rd party assertions.

"Positional Titles" (as Kaliya describes them) are typically names given to us by somebody (a boss) or something (a corporation, a coach, etc) else and, as such, present a different set of criteria for assessing validity than self-asserted claims.

There is of course supporting evidence that lends creedence to Kaliya's chosen moniker (her resume, her history of unconferences facilitated, opinions of colleagues, her Canadianness, etc). It would be hard to get all that across to a conference attendee when reading a list of speakers.