I was sad to hear about Beatrice Arthur passing on. I loved the Golden Girls. Maude didn’t do it for me but I am sure you know why. Years ago I was with Audra and Lisa and the two of them decided they were going to match the three of us up with our most similar Golden Girl character. Audra said that Lisa was both Rose AND Sofia. Lisa said that Audra was Blanche. They both looked at me with amusement on their faces. I was horrified and angry! “THAT MAKES ME DOROTHY!!!! ME! BEA ARTHUR!!!!! I’m OUTTA HERE!”

Looking back, I realized I was upset because Bea Arthur was always being compared to a man. I didn’t want to be compared to that! I remember some silly sketch on Conan had him sharing his “celebrity autograph collection” and one of the autographs was from Bea Arthur. It read, “Dear Conan, The men’s room at your studio is filthy! Love Bea!” Sure Bea was tall and had a voice like a dying cow but is that honestly good reason to rip on her gender? NO! I’ve decided to embrace my Dorothy– if for no other reason because you know she would win any fight against Blanche, Sofia, Rose, or Hulk Hogan…separate or altogether.