In June 2020, the Houston Association of Realtors stopped using the word "master" to describe bedrooms and bathrooms, over concerns that the term is rooted in slavery. Their substitute word was "large primary bedroom," but I thought we could do better than that.

The term "suite freedom" directly flips "master bedroom" on its head. It's a choice to remind ourselves of the legacy of slavery for years to come. We don't need to stop talking about slavery. We should instead take a victory lap to further trample on the worldview of the master. "Suite Freedom" celebrates the sweet, sweet freedoms that exist today, while subtly underscoring how important access to safe housing is in order for people to truly feel free.

Plus, if we want this word to stick, we need something realtors can get excited about, and if I'm trying to sell a house, "Suite Freedom" sounds a lot more aspirational and luxurious than "Large Primary Bedroom," amirite?

Thank you for the original photography: Timothy Works and Fran Hogan. Thanks to the unknown woodcut artist, and thank you also to Harriet Tubman (did you notice her cameo in the background?).